The packing list is a very important document for customs clearance when it comes to trade operations. This list of contents must be issued by the exporter and provide detailed information on the goods it contains. This inventory is essential in maritime traffic and helps to have a better control of the shipment.
What information should the packing list contain?
Once we know what the packing list is, we also need to know how to fill out this document correctly in order to make it valid. The information is comprehensive and detailed so that customs clearance can better perform its work.
It is a list very similar to the inventory, because it gathers all the data about the products or items that are traded. This document must be submitted to the AEAT customs and excise office , together with the commercial invoice. Below, we explain what type of information must be included for it to be valid.
- The exporter’s data must appear, whether it is the seller or seller of the merchandise.
- Also, the importer’s data must be reflected. In this case, it can be the buyer or receiver.
- It is important to indicate the date of shipment.
- On the other hand, the origin and destination of the shipment must be included, as well as the transport data.
- In addition to the number of packages, the type of packaging must be specified (types of pallets, boxes, bags, crates, etc.).
- Likewise, the contents of each package, the brands and their references must be indicated.
- Other information, which should not be overlooked, is the gross and net weight, as well as the dimensions.
- In conclusion, it should be noted that the commercial invoice number must be identified.
The importance of filling out the packing list correctly
The packing list is a very important document and, for this reason, it must be correctly completed. On most occasions, the success of a commercial operation has to do with this information. It will even be of great help to recover the merchandise in case of loss.
If the data is incorrect, illegible or missing information about this shipment, the goods will normally be held. This causes great damage to the company, because delays will occur until the situation is clarified.
Types of packaging list
This list of contents is of vital importance in the marketing of products. Any problems in the data, or if presented incorrectly, could disrupt the supply chain. Unnecessary costs may even be incurred if the goods are detained at customs.
Most shipments follow a very similar pattern and there are no major variations. However, two main types can be distinguished, depending on whether the goods are destined for domestic or international destinations.
Packing list for domestic shipments
In this case, the freight list provides information on shipments whose point of departure and destination are in the same territory. Therefore, it has the same validity as an affidavit, and serves to guarantee the contents of the shipment.
Packing list for international shipments
If the operation is international, it must contain information on the serial number of each package. This is essential in logistics to ensure better traceability.
In short, any goods entering and leaving a territory must be declared to the Tax Agency. In addition, it will have to be accompanied by a prior declaration, which must be presented to the corresponding customs office within a specific time limit.
In short, the packing list contains detailed information about a shipment and has the character of an affidavit before customs clearance. This control document plays a very important role, and if the goods are lost or damaged, it will serve as proof for making the pertinent claims. In case of doubts, please contact us, because in Partida Logistics, group of customs agents and logistics operators, referents in Algeciras and Motril, we are professionals in this sector.
