Definition: A Shipping Advice is a written notice issued by the seller to the buyer after the goods have been shipped, informing the buyer that the goods have been shipped in accordance with the contract or letter of credit requirements, and stating the shipment details (such as vessel name, voyage number, bill of lading number, date of shipment, quantity, amount, etc.). Its core functions are: to enable the buyer to keep timely track of the goods and facilitate arrangements for taking delivery, insurance, customs clearance, and fund scheduling; in letter of credit transactions, it often serves as one of the document presentation obligations the seller must fulfill, and is also an important basis for the buyer to handle import procedures and possible claims. This document is usually issued by the seller or its freight forwarder, and may take the form of a telegram, fax, email, or a formal formatted document.
Definition: A Shipping Advice is a written notice issued by the seller to the buyer after the goods have been shipped, informing the buyer that the goods have been shipped in accordance with the contract or letter of credit requirements, and stating the shipment details (such as vessel name, voyage number, bill of lading number, date of shipment, quantity, amount, etc.). Its core functions are: to enable the buyer to keep timely track of the goods and facilitate arrangements for taking delivery, insurance, customs clearance, and fund scheduling; in letter of credit transactions, it often serves as one of the document presentation obligations the seller must fulfill, and is also an important basis for the buyer to handle import procedures and possible claims. This document is usually issued by the seller or its freight forwarder, and may take the form of a telegram, fax, email, or a formal formatted document.
🎯 Purpose
Purpose: The shipping advice is an indispensable step in international trade. For the buyer, it is used to confirm shipment, track the goods, arrange insurance (especially under CFR/CPT terms where the buyer must arrange its own insurance), prepare for import customs clearance, and pay for the goods. For the seller, it is a key document for fulfilling the contractual notification obligation, satisfying letter of credit presentation requirements, and avoiding buyer claims caused by delayed notification. In terms of process, it runs from after shipment until the buyer receives the goods, involving both trading parties, banks, insurance companies, freight forwarders, and customs. If the letter of credit stipulates 'notify within XX hours after shipment,' the time limit must be strictly observed; otherwise, it may constitute a discrepancy.
Purpose: The shipping advice is an indispensable step in international trade. For the buyer, it is used to confirm shipment, track the goods, arrange insurance (especially under CFR/CPT terms where the buyer must arrange its own insurance), prepare for import customs clearance, and pay for the goods. For the seller, it is a key document for fulfilling the contractual notification obligation, satisfying letter of credit presentation requirements, and avoiding buyer claims caused by delayed notification. In terms of process, it runs from after shipment until the buyer receives the goods, involving both trading parties, banks, insurance companies, freight forwarders, and customs. If the letter of credit stipulates 'notify within XX hours after shipment,' the time limit must be strictly observed; otherwise, it may constitute a discrepancy.
📋 Key Fields
Shipper: Fill in the seller's or exporter's full name, address, and contact details, which should be consistent with the contract, invoice, and bill of lading. If shipped through a freight forwarder, the actual shipper may be shown.. 常见错误: The name is inconsistent with the bill of lading or letter of credit, or the address is incomplete, resulting in the buyer being unable to verify or the bank refusing payment. Consignee: Fill in the name and address of the buyer or the consignee specified in the letter of credit. If the letter of credit requires 'to order,' fill it in according to the notify party on the bill of lading.. 常见错误: Confusing the consignee with the notify party, or omitting the issuing bank information required by the letter of credit. Notify Party: Usually the buyer or its designated agent; if specified in the letter of credit, fill it in strictly as required. It is used by the carrier to notify the taking of delivery after the goods arrive at the port.. 常见错误: Omitting the notify party or filling it in incorrectly, resulting in the buyer not receiving the arrival notice in time. Port of Loading: Fill in the full name of the actual port of loading, which should be consistent with the bill of lading and letter of credit. If the letter of credit stipulates 'Any Chinese Port,' fill in the specific port.. 常见错误: Using abbreviations or misspellings that are inconsistent with the bill of lading, causing discrepancies in bank document examination. Port of Discharge: Fill in the full name of the final port of discharge, which should be consistent with the contract and letter of credit. If it is an inland point, the transshipment port must be indicated.. 