Making Shipping Easier: Simplifying Steps in Sending Goods

The global trade network relies on freight forwarding to move goods across countries. Amidst the flurry of packages crisscrossing the world, the intricate procedures underpinning the movement of these commodities have often been slowed down by complex documentation and approvals. Companies engaged in packing and shipping have recently enjoyed greater efficiency and ease thanks to new innovations in streamlining these processes.

What Is the Importance of Documentation in Freight Forwarding?

Documentation serves as the lifeblood of freight forwarding operations. Every shipment requires a web of documents to ensure its seamless journey across borders. Having accurate and comprehensive documentation is not only a matter of convenience; it's a legal requirement. In this bustling trade ecosystem, it’s a critical component of compliance with international trade regulations. If documents contain inadequate or incorrect information, it can result in shipment delays, substantial fines, and the potential loss of lucrative business opportunities.

What Are the Documents for Clearing and Forwarding?

When dealing with international shipments, clearing and forwarding require specific documentation to ensure seamless and lawful transportation of goods. This means making sure you have the correct paperwork, following the regulations for the items you're sending, and paying the necessary customs fees for what's in the package.

Typically, obtaining a customs clearance in Dubai is a swift process, often taking only a few minutes or hours. The timeframe may be extended if the necessary paperwork is incomplete or if the goods need to be inspected.

Here are some of the critical documents typically required in the process for both imports and exports.

Packing List
Import Permit
Bill of Landing
Certificate of Origin
Commercial Invoice
Letter of duty exemption (where needed)
Original Health certificate (food)
Original Halal Slaughter Certificate (food)

What Are the Procedures for Shipping?

Shipping goods internationally involves navigating a labyrinth of procedures, from booking cargo space to coordinating transport, customs clearance, and final delivery. In a dynamic trade hub like Dubai, where many commodities converge, these processes are even more complex.

Here's an overview of the typical process:

Arrival notice from agents
DO (Delivery Order) & documents collection
Preparation of Imports
Bill of Entry Preparation
Scan & Upload documents if not approved
Bill of Entry approval
Preparation of FIRS for the shipments of food items
Approvals from Municipality/ Ministry of Economy etc.
Clearing of shipment
Submission of documents to customs.
Intimation of airlines regarding probable claims
Preparing exit/entry
Payment of customs inspection fees
Shipment inspection and stamping of B/E and Exit/Entry docs.
Online submission for claims

Submissions of documents to customs for claims.

Tech Solutions for Simplifying Documents and Approvals

The logistics industry is all about using new technology to make things smooth. There are intelligent computer programs and platforms that help with simplifying documents and approvals for sending goods. These applications can help manage paperwork, let people sign things electronically, and even for tracking shipments in real-time. Many companies in the UAE are already using these tools. They've found that it gets work done quicker and helps them make customers happy.

Through this innovation, OCS will continue to shape the industry making further advancements for freight forwarding and paving the way for more excellent global connectivity.

Fun facts about logistics:

The world's mightiest ships have the capacity to carry monumental objects such as the Eiffel Tower and an Airbus, and they can still sail with ease, leaving space for additional cargo.
The consumption of fuel on the grandest cargo ships can reach approximately 250 tons per day. If the shipping industry were to be considered a country, it would sit in sixth place among the world's most significant polluters.

The logistics industry accounts for nearly 6% of global economic activity, reflecting its vital role in connecting markets and enabling international trade.