When an exporter engages a custom broker or forwarder to handle the customs declaration, he/she must give instructions on what to do with the shipment in the shipping instructions. The format of the shipping instructions varies, but all the forms essentially contain the same information. One form is often used in different modes of transportation.

B/L Application-Instructions

(Bill of Lading Application-Instructions)

Please see the sample B/L Application-Instructions (BLAI) below that is used in ocean shipment. The letter of credit (L/C) is a confidential document. Many exporters prefer not to let the customs broker or forwarder see the L/C, and instead provide a BLAI detailing the requirements and instructions of an ocean shipment. Please refer to the Ocean (Marine) Bills of Lading for the explanations on some of the fields in the sample B/L Application-Instructions (BLAI).

The exporter may provide the BLAI to the customs broker after he/she has obtained a shipping order (S/O) or a space booking number from the carrier. The BLAI usually is provided to the customs broker before obtaining the S/O in cases where the packing list and valid export permit are required to obtain the S/O.

The BLAI normally is accompanied by a copy of the commercial invoice and packing list, and the Insurance Application-Instructions if the customs broker is to arrange for insurance.

Some exporters supply the original L/C or its photocopy without supplying the BLAI, and let the forwarder manage the rest of the export routines with payment of fees and charges, which may include preparing of export documents and sending them to the bank.

Shipper's Letter of Instructions

The Shipper's Letter of Instructions (SLI) are shipping instructions that are used in air shipment, and at times in ocean shipment. The SLI contains basically the same information as in a B/L Application-Instructions, and it may contain the words "The exporter authorizes the forwarder named above to act as forwarding agent for export control and customs purposes" or the like. The SLI form is available from the carrier or the forwarder.