常见错误: The port of discharge is inconsistent with the letter of credit requirements, or the transshipment port information is omitted. Vessel/Voyage: Fill in the name of the actual carrying vessel and voyage number, which should be consistent with the bill of lading. If it is multimodal transport, indicate the vessel name of the first leg.. 常见错误: Misspelling of the vessel name, omission of the voyage number, or inconsistency with the bill of lading, resulting in the buyer being unable to check. B/L No.: Fill in the bill of lading number issued by the carrier, used by the buyer to track the goods and take delivery. If it is a sea waybill, indicate the sea waybill number.. 常见错误: Incorrect or missing bill of lading number, resulting in the buyer being unable to track the goods. Date of Shipment: Fill in the actual date of completion of loading, which should be consistent with the bill of lading issuance date. Under a letter of credit, it must be within the latest shipment date allowed.. 常见错误: The date is later than required by the letter of credit, or contradicts the bill of lading date, constituting a discrepancy. Description of Goods: Fill in the goods name, specifications, quantity, packaging, etc., which should be consistent with the invoice and bill of lading. Abbreviations may be used but must be correspondable.. 常见错误: The description is too general or conflicts with the goods description in the letter of credit, resulting in bank refusal. Quantity/Weight: Fill in the shipped quantity and gross weight and net weight, with units consistent with the contract. Pay attention to the tolerance allowed by the letter of credit.. 常见错误: The quantity exceeds the range allowed by the letter of credit, or the unit is wrong, creating a discrepancy. Invoice Value: Fill in the total amount and currency of the commercial invoice, which should be consistent with the invoice. If required by the letter of credit, indicate the trade term such as FOB/CIF.. 常见错误: The amount is inconsistent with the invoice, the currency is wrong, or the trade term is omitted. Shipping Marks: Fill in the shipping marks on the outer packaging of the goods, which should be consistent with the invoice and bill of lading. If there are no marks, indicate 'N/M'.. 常见错误: The marks are inconsistent with the bill of lading, or omitted, making identification of the goods difficult. Insurance: If insured by the seller, indicate the insurance company, policy number, and coverage; if insured by the buyer, indicate 'Insurance to be effected by buyer'.. 常见错误: Confusion of insurance responsibilities under CFR/CIF terms, resulting in the buyer failing to insure or double insuring. L/C No.: In letter of credit settlement, fill in the letter of credit number and the name of the issuing bank for the bank's verification. Under non-letter of credit transactions, the contract number may be filled in.. 常见错误: Incorrect or missing letter of credit number, affecting bank document presentation. Declaration/Signature: Signed and sealed by the seller or its authorized person, declaring that the notified content is true and accurate. May add 'We hereby certify that the above information is true and correct'.. 常见错误: Missing signature or seal, or signature by an unauthorized person, rendering the document invalid.
Shipper
Fill in the seller's or exporter's full name, address, and contact details, which should be consistent with the contract, invoice, and bill of lading. If shipped through a freight forwarder, the actual shipper may be shown.
⚠️ The name is inconsistent with the bill of lading or letter of credit, or the address is incomplete, resulting in the buyer being unable to verify or the bank refusing payment.
Consignee
Fill in the name and address of the buyer or the consignee specified in the letter of credit. If the letter of credit requires 'to order,' fill it in according to the notify party on the bill of lading.
⚠️ Confusing the consignee with the notify party, or omitting the issuing bank information required by the letter of credit.
Notify Party
Usually the buyer or its designated agent; if specified in the letter of credit, fill it in strictly as required. It is used by the carrier to notify the taking of delivery after the goods arrive at the port.
⚠️ Omitting the notify party or filling it in incorrectly, resulting in the buyer not receiving the arrival notice in time.
Port of Loading
Fill in the full name of the actual port of loading, which should be consistent with the bill of lading and letter of credit. If the letter of credit stipulates 'Any Chinese Port,' fill in the specific port.
⚠️ Using abbreviations or misspellings that are inconsistent with the bill of lading, causing discrepancies in bank document examination.
Port of Discharge
Fill in the full name of the final port of discharge, which should be consistent with the contract and letter of credit. If it is an inland point, the transshipment port must be indicated.
⚠️ The port of discharge is inconsistent with the letter of credit requirements, or the transshipment port information is omitted.
