Pre-shipment export document checklist (QT → PI → CI → PL)
Many delays are document mismatches — PI qty vs CI, PL weight vs booking, Incoterms vs B/L. Here is a practical five-document checklist for export staff to run 24 hours before shipment.
Letterhead and deal header
Seller EN name, address, contact match company profile; buyer name/address match order; currency, Incoterms, ports, payment terms identical across five docs; correct number prefixes (QT/PI/SC/CI/PL).
Lines and amounts
Description, specs, unit, price, qty aligned across QT, PI, SC, CI; CI lists only shipped lines; totals match contract/receipts; discounts and charges reflected or noted.
Packing and physical data
PL cartons, gross/net weight, volume match booking; marks match cartons; HS codes (if required) align on CI and PL; PI bank details still valid.