subject: When Shipping To The Us From Canada, What Kind Of Paperwork Do I Need? [print this page] There are many courier services that regularly ship between the US and Canada. There is such a large amount of business that is done between these two countries, and so many points of access between them that many ground and air based couriers make a majority of their shipments between locations that are located in two different countries. However, even when the deliveries may be physically close together, there are additional paperwork requirements that need to be looked at whenever you are shipping internationally, even if that only means shipping from Buffalo to Toronto.
Not only is paperwork important when shipping internationally, it is required. What many people fail to realize is that an error in paperwork, or even worse, missing a required document altogether can have very real consequences for your shipment. It is not unusual at all for a shipment to be held at a border because there is a problem with the provided documentation. This could clearly cause a massive delay which could harm your business, which is why it is so critical to pay attention to this particular aspect of international shipping.
The first type of paperwork that you're going to need is the basic paperwork which shows what you're shipping, and the shipping details of that cargo. This is usually summed up nicely in only two documents. These are the commercial invoice, and the bill of lading. The invoice shows all the information about the items themselves, and their sale, whereas the bill of lading (BOL) shows all the information that customs agents might need about the shipment itself. This would include where it's coming from and going to, and the timeline associated with the shipping.
If your shipment happens to fall under any kind of international trade agreement, there is definitely going to be some extra paperwork that you need to fill out and send with your shipment. This would include licenses or permits to ship under that trade agreement, such as NAFTA. If you're ever unclear about what kinds of paperwork of this kind applies to your shipment, your shipping company should be able to assist you in clarifying the specific requirements of your shipment.
Also, if your cargo is worth more than certain thresholds, there may be additional permits you require. This might be an import/export permit or license depending on where you're shipping to or from, and the type of goods that you are shipping.
by: Chris Ellis
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