What Documents Should a China-to-India Commercial Import Have?

Good documentation starts before the shipment

Import documents should not be treated as paperwork created at the last minute. The commercial story should remain consistent from the supplier quotation through shipment. ## Proforma invoice The PI is usually where the commercial deal begins: supplier, buyer, product, quantity, price, Incoterm and payment terms. ## Commercial invoice The commercial invoice should accurately describe the transaction and goods. Product descriptions should be meaningful and consistent with the actual shipment. ## Packing list The packing list normally records how the goods are packed: carton count, quantities, weights and other shipment data. ## Transport and supporting documents Depending on the freight mode and product, the shipment can involve a bill of lading or air waybill, origin documents, insurance documents, licences, registrations, test reports or product-specific certificates. ## There is no one universal document pack The exact requirements depend on the goods, HS classification, origin, shipping route and applicable regulations. That is why documentation should be reviewed shipment by shipment. > [!TIP] > **Action Step**: If your supplier has already prepared the PI or packing list, send it to us before dispatch so the shipment route can be reviewed. ## Helpful Resources & Official Links - LCL Global Sourcing & Import Services - Contact LCL Global Coordination Team