The Coffee Import Document Checklist: From Bill of Lading to Certificate of Origin
Importing coffee involves more than finding good beans and arranging shipping. A shipment can leave the farm in excellent condition and still face delays at the destination if its paperwork is incomplete or inconsistent. Each document serves a purpose: confirming the transaction, identifying the cargo, establishing origin, and demonstrating compliance with import requirements. For coffee importers, getting these documents right is part of managing cost, risk, and supply-chain reliability. 1. Commercial Invoice: What Was Sold? The commercial invoice records the transaction between the seller and buyer. It typically includes the parties' details, invoice number, coffee description, quantity, unit price, total value, currency, payment terms, and agreed delivery terms. For example, an invoice for 1,000 kg of Ugandan green Arabica should clearly identify the product, origin, quantity, and agreed price. Those details should agree with the other shipment documents. 2. Packing List: How Wa...