Vessel/Voyage
Fill in the name of the actual carrying vessel and voyage number, which should be consistent with the bill of lading. If it is multimodal transport, indicate the vessel name of the first leg.
⚠️ Misspelling of the vessel name, omission of the voyage number, or inconsistency with the bill of lading, resulting in the buyer being unable to check.
B/L No.
Fill in the bill of lading number issued by the carrier, used by the buyer to track the goods and take delivery. If it is a sea waybill, indicate the sea waybill number.
⚠️ Incorrect or missing bill of lading number, resulting in the buyer being unable to track the goods.
Date of Shipment
Fill in the actual date of completion of loading, which should be consistent with the bill of lading issuance date. Under a letter of credit, it must be within the latest shipment date allowed.
⚠️ The date is later than required by the letter of credit, or contradicts the bill of lading date, constituting a discrepancy.
Description of Goods
Fill in the goods name, specifications, quantity, packaging, etc., which should be consistent with the invoice and bill of lading. Abbreviations may be used but must be correspondable.
⚠️ The description is too general or conflicts with the goods description in the letter of credit, resulting in bank refusal.
Quantity/Weight
Fill in the shipped quantity and gross weight and net weight, with units consistent with the contract. Pay attention to the tolerance allowed by the letter of credit.
⚠️ The quantity exceeds the range allowed by the letter of credit, or the unit is wrong, creating a discrepancy.
Invoice Value
Fill in the total amount and currency of the commercial invoice, which should be consistent with the invoice. If required by the letter of credit, indicate the trade term such as FOB/CIF.
⚠️ The amount is inconsistent with the invoice, the currency is wrong, or the trade term is omitted.
Shipping Marks
Fill in the shipping marks on the outer packaging of the goods, which should be consistent with the invoice and bill of lading. If there are no marks, indicate 'N/M'.
⚠️ The marks are inconsistent with the bill of lading, or omitted, making identification of the goods difficult.
Insurance
If insured by the seller, indicate the insurance company, policy number, and coverage; if insured by the buyer, indicate 'Insurance to be effected by buyer'.
⚠️ Confusion of insurance responsibilities under CFR/CIF terms, resulting in the buyer failing to insure or double insuring.
L/C No.
In letter of credit settlement, fill in the letter of credit number and the name of the issuing bank for the bank's verification. Under non-letter of credit transactions, the contract number may be filled in.
⚠️ Incorrect or missing letter of credit number, affecting bank document presentation.
Declaration/Signature
Signed and sealed by the seller or its authorized person, declaring that the notified content is true and accurate. May add 'We hereby certify that the above information is true and correct'.
⚠️ Missing signature or seal, or signature by an unauthorized person, rendering the document invalid.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
The shipping advice is sent beyond the time limit specified in the letter of credit, such as when the letter of credit requires notification within 48 hours after shipment but it is delayed for several days, constituting a discrepancy. The content of the notice is inconsistent with documents such as the bill of lading and invoice, such as contradictions in key information including vessel name, voyage number, quantity, and amount, resulting in bank refusal or buyer claims. Omitting specific statements or clauses required by the letter of credit, such as failing to indicate the words 'Shipping Advice,' failing to show the letter of credit number, or failing to send it to the designated party as required. Sending it in a manner not stipulated by the contract or letter of credit, such as using email when fax is required, or sending it to the wrong address when a designated email is required, rendering the notice invalid. Under CFR/CPT terms, the seller fails to notify the buyer in time so that the buyer can insure; if the goods are lost, the seller may bear liability for compensation. The goods description in the shipping advice seriously inconsistent with the letter of credit, such as substantive differences in product name, specifications, quantity, etc., allowing the bank to refuse payment. Failing to retain proof of sending, such as fax reports or email receipts, making it impossible to prove that the notification obligation was fulfilled in the event of a dispute. Confusing the shipping advice with shipping documents and failing to provide sufficient details in the notice, resulting in the buyer being unable to arrange insurance or customs clearance.
⚠️ The shipping advice is sent beyond the time limit specified in the letter of credit, such as when the letter of credit requires notification within 48 hours after shipment but it is delayed for several days, constituting a discrepancy.
