What is a shipping advice and how does it work?

A shipping advice should include all essential details of the shipment, enabling the importer to arrange insurance coverage based solely on the advice provided. The following details should be included in a shipping advice:

• Introduction: The shipping advice should commence with a brief introductory paragraph highlighting the information required by the letter of credit.

• Description of goods: The shipping advice must include a detailed description of the goods in alignment with the description provided on the commercial invoice.

• Invoice value of goods: The advice should mention the total amount displayed on the commercial invoice as this information is important for obtaining insurance coverage.

• Letter of credit number: If the payment term involves a letter of credit, the shipping advice should state the letter of credit number and the date of issue.

• Name of carrier: Regardless of the mode of transport, the shipping advice should specify the name of the carrier involved.

• Name of vessel and voyage number: For sea shipments, the shipping advice should indicate the name of the vessel and the corresponding voyage number. For air shipments, the flight number should be provided, and for land shipments, the plate number should be included.

• Consignee and notify party: The shipping advice should mention the consignee and notify party as indicated on the transport document (e.g., bill of lading, air waybill, CMR transport document).

• Bill of lading number: The bill of lading number allows the importer to track the consignment. For air shipments, the air waybill number should be provided, and for land shipments, the CMR number can be included.

• Container number: The container number should be included. This, along with the bill of lading number, allows concerned parties to track the consignment.

• Shipped on board date: The shipped on board date serves as evidence of the shipment date, which is crucial information for insurance companies, particularly for sea shipments.

• Seal number: For sea shipments, the shipping advice should include the seal number of the container.

• Gross and net weight: The shipping advice should specify the gross and net weight of the consignment.

• Packages: The total number of packages should be indicated, corresponding with the information on the transport document.

• Shipper: Lastly, the shipping advice should include the name of the shipper company as given on the transport document.

In conclusion, shipping advice is crucial for streamlining communication, planning, and execution of shipments in the global trade landscape. By providing comprehensive details about the shipment, it enables timely decision-making, enhances transparency, and minimizes risks.

Indian businesses aiming to broaden their horizons through e-commerce exports must grasp the complexities of shipping documentation to achieve success in global markets. For more support on compliance and documentation, exporters can leverage the tools and services provided by e-commerce export programs like Amazon Global Selling.

With Amazon global logistics, Indian exporters can send their shipments across the world via Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA). To assist global sellers and exporters deliver international orders in a hassle-free and seamless way, Amazon takes care of everything from packing, shipping to delivery and customer service through the FBA program. With FBA, sellers can focus on their business expansion in terms of product quality, launches, marketing and more, while Amazon handles international shipping for them.

To export from India, register with Amazon Global Selling in just 15 minutes by sharing a few KYC documents (identity proof, address proof and credit card). With millions of customers globally, you can leverage Amazon’s global scale across 18 global marketplaces. To support you for hassle-free logistics, Amazon has also launched SEND, enabling FBA sellers to ship directly to international fulfillment centers at competitive prices. All you have to do is book, pay and track shipments without any hassles from India to the world.