0:00Before your goods even leave the origin country,
0:03cross-check every document against every other one.
0:07Ask three questions.
0:09Does the invoice value match the letter of credit or payment terms?
0:14Does the packing list match the invoice quantities?
0:17Does the bill of lading match the invoice's description of the goods,
0:21and the buyer and seller names, exactly?
0:26Many countries and carriers are moving toward electronic bills of lading and
0:31digital certificate systems.
0:34They speed up clearance and reduce the risk of a lost original.
0:38But paper originals remain standard in much of the world,
0:42so confirm which format your customs authority and your bank both expect.
0:48Check every document against every other.