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Course contents
- Introduction
- Documents of Origin
- Commercial Documents
- Administrative Documents
- Other Documents
Objectives
The main objectives of this Learning Unit are to learn about different types of documents used in international trade, which documents are usually required by
customs, the requirements for various documents and how to fill in these documents correctly.
Available Languages: 
. Summary in:  
In this unit you will: Learn about the various types of documents used in international trade.
This will be achieved by:
- Analyzing the various classifications and requirements of export documents.
- Learning what functions export documents perform.
- Learning the different types of documents of origin that evidence the origin of goods.
- Analyzing the various commercial and administrative documents.
- Examining other documents that may be required in international trade transactions.
Learning Unit Summary
Most international trade transactions require certain
transport documents, administrative documents, commercial documents and insurance documents.
There are a great variety of documents that may need to be produced to complete export/import transactions; some estimates indicate over 200 different documents are used in international trade. However, in most export transactions, only a few certain documents are used (invoice, packing list and transport document.).
Documents fulfill the following functions:
- Proof of contract. Documents such as transport documents (bill of lading), insurance documents, etc. Evidence the existence of
contracts of sale and conditions stipulated there.
- Title to the goods. Certain transport documents represent title to the goods, that is, they give the right to collect the goods from the carrier (just as a bank draft gives you the right to collect funds against the drawer).
- Information. Certain documents provide information on the
price for the goods (invoice), the contents of package units (packing list), etc.
- Customs. The customs of the country of destination require documents that evidence the origin of the goods, etc. in order to establish whether the goods are importable to the country and in order to charge appropriate taxes and duties.
- Proof of compliance. Certain documents serve as proof that the conditions stipulated in the contract of sale are complied with, such as date of shipment (transport documents), the origin of the goods (certificate of origin), etc.
DOCUMENTS OF ORIGIN
The purpose of these documents is to show where the goods originated. Therefore, they play an important role in order to establish the taxes and duties to be paid on the goods at the customs. One must find out what type of document exactly is required at the customs in order to be able to benefit from possible reduced tariffs.
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