What Documents Do You Need to Trade Physical Commodities?

The bill of lading (B/L) is the most important shipping document — it serves as a receipt for goods loaded, a document of title (ownership), and evidence of the contract of carriage. For bulk commodities, a negotiable ocean bill of lading is standard. Clean bills (without annotations about cargo damage) are required for letter of credit presentations.

Other shipping documents include the packing list (details of cargo packaging), the cargo manifest (summary for customs), the mate's receipt (pre-cursor to the B/L issued at loading), and the notice of readiness (vessel's declaration that it's ready to load/discharge). For containerized cargo, the container packing list and seal numbers are also required.

The commercial invoice details the goods, quantity, price, and payment terms — it's the basis for customs valuation and payment. The proforma invoice is the pre-shipment version used for LC applications and import permits. The letter of credit (if applicable) with all amendments must accompany document presentations to the bank.

Insurance certificates prove that cargo insurance is in place — required under CIF terms and for LC presentations. The certificate of origin verifies where the commodity was produced, which determines applicable tariffs and trade agreement eligibility. Some commodities require specific origin documentation (e.g., Kimberley Process certificates for diamonds).

Weight and quality certificates from independent inspectors (SGS, Bureau Veritas, Intertek) verify the quantity loaded and the commodity's specifications. These are critical for price adjustments, claims, and LC presentations. Phytosanitary certificates (for agricultural products) confirm the cargo is free from pests and diseases, required by importing country authorities.

For specific commodities, additional documents may be required: fumigation certificates for grains, material safety data sheets (MSDS) for chemicals, radiation certificates for metals from certain origins, and REACH compliance documentation for chemicals entering the EU. Sanctions compliance documentation and due diligence records are increasingly required by banks processing commodity payments.