Importing From Qingdao to the UK

The local courier company in Qingdao, the exporter, or the importer (you) must prepare additional complicated documents to release the cargo. The forwarder may also charge you a fee to release the cargo without the BOL.

If you lose the Bill of Lading, you will need to prepare and obtain the following documents:

• A written statement of loss;
• Bank guarantee;
• Packing list;
• Commercial invoice;
• Shipper’s approval;
• A copy of the Letter of Credit – if you paid the seller through a Letter of Credit);
• Letter of indemnity – drafted by the shipper;
• Letter of indemnity – drafted by the recipient;
• Formal request to release cargo without the Original Bill of Lading or to issue new Original Bills of Lading

The commercial invoice is a document detailing the financial transaction between you and the supplier, and it acts as proof of purchase. As the buyer, it is your responsibility to ensure that your supplier has issued you a commercial invoice. Both Chinese export and UK import customs require the commercial invoice to calculate the applicable duties and taxes. Unlike the BOL, the commercial invoice does not transfer ownership of the goods to you. Ideally, the commercial invoice is issued in English. If the invoice is issued in Mandarin, at least the detailed description of the goods should be in English. Also, including commodity codes will significantly speed up customs clearance. To avoid fines and costly inspections for smooth customs clearance, ensure that the BOL details match those on the commercial invoice. These details include:

• Your details e.g. name, address, phone number and EORI number.
• exporter’s details
• notify party – forwarders details
• invoice number – matching the number on the Packing List
• invoice date
• order number
• shipping information – forwarding agent and date of export
• a clear description of each item corresponding to the Packing List and Bill of Lading
• HS codes
• Incoterm
• the price of each item
• total sale amount
• payment instructions
• insurance
• origin of goods
• invoice signature with the issuer’s stamp

A Packing List shows how the seller/forwarder packed the goods for inspection and shipping purposes. The Packing List provides information about your shipment and requires your signature upon the receipt of your goods. The exporter issues the packing list. However, if your freight forwarder repacks the goods at their warehouse, the forwarder bears responsibility of completing the document and attaching it to the goods in a pouch.