Key takeaways
- Standard pack: Proforma Invoice, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, B/L, Certificate of Origin, and inspection report.
- Issue each doc against the same PO + PI reference so customs, finance, and QC can reconcile without back-channel emails.
- Keep version numbers in the filename — buyers clearing through multiple ports often need to prove which revision they paid against.
- Store the signed PDFs in the customer portal; avoid WeChat/WhatsApp as the only channel for trade documents.
Standard Document Pack
A complete B2B export order typically includes:
Proforma Invoice (PI) — order confirmation reference
Commercial Invoice — customs declaration and payment reconciliation
Packing List — per-carton details with weights and dimensions
Bill of Lading (B/L) — ocean shipping receipt
Certificate of Origin (CO) — as required by destination
Important Notes
PI, Invoice, Packing List, and forwarder details must be consistent
Lock quote and order versions to prevent reconciliation gaps
Use the Portal's file history for audit trails and traceability