Short answer
A chemical export normally travels with a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, Certificate of Origin, Certificate of Analysis and Safety Data Sheet. Hazardous products also need a dangerous goods declaration under the IMDG Code. Depending on the destination you may need a preferential Certificate of Origin, a pre-shipment inspection certificate, an insurance certificate or documents required by your letter of credit.
Key points
- 01Product name, HS code, weights and pack count must match across every document.
- 02Hazardous chemicals need a UN number, class and packing group, declared before booking.
- 03A preferential Certificate of Origin can cut import duty where an agreement exists.
- 04Ask for draft documents before shipment so corrections happen before the vessel sails.
The core set
| Document | What it does |
|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | Price, quantity, Incoterm, HS code. The basis for import duty |
| Packing list | Packs, net and gross weights, marks and container numbers |
| Bill of lading | Issued by the shipping line: receipt of goods and, if negotiable, title to them |
| Certificate of Origin | Confirms the goods were made in India |
| Certificate of Analysis (COA) | Test results for the shipped batch |
| Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | Hazards, handling and transport information |
Extra documents for hazardous chemicals
Acids, alkalis, oxidisers and many solvents are classed as dangerous goods for sea freight under the IMDG Code. The shipper declares the UN number, proper shipping name, hazard class and packing group, uses approved packaging, and labels every pack and the container. The shipping line has to accept the booking before the cargo moves, so these details are settled early.
- Dangerous goods declaration
- Container packing certificate
- UN-approved packaging marks on drums, IBCs or bags
- Hazard labels and placards on packs and container
Destination-specific documents
Some documents depend on where the goods are going or how they are paid for. Your import agent or bank will tell you which apply.
- Preferential Certificate of Origin, where an agreement between India and your country reduces duty
- Pre-shipment inspection certificate from a third-party inspection company
- Import permits or conformity programmes arranged by the importer, such as SONCAP for Nigeria
- Insurance certificate, for CIF and CIP shipments
- Documents listed in a letter of credit, which must match it exactly
- Legalised or attested documents, for some destinations
On the Indian side
The exporter files a shipping bill with Indian customs before the goods are loaded, and customs clearance is completed at the port. The exporter needs an Importer Exporter Code (IEC). As a buyer you do not handle these, but you will see the shipping bill reference on some documents.
Avoiding delays
- Agree the product name and HS code once, and use it on every document
- Check weights and pack counts match between invoice, packing list and bill of lading
- Confirm dangerous goods details before the booking, not at the port
- Ask for drafts to check before the bill of lading is issued
- For letter-of-credit payments, send the LC text to the supplier before production
Questions
Also asked.
The exporter prepares the invoice, packing list, COA, SDS and dangerous goods declaration and applies for the Certificate of Origin. The shipping line issues the bill of lading. Cosmo Chemistry coordinates the full set through a single desk.
A non-preferential certificate simply confirms the country of origin. A preferential certificate is issued under an agreement between countries and lets the importer claim reduced or zero duty.
Yes. Scanned copies are usually shared as soon as the bill of lading is issued, with originals couriered or released electronically.
