Uni-Link prepares the export declaration and the shipping document set for cargo leaving China: commercial invoice and packing list review, HS classification, export declaration, certificate of origin where the destination's duty treatment depends on it, and the bill of lading instructions. Documents are checked against the invoice before filing, because a wrong weight, code or consignee costs more to correct after the container has sailed.
The documents involved, and who issues each
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| Document | Issued by | Needed by |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial invoice and packing list | Shipper | Before the export declaration is filed |
| Export declaration (“customs declaration form”) | Uni-Link, through the licensed broker | Before the container enters the terminal |
| Certificate of origin | CCPIT or the customs authority | Before sailing, when the destination grants preferential or reduced duty |
| Inspection certificate | Accredited third-party inspection body | Before sailing, where the destination or the buyer requires it |
| Bill of lading instructions | Shipper, confirmed by Uni-Link | Before the carrier's document cut-off |
| Insurance certificate | Insurer nominated by the shipper | Before sailing; arranged on request |
The order the documents run in
1. Shipment details confirmed
Cargo name, quantity, weight, packing and the consignee are confirmed against the invoice. Discrepancies are raised now, not at the terminal.
2. HS classification agreed
The code is agreed in writing. It decides the declaration, any licence requirement and the certificate of origin wording.
3. Declaration filed
The export declaration is submitted before the container gate-in, so that a customs query cannot eat into the vessel cut-off.
4. Certificates issued
Certificate of origin, inspection certificate or legalisation are obtained in parallel with loading.
5. Bill of lading instructions checked
Consignee, notify party, marks, weight and release method are checked line by line before submission to the carrier.
Why containers get held at export
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| Cause | What it looks like | How it is avoided |
|---|---|---|
| Invoice and declaration disagree | Weight, quantity or goods description differ between documents | Documents compared line by line before filing |
| Missing licence or certificate | Battery, wooden packaging, food-contact goods, branded items | Requirements checked at quotation stage, not at the terminal |
| Inconsistent weights | Packing list weight and verified gross mass do not match | Weights reconciled with the shipper before gate-in |
| Consignee details incorrect | Name, address or tax number differs from the buyer's instruction | Consignee block confirmed in writing before the bill of lading is issued |
Documentation questions
Do we need a certificate of origin?
It depends on the destination. Where the destination applies reduced duty under an agreement, we raise it at quotation stage and obtain it through CCPIT or the customs authority. Where it is not needed, we say so rather than adding a document to the bill.
Who decides the HS code?
The code is proposed by Uni-Link and confirmed by the shipper. Getting it wrong shifts duty or triggers a licence requirement at destination, so it is agreed in writing before the declaration is filed.
Do you arrange inspection for goods that require it?
Yes. Inspection is booked with an accredited third-party body and timed so that the certificate is issued before the vessel cut-off. The fee is passed through at cost with the receipt.
What happens if a document turns up late?
We tell you the day it becomes clear, with the options: hold the container to the next sailing, ship with a corrected document set, or amend after shipment where the destination allows it. The cost of each is stated before you choose.
Send the goods and destination
Tell us what the goods are and where they are going — we reply with the document list that shipment needs.