Export Shipping Instructions

When an exporter engages a custom broker or forwarder to handle the customs declaration, he/she must give instructions on what to do with the shipment in the shipping instructions. The format of the shipping instructions varies, but all the forms essentially contain the same information. One form is often used in different modes of transportation.

B/L Application-Instructions (Bill of Lading Application-Instructions) :

Please see the sample B/L Application-Instructions (BLAI) below that is used in ocean shipment. The letter of credit (L/C) is a confidential document. Many exporters prefer not to let the customs broker or forwarder see the L/C, and instead provide a BLAI detailing the requirements and instructions of an ocean shipment. Please refer to the Ocean (Marine) Bills of Lading for the explanations on some of the fields in the sample B/L Application-Instructions (BLAI).

The exporter may provide the BLAI to the customs broker after he/she has obtained a shipping order (S/O) or a space booking number from the carrier. The BLAI usually is provided to the customs broker before obtaining the S/O in cases where the packing list and valid export permit are required to obtain the S/O. The BLAI normally is accompanied by a copy of the commercial invoice and packing list, and the Insurance Application - Instructions if the customs broker is to arrange for insurance.

Some exporters supply the original L/C or its photocopy without supplying the BLAI, and let the forwarder manage the rest of the export routines with payment of fees and charges, which may include preparing of export documents and sending them to the bank.

Shipper's Letter of Instructions :

TThe Shipper's Letter of Instructions (SLI) are shipping instructions that are used in air shipment, and at times in ocean shipment. The SLI contains basically the same information as in a B/L Application-Instructions, and it may contain the words "The exporter authorizes the forwarder named above to act as forwarding agent for export control and customs purposes" or the like. The SLI form is available from the carrier or the forwarder.

Sample Form:

B/L Application-Instructions --- Export Shipping Instructions

B/L Application-Instructions

UVW EXPORTS

88 Prosperity Street East, Suite 707

Export-City and Postal Code, Export-

Country ---

Tel: -- Fax: ---

E-mail: ----

Shipper's Reference	Sales Confirmation No.
	Commercial Invoice No.
	Export/Manufacturer's License No.
Custom Broker or Forwarder	Name
	Tel. No.	Fax. No.
	Contact Person	Ref. No.
Shipping Company or Agent		Tel. No.
Shipping Order or Booking No.		Customs Closing Date
Delivery or Closing Location	Dock & Pier No.
	Container Terminal

A.	The CLEAN "ON BOARD" bill of lading is required.
B.	The short form (blank back) bill of lading is:
		Not Acceptable	Acceptable
C.	The transport documents issued by the freight forwarder are:
		Not Acceptable	Acceptable
D.	The charter party bill of lading is:
		Not Acceptable	Acceptable
1.	SHIPPER/CONSIGNOR
2.	CONSIGNEE
3.	NOTIFY PARTY
4.	ALSO NOTIFY
5.	CARRIER - VOYAGE/FLIGHT NO.
6.	LOADING ON BOARD DATE
7.	DISPATCH/TAKING IN CHARGE DATE
8.	FROM (Port of Loading)
9.	FROM (Place of Dispatch/Taking In Charge)
10.	TO (Port of Discharge)
11.	VIA (Tranship At)
12.	THENCE TO (For Transhipment To)
13.	DESCRIPTION OF PACKAGES & GOODS:
14.	MARKS & NUMBERS:
15.	BILL OF LADING MARKED:
		Freight Prepaid	Freight Collect

Other Instructions
ETA At	No. of copy of the Bill of Lading required	Original
ETA On		Copy

Issued by:

Date:

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Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)
(Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India)

NCUI Building 3, Siri Institutional Area, August Kranti Marg, New Delhi - 110 016
Phone : 91-11-41486013, 20863919, 20867008, 20867007

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