Important items within the Shipper's Export Declaration:

1. Exporter's Identification Number (EIN). Located on line #1b this is either a Federal Employer Identification Number (corporation) or a Social Security Number (individual).

2. Schedule B Description of Commodities. Located on line #14, this is the official schedule B commodity number that can be obtained from the United States Harmonized Tariff Schedule. This number contains a tariff classification and any associated custom duties.

3. Validated License Number or General License Symbol. Located on line #21, a validated license number is required if the commodity falls under the Commerce Control List (CCL). The license number will be issued by the Department of Commerce after the commodity has been properly classified. If an individual validated license is not used, a general license symbol can be used on the SED.

4. Export Control Commodity Number (ECCN). When an individual validated license is used, the product is assigned an ECCN from the Bureau of Industry and Security's Commerce Control List. This number must be placed in line #22 on the SED.

SED forms can be obtained through international freight forwarders, the Bureau of Industry and Security, the Government Printing Office or local Customs district offices. The SED form must be filled out to the carrier before the shipment departs. It is also vital that the SED be properly filled out because any false statements could subject the exporter to civil and criminal penalties.

Shipping documents should be retained for at least three years. The Bureau of the Census, the International Trade Administration, and the US Customs Service may require exporters to produce copies of their shipping documents within the three year period.

Commercial Invoice
The commercial invoice acts as a bill to the buyer. The invoice contains basic information concerning the transaction. The invoice should contain a description of the products, shipper and seller, delivery date, and payment terms. The description of the products must exactly match the description on the letter of credit or other method of payment.

Certificate of Origin
The Certificate of Origin Form states the place that a product was manufactured or produced and allows import tariffs and quotas to be monitored. This form is more commonly used by countries that belong to certain free trade treaties. They allow for preferential duty rates if such an agreement exists. Also, these forms may require the exported products to contain a specific regional content value. A certificate of origin may be required even though the commercial invoice contains the information.

Bill of Lading
The bill of lading acts as a contract between the owner of the products and the carrier. The carrier agrees that he has received the shipment and will transport it to a stated designated site. Bill of lading can be issued in either a non-negotiated or a negotiated form. The straight bill of lading cannot be negotiated, whereas, the shipper's order bill of lading can be brought, sold, or traded while the product is in transport. The original proof of ownership is required to take possession of the products.

Export Packing List br>The export packing list is a detailed export packing list that itemizes individual packages. The list contains information ranging from the type of packages, gross weights and measurements, and shipper's and buyer's references. The list is used to determine the total shipment weight and volume and the cargo being shipped.

Destination Control Statement
The destination control statement appears on the commercial invoice, ocean or air waybill of lading, and SED to notify the carrier and all foreign parties that the item may be exported only to certain destinations

Consular Invoice
Consular invoice are required by certain nations and used to identify goods. The invoice is purchased from the consulate of that country into which the goods are being shipped and must be prepared in the language of that country.

Documentation must be detailed and precise. Discrepancies could result in seizure of cargo and failure of payments. The exporter must deal with a variety of documents depending on the final destination of the exports. You must be careful to provide proper documentation, Because each country has different import regulations. Remember, the exporter is accountable for the accuracy of the documentation, regardless if the exporter uses a forwarder or customs broker