Import-export documents are the types of documents needed to process logistics shipments from the original destination to the final destination. In the logistics industry, shipping goods across national borders involves an export and import process that must go through regulatory stages and the documents needed can be different and even not necessarily every country has the same regulations.

To ensure smooth and successful delivery, various export-import documents are required, such as bills of lading, air waybills and other documents that the author will explain in this article. Studying export-import documents is a challenge for exporters and importers.

These documents essentially act as basic legal and administrative instruments that regulate and facilitate the movement of goods between countries. In this article, the author will explain some import-export documents related to shipping logistics.

Definition of Import Export
Exporting and importing are examples of international trade. Export refers to the sale of logistics goods from the country of origin to the country of destination. Meanwhile, import is the activity of buying foreign products and bringing them to the home country. In addition, export and import are divided into two types, namely, indirect and direct.

The difference between direct and indirect export and import lies in the exporters and importers involved, for example, if it is done directly, it means that the producer acts as a direct exporter, and if indirectly, there is a third party in the trade process such as agents or intermediaries.

Legal basis of import and export
Import-export laws and regulations in Indonesia consist of laws that regulate international trade activities. The following are some of the legal regulations that form the basis of import-export law in Indonesia:

1. Law No. 17 of 2006 on the Amendment to Law No. 10 of 1995 on Customs

This law regulates the customs system in Indonesia, including arrangements regarding import and export procedures, payment of duties and excise, customs tariffs, and control of imported or exported goods.

2. Minister of Trade Regulation No. 94/2018 on Provisions for the Use of Letters of Credit for the Export of Certain Goods

This regulation regulates certain export goods such as minerals, coal, oil and gas, and palm oil to use the letter of credit (L/C) payment method.

3. Law no. 7 of 2014 concerning Trade

This law regulates trade activities in Indonesia such as the definition of domestic and foreign trade, regulates trade policy in terms of the purpose of regulating trade activities and other matters related to the scope of trade.

Indonesia's import-export situation
The growth of import-export trade in Indonesia continues to evolve and is also influenced by various political, economic and global market factors. In 2022, Indonesia's trade surplus reached a record high of US$54.46 billion due to rising global commodity prices and global supply chain disruptions caused by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The trade surplus increased by 53.75 percent from $35.42 billion in 2021. This was due to rising prices and increased exports of commodities such as iron and crude palm oil.

Data from the Central Statistics Agency reports that exports in 2022 were worth $291.98 billion, an increase of 26.07 percent from the previous year, while the value of imports in 2022 was $237.52 billion, an increase of 21.07 percent from 2021.

Types of import-export documents
Sales agreement or export trade contract is the most important document in export activities. Most problems that occur in the export process can be minimized by using a sales agreement that has been agreed between the two parties. Generally, different types of contracts are used for isolated sales transactions and for ongoing sales transactions.

Meanwhile, import documents are various forms and documents required by customs authorities and other related entities when importing goods to the destination country. Required import documents may vary depending on the country, mode of transportation, and type of goods imported.

Here are some types of export-import shipping logistics documents:

1. Commercial invoice
Commercial invoice is an official document used in international trade transactions, namely an invoice from the seller to the buyer for the purchase of goods. The invoice is issued by the seller to the buyer as proof of purchase. Commercial invoices include full details about the transaction details, such as quantity, price per unit, total price and payment terms.

2. Packing list
A manifest is a document that provides detailed information about the contents of an export or import cargo shipment. Manifests are usually prepared by exporters or freight forwarders and they are sent with the cargo to ensure proper handling by local customs.

3. Certificate of origin
A certificate of origin is a certificate stating the origin of goods or commodities from the country of export or import. COO documents are among the transportation documents to be verified by local customs authorities.

If an exporter sends logistics goods to a country that has a free trade agreement, the goods or commodities are eligible for a reduction in taxes and customs fees, also known as preferential COO, and vice versa if it is not included in a free trade country, it is called non-preferential COO.

4. Bill of lading
A bill of lading is a legal import-export trade document between the shipper and the carrier of a commodity. This document certifies that the goods have been received and have been loaded on the shipper's transportation carrier.

A bill of lading document contains all the information a transportation company needs to deliver a product to the correct destination under optimal conditions. Details include the destination of the shipment, list of goods, and handling instructions. The bill of lading must contain the signatures of the seller, shipper, and buyer and be affixed to the shipment.

5. Air waybill
An air waybill is a document that serves as a contract between the airline and the shipper that outlines the terms and conditions of delivery. Air waybills are categorized as bill of lading documents.

The third-party transportation provider is responsible for the document from the time of receiving the package to its delivery. A unique characteristic of the air waybill is that it is non-transferable, which means that only the designated recipient can accept delivery and approve the document.

6. Export and Import License
An export-import license document is an official document required by the government of a country to regulate and control export-import activities. This type of document functions to provide authorization or permission for business actors to carry out international trade transactions with certain goods.

An export license is a licensing document for an exporter to export goods to the destination country, while an import license is a permit that regulates goods that will enter a country, for example Indonesia, and also functions as an identity that must be owned by exporters and importers.

Import-export documents play a role in facilitating international trade. Through an organized process and under a legal umbrella, these documents become a strong foundation for ensuring smooth logistics delivery.

Thus, a good understanding of import-export documents will provide a competitive advantage for MSMEs, business people and entrepreneurs to encourage overall economic growth.