One aspect of international shipping that not many people are so crazy about is documentation. Understanding the terms used is no mean task but it is possible therefore do not despair, help is here!

A Bill of Lading refers to the document showing contract details between the owner of goods to be shipped and the carrier. It may either be a straight bill of lading or a shippers bill of lading. The former is fixed and under its terms, ownership of goods cannot be transferred while on transit. The latter means that goods can be traded before they get to the destination for as long as the potential buyer has the original document which will then serve as a verification of the deal.

Another unfamiliar term may be the Consular Invoice which carries all details of the particular shipment and is signed by the recipient countrys consular official in the sender country and helps customs officials to authenticate the nature of the consignment.

A Destination Control Certificate on the other hand, is a document attached to the bill of lading showing the carrier and any other parties specific countries to which the consignment may be delivered.