Which documents do you need for an import?

Documents that are always required

• Commercial invoice: value, currency, quantities, Incoterm, origin.
• Packing list: number and type of packages, contents, net and gross weight, dimensions.
• Transport document: bill of lading (B/L) for sea, air waybill (AWB) for air, CMR consignment note for road, CIM consignment note for rail.

Proof of origin

To benefit from a reduced or zero duty under a trade agreement, you need a preferential proof of origin: an EUR.1 certificate, an origin declaration on the invoice or a statement on origin from a registered exporter (REX), depending on the agreement. Without this proof, full duty applies.

Product-specific documents

• Health or phytosanitary certificates for food products, animals and plants.
• Import licences for certain restricted goods (dual-use items, weapons, protected species).
• Compliance documents (CE marking, safety data sheets) for regulated products.
• Excise documents for alcohol, tobacco and energy products.

Information about the importer

• The importer's EORI number, mandatory in the European Union.
• A power of representation if a customs broker files on your behalf.
• VAT number and, where applicable, authorisation for postponed import VAT accounting.

Make sure the file is complete

Before the goods arrive, make sure the documents are consistent with one another: same quantities, same weights, same origin. Our free checker lists the documents expected for your type of operation and flags inconsistencies in the file.