⚠️ The content of the notice is inconsistent with documents such as the bill of lading and invoice, such as contradictions in key information including vessel name, voyage number, quantity, and amount, resulting in bank refusal or buyer claims.
⚠️ Omitting specific statements or clauses required by the letter of credit, such as failing to indicate the words 'Shipping Advice,' failing to show the letter of credit number, or failing to send it to the designated party as required.
⚠️ Sending it in a manner not stipulated by the contract or letter of credit, such as using email when fax is required, or sending it to the wrong address when a designated email is required, rendering the notice invalid.
⚠️ Under CFR/CPT terms, the seller fails to notify the buyer in time so that the buyer can insure; if the goods are lost, the seller may bear liability for compensation.
⚠️ The goods description in the shipping advice seriously inconsistent with the letter of credit, such as substantive differences in product name, specifications, quantity, etc., allowing the bank to refuse payment.
⚠️ Failing to retain proof of sending, such as fax reports or email receipts, making it impossible to prove that the notification obligation was fulfilled in the event of a dispute.
⚠️ Confusing the shipping advice with shipping documents and failing to provide sufficient details in the notice, resulting in the buyer being unable to arrange insurance or customs clearance.
🌍 Country Requirements
United States: U.S. Customs requires importers to provide documents such as the shipping advice before the goods arrive at the port for risk assessment. The shipping advice should include accurate consignee, goods description, quantity, and value. If declared through AMS (Automated Manifest System), the shipping advice information must be consistent with the manifest. In addition, the United States has additional notification requirements for specific goods (such as food and pharmaceuticals), which must comply with regulations of agencies such as the FDA. The latest announcements of the local customs shall prevail. European Union: For EU imports, the shipping advice is mainly used by the buyer to arrange customs clearance and transport. EU customs requires advance declaration of the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS), and the information in the shipping advice should be consistent with the ENS. For high-risk goods, additional certificates may be required. If the goods are transshipped through the EU, ensure that the notify party information is accurate. The latest announcements of the local customs shall prevail. Japan: Japanese customs requires importers to submit relevant documents before the goods arrive at the port, and the shipping advice should specify in detail the goods name, quantity, packaging, and value. For food, agricultural products, etc., it must comply with the requirements of Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and the shipping advice may need to indicate quarantine information. Japanese buyers usually require the shipping advice to be sent in Japanese or English and to include the vessel name, voyage number, and estimated time of arrival. The latest announcements of the local customs shall prevail. South Korea: Korean importers need the shipping advice to handle import declaration. Korean customs requires that the shipping advice information be consistent with the bill of lading and invoice, and may require a certificate of origin. For specific goods such as cosmetics and electronic products, relevant Korean certification requirements must be met. The shipping advice should indicate the detailed contact information and customs clearance code of the Korean consignee. The latest announcements of the local customs shall prevail. Middle East (Saudi Arabia/UAE): Saudi Arabia requires the shipping advice to be authenticated by the Saudi embassy in the exporting country and to indicate the country of origin, production date, etc. The UAE is relatively more lenient, but requires accurate shipping advice information for customs clearance. Both countries require the shipping advice to be consistent with the invoice and bill of lading and may require an Arabic translation. For food, pharmaceuticals, etc., it must comply with Gulf Cooperation Council standards. The latest announcements of the local customs shall prevail. Brazil: Brazilian customs requires importers to submit documents such as the shipping advice before the goods arrive at the port, and it must be registered in the SISCOMEX system. The shipping advice should include a detailed goods description, NCM code, quantity, value, and the consignee's tax number. Brazil strictly reviews import documents, and any discrepancy may cause customs clearance delays. The latest announcements of the local customs shall prevail. India: Indian customs requires that the shipping advice information be consistent with the bill of lading and invoice, and the importer's GSTIN number must be indicated. For specific goods such as electronic products and chemicals, certification by the Bureau of Indian Standards must be met. The shipping advice should include the accurate port of discharge and goods value for calculating tariffs. The latest announcements of the local customs shall prevail. Russia: Russian customs requires the shipping advice to provide detailed goods information, including HS code, quantity, value, and consignee information. For food, agricultural products, etc., certificates complying with Eurasian Economic Union requirements must be provided. The shipping advice must be consistent with the customs declaration and may require Russian translation. The latest announcements of the local customs shall prevail.
