Exporting from Benin and Togo: the documents of a shipment

A shipment of agricultural products travels with a set of documents. Their accuracy determines customs clearance at destination and, often, payment.

Commercial documents

• The commercial invoice states the value, quantities, Incoterm (FOB with us) and payment terms.
• The packing list details the number of bags or cartons and the gross and net weights.

The transport document

The bill of lading, issued by the shipping line, proves that the goods were loaded on board and represents them. Under a documentary credit, its compliance is decisive.

Certificates

• The certificate of origin certifies the country of origin of the goods. Depending on the destination, it can give access to tariff preferences.
• The phytosanitary certificate, issued by the official plant protection service, is required for most plant products.
• Some countries require a fumigation certificate for products that insects can damage.
• The certificate of analysis gives the analysis results for the lot.

What an FOB sale means for you

The Incoterm sets who arranges and pays for transport and insurance. We sell FOB only: we deliver the goods loaded on board the vessel you have booked, at the port of Cotonou or Lomé. Ocean freight, insurance and import clearance stay on your side.

In practice, your forwarder gives us the vessel name and the container cut-off date. We handle container stuffing, export clearance and loading, then hand the documents over to you.

Plan ahead

Requirements vary with the product and the destination country. The safest approach is to list in the contract the documents expected, the number of originals and how they will be sent.