What does the exporter have to check before delivering the goods to the carrier?

 

The exporter who has entered into an international sales contract is required to deliver the goods to the buyer.  The entity to whom the exporter will have to deliver the goods will vary with the Incoterms (1990) used in the contract.  If it is an FOB contract (a common one for exporters) the seller delivers the goods should ensure the following:

 

·        That a proper license has been obtained for exporting the foods.

·        If the buyer requires quality control inspection of the goods shipped by an independent firm, then the exporter should contract with certifying companies. These companies will test and check the goods and deliver a certificate of quality.

·        That the exporter has prepared appropriate commercial invoices representing the quantity and the price of the goods.  It is recommended that clear and simple invoices should be used in a language which is understood by national authorities of the buyer.

 

The United Nations have been working on standard commercial invoices which are available at the ITC headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.  The International Chamber of Commerce in Paris, France has also prepared standard commercial invoices.

 

The exporter should ensure that all documents are identical in terms of signatures, terms, quantity, and price.  If there are differences, an exporter may face problems with in-country and foreign authorities as well as with banks.
reference: 

TRADE
  SECRETS  

The Export Answer Book
for Small and Medium-Sized Exporters
 in the Sultanate of Oman