United States
U.S. Customs requires importers to provide documents such as the shipping advice before the goods arrive at the port for risk assessment. The shipping advice should include accurate consignee, goods description, quantity, and value. If declared through AMS (Automated Manifest System), the shipping advice information must be consistent with the manifest. In addition, the United States has additional notification requirements for specific goods (such as food and pharmaceuticals), which must comply with regulations of agencies such as the FDA. The latest announcements of the local customs shall prevail.
European Union
For EU imports, the shipping advice is mainly used by the buyer to arrange customs clearance and transport. EU customs requires advance declaration of the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS), and the information in the shipping advice should be consistent with the ENS. For high-risk goods, additional certificates may be required. If the goods are transshipped through the EU, ensure that the notify party information is accurate. The latest announcements of the local customs shall prevail.
Japan
Japanese customs requires importers to submit relevant documents before the goods arrive at the port, and the shipping advice should specify in detail the goods name, quantity, packaging, and value. For food, agricultural products, etc., it must comply with the requirements of Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and the shipping advice may need to indicate quarantine information. Japanese buyers usually require the shipping advice to be sent in Japanese or English and to include the vessel name, voyage number, and estimated time of arrival. The latest announcements of the local customs shall prevail.
South Korea
Korean importers need the shipping advice to handle import declaration. Korean customs requires that the shipping advice information be consistent with the bill of lading and invoice, and may require a certificate of origin. For specific goods such as cosmetics and electronic products, relevant Korean certification requirements must be met. The shipping advice should indicate the detailed contact information and customs clearance code of the Korean consignee. The latest announcements of the local customs shall prevail.
Middle East (Saudi Arabia/UAE)
Saudi Arabia requires the shipping advice to be authenticated by the Saudi embassy in the exporting country and to indicate the country of origin, production date, etc. The UAE is relatively more lenient, but requires accurate shipping advice information for customs clearance. Both countries require the shipping advice to be consistent with the invoice and bill of lading and may require an Arabic translation. For food, pharmaceuticals, etc., it must comply with Gulf Cooperation Council standards. The latest announcements of the local customs shall prevail.
Brazil
Brazilian customs requires importers to submit documents such as the shipping advice before the goods arrive at the port, and it must be registered in the SISCOMEX system. The shipping advice should include a detailed goods description, NCM code, quantity, value, and the consignee's tax number. Brazil strictly reviews import documents, and any discrepancy may cause customs clearance delays. The latest announcements of the local customs shall prevail.
India
Indian customs requires that the shipping advice information be consistent with the bill of lading and invoice, and the importer's GSTIN number must be indicated. For specific goods such as electronic products and chemicals, certification by the Bureau of Indian Standards must be met. The shipping advice should include the accurate port of discharge and goods value for calculating tariffs. The latest announcements of the local customs shall prevail.
Russia
Russian customs requires the shipping advice to provide detailed goods information, including HS code, quantity, value, and consignee information. For food, agricultural products, etc., certificates complying with Eurasian Economic Union requirements must be provided. The shipping advice must be consistent with the customs declaration and may require Russian translation. The latest announcements of the local customs shall prevail.
