Which documents your customs office is likely to ask for

Beyond the invoice and bill of lading, food products usually need a certificate of origin and a phytosanitary certificate.

What buyers should know

Supply, quality and freight move together. When one of them changes at origin, it usually shows up in offers two to four weeks later, so it pays to ask early and to fix the specification in writing.

In short

• Ask for the lot analysis, not only the standard specification.
• Confirm the shipment window before you confirm the price.
• Agree on the documents your customs office needs.

A sample tells you about one bag. A lot analysis tells you about the container.