Q: Which export documents come with a zipper shipment?
A zipper shipment normally travels with a commercial invoice, a packing list, a bill of lading or airway bill and, where required, a certificate of origin. The invoice should describe the goods precisely: chain type, size, material, quantity and unit price, with the Incoterm stated. The packing list should show carton numbers, quantities and weights, and should match the marks on the cartons. A certificate of origin may be needed for a preferential tariff or for the buyer's import record; the type depends on the destination and the trade agreement, so confirm which form is accepted before shipment. If the order involves recycled content, the relevant transaction certificate is a separate document. Ask who prepares each document and who pays for legalisation or consular fees if they apply. Check the documents against the purchase order before the goods leave, because a mismatch at customs is expensive to correct after arrival.