Exporting metal products—whether stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, galvanized steel, or processed parts—requires several key documents to ensure smooth customs clearance and shipment handling.
Missing documents may cause delays, extra charges, or customs rejection.
Below is a simple, complete guide to the essential documents needed for metal export.
1. Commercial Documents
✔ Commercial Invoice
Provides all transaction details:
- Buyer & seller information
- Product specifications (grade, size, finish, quantity)
- Unit price & total value
- HS code
- Incoterms (FOB, CIF, EXW, etc.)
- Country of origin
This is the main document used for customs valuation.
✔ Packing List
Describes how the metal products are packed:
- Bundle/coil/plate/tube numbers
- Net & gross weight
- Dimensions
- Packaging type (pallets, bundles, crates)
Used by customs and logistics to verify shipment details.
✔ Sales Contract / Proforma Invoice
Confirms order details, payment terms, and delivery conditions.
2. Quality Documents
✔ Mill Test Certificate (MTC / Material Certificate)
Required for most steel and metal products. Includes:
- Chemical composition
- Mechanical properties
- Heat/batch number
- Production standard (ASTM, EN, JIS, etc.)
Used to verify material quality for engineering and manufacturing use.
✔ Inspection Report (Optional)
Provided by SGS/BV/TUV or customer-appointed inspectors. Useful for verifying:
- Thickness tolerance
- Surface quality
- Mechanical properties
- Dimensional accuracy
3. Shipping Documents
✔ Bill of Lading (B/L)
Main transport document for releasing cargo at the destination port.
Shows container numbers, vessel info, ports, and cargo details.
✔ Certificate of Origin (CO)
Required for import clearance and duty calculation.
Types may include:
- General CO
- Form A
- Form E (China–ASEAN)
- Other FTA certificates
✔ Insurance Certificate (for CIF shipments)
Covers cargo loss or damage during transit.
4. Regulatory Documents (If Required)
- HS Code Declaration
- Fumigation Certificate（if wooden pallets or crates are used）
- REACH / RoHS（for EU-related products）
- Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
Requirements depend on destination country and product type.
