Difference between shipping bill and bill of export

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22 May 2018 What is the difference between Bill of export and Shipping Bill.

Asha Kanta Sharma

Asha Kanta Sharma

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06 July 2024 The terms "Bill of Export" and "Shipping Bill" are closely related documents used in the context of international trade and shipping. Here’s the difference between the two:

1. **Bill of Export**:
- A Bill of Export is a legal document issued by the customs authorities of a country when goods are exported out of that country.
- It serves as a declaration by the exporter to customs, providing details about the goods being exported, their value, destination, and other relevant information.
- The Bill of Export is used for regulatory purposes, including customs clearance at the exporting country's border.

2. **Shipping Bill**:
- A Shipping Bill is a specific type of export declaration form required by customs authorities for the export of goods from one country to another.
- It is more detailed than a Bill of Export and includes comprehensive information about the goods, such as their description, quantity, value, destination port, exporter details, and other shipping-related information.
- The Shipping Bill is prepared and submitted by the exporter or their authorized agent to customs authorities to obtain permission for shipment and to comply with export regulations.

**Key Differences**:
- **Issuance**: The Bill of Export is issued by customs at the time of export clearance, documenting the export transaction from the country of origin. The Shipping Bill is prepared and submitted by the exporter or their agent before shipment to facilitate customs clearance and document the specifics of the export transaction.

- **Content**: The Bill of Export generally includes basic information necessary for customs clearance and compliance. The Shipping Bill provides more detailed information about the goods being exported, including commercial details needed for shipment and regulatory compliance.

- **Purpose**: The primary purpose of the Bill of Export is to document the export of goods from a country for regulatory and statistical purposes. The Shipping Bill serves the dual purpose of obtaining clearance for export and providing detailed information necessary for international shipment and customs procedures.

In essence, while both documents are essential for the export process, the Shipping Bill is more comprehensive and detailed compared to the Bill of Export, focusing on logistics and compliance requirements for international trade.