A practical responsibility map.
| Item | Who provides or coordinates it | Boundary |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | Supplier provides the true product and transaction data | Parties, products, values, currency and sale terms must be accurate |
| Packing list | Supplier provides it; warehouse facts support the final check | Packages, final dimensions, gross weight and marks must match the cargo |
| China export declaration | Buildcargo coordinates it within the written scope | If the customer self-declares, the customer supplies the required declaration materials |
| Bill of lading or HBL | Buildcargo or the transport party arranges it | A DDP customer does not normally need the original bill, but receives the agreed milestone evidence |
| Certificate of origin | Supplier and an eligible issuing process | Availability and destination need must be confirmed |
| Destination entry | Importer, broker and Buildcargo’s agreed destination coordination | Importer identity, classification, value, taxes, permits and route terms control the entry |
After the customer and suppliers provide accurate product and transaction information, Buildcargo coordinates the remaining export, transport, customs and delivery tasks that are listed in the written service scope.
Who pays duty, VAT or GST?
The shipping term and written quote determine which party advances or pays listed destination charges. Door-to-door does not automatically mean duty paid. DDP applies only when the quote explicitly confirms a duty-paid scope for the named destination. Other arrangements can leave duty and tax with the importer.
Classification starts with product facts.
Furniture, cabinets, windows, tiles, stone, lighting and appliances can have different materials, uses and component combinations. Those facts affect the HS classification, duty and possible trade measures. A product photo alone is not enough. Provide material composition, intended use, specifications, origin and any known HS code.
When specialist review is required.
Electrical products, regulated wood, stone, windows, appliances, batteries, chemicals and products affected by anti-dumping or countervailing measures may need customs-broker, laboratory, certification-body or legal review. Product material, use, origin and HS code must be checked before any conclusion is made.
- United States AD/CVD official search
- Canada SIMA measures in force
- European Union import and Access2Markets guidance
- European Union TARIC
These official databases support a product-specific review. They do not turn a generic furniture description into a confirmed tariff, anti-dumping or certification conclusion.
Documents should match the physical cargo.
Descriptions, package count, dimensions, weight and value should be consistent across the supplier records, warehouse facts and transport documents. A mismatch discovered after booking can cause amendment, delay or cost.
Send this for a document and duty review.
- Product names, photos, materials and intended use.
- Supplier quotations or commercial invoice draft.
- Destination country and importer type.
- Known HS code, certificate or test report.
- Requested shipping term and delivery postcode.
Any duty, VAT/GST, certification or anti-dumping conclusion remains provisional until the responsible customs or compliance party confirms it in writing.