Import vs. Export Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Whether you're an importer, exporter, or freight forwarder, understanding the shipping process helps ensure cargo moves efficiently from origin to destination.

Let's break it down.

🚢 Export Process
The export process begins when the shipper is ready to move cargo overseas.
A typical export shipment follows these steps:
- Receive Shipping Request
- Freight Quotation
- Booking Request
- Booking Confirmation
- Empty Container Pick-up (FCL)
- Cargo Stuffing & Sealing
- Export Customs Declaration
- Submit Shipping Instruction (SI)
- Submit Verified Gross Mass (VGM)
- Container Gate-in at Port (CY)
- Vessel Departure
- Bill of Lading (B/L) Issued
- Send Shipping Documents to the Consignee
The exporter must ensure all documents are submitted before the shipping line's cut-off time to avoid cargo rollovers or documentation delays.

📦 Import Process
Once the vessel is en route, the import process begins.
A typical import shipment follows these steps:
- Receive Pre-Alert & Shipping Documents
- Receive E-Manifest Authorization & Submission Deadline
- Submit E-Manifest (House B/L, if applicable)
- Vessel Arrival
- Arrival Notice (A/N)
- Import Customs Declaration
- Pay Freight & Local Charges
- Delivery Order (D/O) or Electronic Delivery Order (EDO)
- Cargo Pickup
- Empty Container Return (FCL)
- Shipment Completed
Preparing customs documents before the vessel arrives helps reduce storage, demurrage, and detention costs.

📄 Key Documents
Throughout the shipment, several important documents are required, including:
- Booking Confirmation
- Commercial Invoice (CI)
- Packing List (PL)
- Shipping Instruction (SI)
- Verified Gross Mass (VGM)
- Certificate of Origin (C/O)
- Bill of Lading (B/L)
- Pre-Alert
- Arrival Notice (A/N)
- E-Manifest
- Delivery Order (D/O) / Electronic Delivery Order (EDO)
Each document serves a different purpose, from booking cargo and customs clearance to cargo release at destination.

Final Thoughts
International shipping is more than simply moving cargo—it's a coordinated process involving documentation, customs procedures, transportation, and communication between multiple parties.
In summary:
- Export: Booking → Customs → SI & VGM → Vessel Departure → Bill of Lading
- Import: Pre-Alert → E-Manifest → Customs → D/O / EDO → Cargo Pickup
Understanding the import and export workflow helps logistics professionals, freight forwarders, importers, and exporters improve efficiency, minimize delays, and keep shipments moving on schedule.

Simply ExIm thru Sow Exim
91 9944430392
ceo@sowexim.com
www.sowexim.com