❓ FAQ
Must the shipping advice be issued by the seller?: It is usually issued by the seller or its freight forwarder, because the seller has the shipment details. However, under FOB terms, if the buyer arranges transport, the buyer or freight forwarder may notify the seller. If the letter of credit stipulates 'beneficiary's shipping advice,' it must be issued by the beneficiary. In any case, the notification obligation should be clearly specified in the contract. What is the difference between a shipping advice and shipping documents?: A shipping advice is a written document notifying that the goods have been shipped, with relatively brief content, mainly used to inform and satisfy letter of credit requirements; shipping documents are formal documents proving that the goods have been shipped, such as bills of lading, packing lists, invoices, etc., used for taking delivery and settlement. The two have different functions, but the information should be consistent. If the letter of credit requires a copy of the shipping advice, does it need to be signed?: If the letter of credit requires a 'shipping advice copy,' a copy is usually required, but if it stipulates 'signed shipping advice,' it must be signed. It is recommended to follow the specific terms of the letter of credit; if not specified, submitting a signed original is safer. The copy may be marked 'copy'. If an error is found in the shipping advice after it is sent, how can it be remedied?: A correction notice should be sent immediately, marked 'Correction' or 'Amended Shipping Advice,' stating that the original notice is void. If it involves letter of credit presentation, ensure that the correction notice is submitted within the presentation period and communicate with the bank. At the same time, notify the buyer and insurance company to avoid losses. Under CFR terms, what risks arise if the seller fails to send the shipping advice?: Under CFR terms, the seller is responsible for transport, but insurance is arranged by the buyer. If the seller fails to notify the buyer of the shipment details in time, the buyer cannot insure, and the risk of loss of the goods during transport may be borne by the seller. According to Incoterms, the seller must give the buyer sufficient notice; otherwise, it must compensate the buyer for losses. Must the shipping advice show the letter of credit number?: If required by the letter of credit, it must be shown. Usually the letter of credit will stipulate that 'shipping advice must indicate L/C number and contract number.' Even if not required, showing the letter of credit number helps the bank verify and reduces discrepancies. It is recommended to list the relevant reference numbers in the notice. Can the shipping advice be sent by email?: Yes, but it must comply with the letter of credit or contract provisions. If the letter of credit requires 'by fax' or 'by telex,' the specified method must be used. If not specified, email is a common method, but the sending record should be retained. Some banks may require a transmission report as a presentation document. What are the consequences if the goods description in the shipping advice is inconsistent with the invoice?: It may result in bank refusal because the letter of credit requires documents to be consistent. If the buyer uses the notice to arrange insurance or customs clearance, inconsistent descriptions may cause customs clearance delays or fines. Therefore, the goods description in the shipping advice should be kept as consistent as possible with the invoice and bill of lading, or at least not contradictory.
Q: Must the shipping advice be issued by the seller?
A: It is usually issued by the seller or its freight forwarder, because the seller has the shipment details. However, under FOB terms, if the buyer arranges transport, the buyer or freight forwarder may notify the seller. If the letter of credit stipulates 'beneficiary's shipping advice,' it must be issued by the beneficiary. In any case, the notification obligation should be clearly specified in the contract.
Q: What is the difference between a shipping advice and shipping documents?
A: A shipping advice is a written document notifying that the goods have been shipped, with relatively brief content, mainly used to inform and satisfy letter of credit requirements; shipping documents are formal documents proving that the goods have been shipped, such as bills of lading, packing lists, invoices, etc., used for taking delivery and settlement. The two have different functions, but the information should be consistent.
Q: If the letter of credit requires a copy of the shipping advice, does it need to be signed?
A: If the letter of credit requires a 'shipping advice copy,' a copy is usually required, but if it stipulates 'signed shipping advice,' it must be signed. It is recommended to follow the specific terms of the letter of credit; if not specified, submitting a signed original is safer. The copy may be marked 'copy'.
Q: If an error is found in the shipping advice after it is sent, how can it be remedied?
A: A correction notice should be sent immediately, marked 'Correction' or 'Amended Shipping Advice,' stating that the original notice is void. If it involves letter of credit presentation, ensure that the correction notice is submitted within the presentation period and communicate with the bank. At the same time, notify the buyer and insurance company to avoid losses.
Q: Under CFR terms, what risks arise if the seller fails to send the shipping advice?
A: Under CFR terms, the seller is responsible for transport, but insurance is arranged by the buyer. If the seller fails to notify the buyer of the shipment details in time, the buyer cannot insure, and the risk of loss of the goods during transport may be borne by the seller. According to Incoterms, the seller must give the buyer sufficient notice; otherwise, it must compensate the buyer for losses.
Q: Must the shipping advice show the letter of credit number?
A: If required by the letter of credit, it must be shown. Usually the letter of credit will stipulate that 'shipping advice must indicate L/C number and contract number.' Even if not required, showing the letter of credit number helps the bank verify and reduces discrepancies. It is recommended to list the relevant reference numbers in the notice.
Q: Can the shipping advice be sent by email?
A: Yes, but it must comply with the letter of credit or contract provisions. If the letter of credit requires 'by fax' or 'by telex,' the specified method must be used. If not specified, email is a common method, but the sending record should be retained. Some banks may require a transmission report as a presentation document.
