What documents are required to export from China?
Quick answerBaseline set: commercial invoice, packing list, sales contract, customs declaration, bill of lading. Add as needed: certificate of origin (or FORM E/RCEP for tariff preference), inspection certificate, export licence for restricted goods, MSDS/dangerous goods papers, and ISPM 15 proof for solid wood packaging. Keep HS codes consistent across all documents.
Core documents
Commercial invoice: value, terms, HS code, buyer/seller details.
Packing list: carton count, dimensions, gross/net weight.
Customs declaration (出口报关单): the formal filing with Chinese customs.
Bill of lading or sea waybill: issued after loading.
Conditional documents
Certificate of origin: general CO, FORM E (ASEAN), RCEP declaration.
Inspection certificates for regulated categories; export licences for controlled goods.
Dangerous goods: MSDS, DGD, packaging certificate.
| Document | Needed | Issued by |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | always | seller |
| Packing list | always | seller |
| Customs declaration | always | declarant |
| Bill of lading | always | carrier |
| CO / FORM E | if tariff preference | CCPIT / customs |
| Export licence | restricted goods | authority |
Frequently asked questions
- Can the invoice value be lower than the real price?
- No. Under-declaration is treated as misdeclaration and can lead to fines, seizure or criminal liability in destination countries.
- Who prepares the customs declaration?
- A licensed declarant, usually arranged by the freight forwarder.
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Rates from China to all countries
Weekly China export freight index
Source: Juhe Zhuang rate platform (jhz56.com) market data and carrier documentation. Figures are reference ranges, not transaction prices; verify with your forwarder before booking.