Export guide
FOB, CFR or CIF? The Shipping Term That Changes Your Bill
What FOB, CFR and CIF mean for a stone order, and who pays for freight and insurance under each.
Export guide
Importing Natural Stone? Do Not Ship Without These Documents
A plain guide to the paperwork that travels with a natural stone shipment.
Quick answer
A natural stone shipment usually comes with a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and certificate of origin, and sometimes a fumigation certificate and lab analysis. Requirements differ by country, so confirm them with your customs broker.
Why Documents Matter
Customs authorities use export documents to identify the goods, their value and their origin. Missing or inconsistent paperwork can delay clearance, so it is worth agreeing the document list before you order.
Commercial Invoice and Packing List
The commercial invoice describes the goods, quantity, price and terms of sale. The packing list shows what is in each package, with quantities and weights. Customs and your broker use both to check the shipment.
Bill of Lading
The bill of lading is issued by the shipping line or carrier. It acts as a receipt for the goods and as the transport contract. Your freight forwarder explains how it is released and used to collect the cargo.
Certificate of Origin
A certificate of origin states the country where the goods were produced. Customs may use it when applying duties or trade agreements.
Fumigation Certificate and Lab Analysis
A fumigation certificate shows that the shipment or its packing materials were treated, which some countries require. A lab analysis gives test results for the stone itself and supports your product file.
What Nurstones Prepares
We handle the following documents for each export:
- Certificate of Origin
- Fumigation Certificate
- Lab Analysis
- Commercial documents: commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading
Tell us your destination so we can confirm what your customs authority requires.
Checklist Before You Order
- Ask your customs broker which documents your country requires.
- Confirm the shipping term, such as FOB or CFR. See FOB, CFR and CIF explained.
- Send your destination port and consignee details with your enquiry.
- Ask which documents are included in the quotation.
Our full process is on the export page.
Frequently asked questions
Which export documents do you provide?
We handle the Certificate of Origin, Fumigation Certificate, Lab Analysis and commercial documents such as the invoice, packing list and bill of lading.
Do all countries require the same documents?
No. Requirements differ by country. Tell us your destination and check the list with your customs broker.
Who arranges customs clearance at the destination?
Usually the importer or their customs broker. Under FOB, the buyer also arranges ocean freight and marine insurance.
What is a bill of lading?
It is the document issued by the shipping line that acts as a receipt for the goods and as the transport contract.