Q: What are the consequences if the goods description in the shipping advice is inconsistent with the invoice?
A: It may result in bank refusal because the letter of credit requires documents to be consistent. If the buyer uses the notice to arrange insurance or customs clearance, inconsistent descriptions may cause customs clearance delays or fines. Therefore, the goods description in the shipping advice should be kept as consistent as possible with the invoice and bill of lading, or at least not contradictory.
📝 Sample
[Shipping Advice - Complete Filling Sample]
Shipper: Ningbo Sunlink Import & Export Co., Ltd., No. 88 Haishu Road, Yinzhou District, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China, 315100. Tel: +86-574-8823-6677, Email: shipping@sunlink-ie.com
Consignee: Hamburg Trade & Distribution GmbH, Industriestrasse 45, 20359 Hamburg, Germany, Tel: +49-40-5566-7788
Notify Party: Same as Consignee
Port of Loading: Ningbo Port, China
Port of Discharge: Hamburg Port, Germany
Vessel/Voyage: COSCO SHIPPING ARIES / V.026E
B/L No.: COSU6389274510
Date of Shipment: 2026-09-15
Description of Goods: Stainless Steel Vacuum Flask, Model SL-VF500, 500ml, 12 pcs/carton, as per Invoice No. SL20260908 and Sales Contract No. SL-C-2026-0715.
Quantity/Weight: 2,400 cartons; N.W. 14,400.00 KGS; G.W. 16,800.00 KGS; Measurement 86.40 CBM
Invoice Value: USD 72,000.00 (CIF Hamburg, Incoterms 2020)
Shipping Marks: HTD / HAMBURG / C/NO.1-2400 / MADE IN CHINA
Insurance: Insured by seller: PICC Property and Casualty Company Limited, Policy No. PICC2026NB0915, covering All Risks and War Risk as per Ocean Marine Cargo Clauses (C.I.C.)
L/C No.: L/C No. LC26DE0098765 issued by Commerzbank AG, Hamburg Branch
Declaration/Signature: We hereby certify that the above information is true and correct. Ningbo Sunlink Import & Export Co., Ltd. (Authorized Signature & Company Chop) Date: 2026-09-16
The above is a sample. Actual completion shall be subject to the L/C / contract / requirements of the importing country.
[Shipping Advice - Complete Filling Sample]
Shipper: Ningbo Sunlink Import & Export Co., Ltd., No. 88 Haishu Road, Yinzhou District, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China, 315100. Tel: +86-574-8823-6677, Email: shipping@sunlink-ie.com
Consignee: Hamburg Trade & Distribution GmbH, Industriestrasse 45, 20359 Hamburg, Germany, Tel: +49-40-5566-7788
Notify Party: Same as Consignee
Port of Loading: Ningbo Port, China
Port of Discharge: Hamburg Port, Germany
Vessel/Voyage: COSCO SHIPPING ARIES / V.026E
B/L No.: COSU6389274510
Date of Shipment: 2026-09-15
Description of Goods: Stainless Steel Vacuum Flask, Model SL-VF500, 500ml, 12 pcs/carton, as per Invoice No. SL20260908 and Sales Contract No. SL-C-2026-0715.
Quantity/Weight: 2,400 cartons; N.W. 14,400.00 KGS; G.W. 16,800.00 KGS; Measurement 86.40 CBM
Invoice Value: USD 72,000.00 (CIF Hamburg, Incoterms 2020)
Shipping Marks: HTD / HAMBURG / C/NO.1-2400 / MADE IN CHINA
Insurance: Insured by seller: PICC Property and Casualty Company Limited, Policy No. PICC2026NB0915, covering All Risks and War Risk as per Ocean Marine Cargo Clauses (C.I.C.)
L/C No.: L/C No. LC26DE0098765 issued by Commerzbank AG, Hamburg Branch
Declaration/Signature: We hereby certify that the above information is true and correct. Ningbo Sunlink Import & Export Co., Ltd. (Authorized Signature & Company Chop) Date: 2026-09-16
The above is a sample. Actual completion shall be subject to the L/C / contract / requirements of the importing country.
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⚠️ This page is for reference only. Customs regulations may change; please refer to the latest announcement of local customs brokers or customs authorities.