Commercial invoice
Records the transaction parties, products, value, currency and trade terms.
Document Preparation
International Shipping Documents from China
Understand commercial invoices, packing lists, air waybills, bills of lading and product-specific records used in international freight.
Start with the essentials →Essential framework
One shipment should tell one consistent story
Product names, quantities, package counts, weights, values and parties should align across the document set. Transport documents record movement; they do not replace commercial, customs or product-compliance records.
Packing list
Explains how quantities, weights and dimensions are distributed across packages.
Transport document
The air waybill, bill of lading or courier waybill records the carrier movement.
Product records
Certificates, declarations and permits depend on the cargo and destination.
Planning checklist
Information to confirm before the shipment moves
Requirements still depend on the actual product, route, commercial arrangement and destination authority.
Names and addresses
Use the agreed legal and delivery details
Product description
Avoid vague descriptions such as parts or accessories
Quantity and packages
Align units, cartons, pallets and handling pieces
Weights and dimensions
Use final packed measurements
Value and currency
Match the commercial transaction
Instructions
Confirm release, consignee, notify party and delivery needs
Related resources
Continue with the governing page
Use the complete guide, service or evidence page when you need more than a general definition.
Common questions
Important boundaries to understand
Open each answer for general planning guidance, then confirm shipment-specific requirements.
01Is a packing list the same as a commercial invoice?+
No. The invoice supports the commercial transaction, while the packing list describes how the cargo is physically packed.
02Who checks draft transport documents?+
The responsible shipper and consignee should review party, cargo, package, weight, routing and release details before issuance.
03Does every shipment need a certificate of origin?+
No. It depends on the destination, product, trade arrangement and importer’s requirements.
04Can a document be corrected after departure?+
Some changes may be possible but can create carrier, customs, timing and amendment consequences. Review drafts before final issue.
Apply the knowledge
Ask QIFLY to review the actual cargo
Share the product, packing, value, origin, destination, delivery responsibility and ready date.