Learn about the process of exporting by sea

Exporting is one of Vietnam’s key economic sectors. The export of goods is carried out through many routes such as sea, road, air,…. In this article we will cover the process of exporting goods by sea. Specifically the steps are as follows:

1. Introduction 

Exporting goods by sea is one of the most important and popular methods of transporting goods in the world. This is a method of transporting goods in large quantities and at low cost, helping trade between countries around the world grow stronger.

But exporting goods by sea also has difficulties and risks. Companies need to prepare knowledge and experience about packaging, shipping processes and procedures to help transport take place quickly and accurately.

2. Prepare documents for the export process

Before exporting goods by sea, companies need to prepare order information and recipient information. And prepare many other steps in the export process.

Step 1: Register to export

First, you need to register to export goods by sea. Companies need to declare and register with state management agencies to receive export licenses and carry out procedures related to customs and transportation. Specifically:

• Information about the exporting enterprise: Name, address, tax code, phone number, email,…

• Information about exported products: Product name, unit, quantity, value,…
• Information about export destination: Place of receipt, export port, warehouse address,…
• Information about means of transportation: Ship name, number, departure date, departure location,…

After registering to export, the enterprise will be granted an export license and carry out procedures related to customs and transportation.

Step 2: Prepare necessary documents

In parallel with step 1, companies need to prepare necessary documents such as:

• Sale contract
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing list
• Certificate of origin
• Customs documents
• Documents related to transportation

Step 3: Place order and negotiate with customer

In the next step of preparing the necessary documents, companies need to proceed with the goods according to the agreement with the customer. This step is considered a prerequisite for implementing the process of exporting goods by sea. This process requires agreement between the buyer and the seller regarding the product, quality, quantity, price, delivery time…

3. Process of exporting goods by sea

3.1. Packing and container loading process

Regulations on packaging of goods

Regulations on packaging of goods are regulations prescribed by State management agencies on the packaging of goods before transporting to ensure safety for the carrier, protect goods from risks and avoid legal risks related to shipping goods by sea.

These regulations include: regulations on appropriate packaging, how to package goods, shipping documents, how to arrange goods in containers and other regulations related to the transportation of goods by sea. Companies need to comply with these regulations to ensure a smooth export process and customer satisfaction.

Container loading process

The containerization process is the process of loading goods into containers to transport. This process includes steps such as choosing a container suitable for the type of goods, renovating and painting the container (if necessary), packaging the goods and arranging the goods in the container securely. The container will then be closed and sealed before being transported to its destination.

The container packing process needs to comply with regulations and standards prescribed by State management agencies to ensure goods safety and avoid legal risks.

3.2 Transport goods to port

Select means of transportation

Choosing a means of transportation is an important step in the process of transporting goods to the port. Companies need to choose a vehicle suitable for the type of goods, distance and delivery time.

Common means of transportation include truck, sea, air and rail. Choosing the right means of transportation will help companies save costs and ensure goods are transported to the port safely and quickly.

Necessary procedures and documents 

Necessary procedures and documents are legal requirements that companies need to comply with when transporting goods to the port. These procedures include documents related to import and export, inspection and fees payment, declaration of goods and documents related to transportation.

Completing all necessary procedures and documents will help businesses avoid legal risks and help the goods transportation process take place smoothly and effectively.

3.3. Customs clearance and customs declaration procedures

Customs declaration process

The customs declaration process is the process of registering goods information and documents related to import and export before goods arrive at the port. This process includes declaring goods information, making a packing list, paying fees, inspecting goods and preparing documents related to import and export.

This information and documents will be checked and processed by customs authorities to ensure goods safety and avoid legal risks. The customs declaration process needs to be carried out accurately and completely to ensure the import and export of goods takes place smoothly and effectively.

Necessary documents

Necessary documents are documents and information related to the process of importing and exporting goods by sea. These documents include export invoices, import invoices, shipping documents, customs declaration documents, goods inspection documents and documents related to fees and taxes.

Preparing and completing the necessary documents will help companies avoid legal risks and ensure the process of importing and exporting goods is convenient and effective.

3.4. Transporting goods by sea

Means of transport by sea

Means of transport by sea include ships, containers, oil tankers, liquefied gas carriers and bulk carriers. These types of vehicles have different designs and functions, suitable for different types of goods and transport distances. Vessels are used mainly for short-term shipping routes, while containers and bulk carriers are used for long-term and long-distance shipping routes.

Choosing the right means of transportation will help companies save costs and ensure goods are transported to their destination safely and quickly.

Process of transporting goods

The process of transporting goods includes steps to prepare goods, select means of transport, pack and close containers (if necessary), prepare shipping documents, carry out necessary procedures at the port, and seal the goods. Seal the container and transport the goods to the destination. During transportation, goods need to be protected and secured, especially for sensitive or high-value goods.

Implementing all steps in the goods transportation process will help businesses ensure quality and save costs, while avoiding risks during transportation.

3.5. Receive goods at the port of discharge 

Necessary procedures and documents

Procedures and documents required to receive goods at the port of destination include steps such as registering entry information, preparing documents related to entry and customs clearance, declaring and paying fees, inspecting goods and preparing documents. documents related to import.

Necessary documents include Commercial invoices, shipping documents (if any), customs declaration documents and documents related to taxes and fees.

Completing all necessary procedures and documents will help businesses avoid legal risks and ensure the import process takes place smoothly and effectively.

Process of receiving goods at the port of discharge

The process of receiving goods at the destination port includes preparation steps, arrival at the destination port, immigration and customs clearance procedures, goods inspection, receipt of goods and transportation to the destination location.

During this process, it is necessary to ensure that the goods are thoroughly inspected to ensure that no problems occur during transportation. After inspection and receipt of goods, it is necessary to prepare documents related to import and customs clearance at the port.

Completing all the steps in the process of receiving goods at the destination port will help companies ensure the quality of goods and avoid legal risks.

4. Issues when exporting goods by sea

Risks that may occur when exporting goods by sea

When exporting goods by sea, companies may face risks such as goods safety, legality, time, price, environmental conditions and transport vehicle condition. Reasonable solutions are needed to minimize damage and optimize the process of transporting goods by sea.

How to solve problems when exporting goods by sea

To solve problems when exporting goods by sea, companies need to properly package and protect goods, comply with export and customs clearance regulations, choose appropriate means of transportation, make goods insurance, track the transportation process and apply new technology to optimize the logistics process.

5. Summary

Through this article, customers have grasped the process of exporting goods by sea. The export process is quite complicated, requiring businesses to have professional skills to handle all situations that arise.

Customers need more advice on the import-export field. Please contact us for the best support.

• Address: LK07-C14 Ministry of National Defense, Bui Xuong Trach Street, Hoang Mai District, Hanoi, Vietnam
• Phone: 0345.128.188
• Fax: (02).432.099.006
• Email: sales@vietlinhagrimex.vna