Guide
How to write a commercial invoice (with a checklist)
A practical guide to writing a commercial invoice for international trade — what every field means, common mistakes, and a checklist exporters can use before sending.
7 min read
ReadTrade Document Guides
Practical guides for shipment document operations.
Accurate, practical guidance on Commercial Invoices, market-specific customs requirements, transport documents, and international trade document workflows.
Guide
Customs documents for importing into Singapore: a checklist
A practical checklist of customs documents required to import goods into Singapore — covering TradeNet, CCP permits, GST via IRAS, declaring agents, and the documents your freight forwarder needs.
8 min read
ReadGuide
Bill of Lading vs Air Waybill: what's the difference?
Bill of Lading and Air Waybill are both transport documents, but they work very differently for title, negotiability, and document flow. This guide explains when each is used and what importers and exporters need to know.
7 min read
ReadGuide
Who issues your CI, PL, and bill of lading? A first map
On your first import, most trade documents aren't yours to write. Here's who issues the commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading — and what your job actually is.
5 min read
ReadGuide
The full export document set, in order — who issues each, when, and who receives it
The core export document set in sequence — commercial invoice, packing list, B/L or AWB, certificate of origin, insurance — who issues each, when, and who receives it.
6 min read
ReadCommon Mistake
Philippine import documents: what's checked before lodgement
Before your customs broker lodges an import entry in the Philippines, your invoice, packing list, and bill of lading must agree. Here's what gets checked.
6 min read
ReadGuide
Received an Arrival Notice? Check these documents before paying the balance
An Arrival Notice is a trigger to organise the shipment file, not proof the documents agree. Seven checks to run before you pay the balance or settle local charges.
6 min read
ReadTrade Brief
UAE eDAS: preparing your commercial invoice for attestation
In the UAE your commercial invoice is read twice — at attestation and at the customs declaration. Here's how to prepare one invoice that satisfies both.
6 min read
ReadGuide
Hong Kong: why the bank checks your documents, not customs
In Hong Kong's free port, the bank — not customs — reads your documents hardest. Under a letter of credit, a mismatch delays payment; here's how to avoid it.
6 min read
ReadCommon Mistake
Malaysia import documents: what stands behind the K1 declaration
In Malaysia, a customs agent lodges the K1 declaration from your documents. Reconcile the invoice, packing list, and permits before the set reaches them.
6 min read
ReadGuide
How to write a packing list (with a checklist)
A guide to writing an export packing list: what each field means, the four values that must reconcile to your commercial invoice, and a pre-ship checklist.
7 min read
ReadBlog content is informational only and is not customs, tax, legal, or compliance advice. Confirm your specific requirements with your declaring agent, freight forwarder, bank, or the relevant authority.