The supply chain through which goods are transported consists of multiple agents. These agents communicate with each other and exchange information and documentation to make the freight transport process possible.

1. EXPORT/ IMPORT PROCESS IN 12 STEPS
THE AGENTS INVOLVED

2. An importing company and an exporting company contact each other to
send/receive merchandise.
1

3. IMPORTER
EXPORTER
The exporter sends a pro forma invoice to the importer. There they list the description of the
merchandise, the prices, incoterms, data of the company, payment terms, etc.
The importer accepts and signs the conditions of the pro forma invoice. Then he sends it signed along
with an order form.
A purchase-sale contract and a letter of credit (if required) will then be drawn up.
2

4. IMPORTER'S BANK
The importer's bank issues the letter of credit indicating the terms that the exporter
must meet to receive payment.
3
IMPORTER
EXPORTER

5. IMPORTER'S BANK
IMPORTER
EXPORTER
The exporter's bank then notifies the exporting company that a letter of credit has been
opened in its name.
The exporter then reviews it and, if everything is correct, accepts it.
4
EXPORTER'S BANK

6. IMPORTER'S BANK
IMPORTER
EXPORTER
4
EXPORTER'S BANK
The exporter's bank then notifies the exporting company that a letter of credit has been
opened in its name.
The exporter then reviews it and, if everything is correct, accepts it.

7. IMPORTER'S BANK
IMPORTER
EXPORTER
EXPORTER'S BANK
Depending on the agreed Incoterm, the exporter or importer will assume the cost of
international transport through a freight forwarder (who will manage the transport).
5
FREIGHT FORWARDER

8. IMPORTER'S BANK
IMPORTER
EXPORTER
EXPORTER'S BANK
FREIGHT FORWARDER
6 INSURANCE COMPANY
The same agent in charge of hiring the freight forwarder will be the one who contracts an
insurance policy for the merchandise.

9. IMPORTER'S BANK
IMPORTER
EXPORTER
EXPORTER'S BANK
FREIGHT FORWARDER
INSURANCE COMPANY
7
CUSTOMS AGENT
The company also hires the service of a Customs Agent who makes it possible the exit of the
goods.
The goods enter the customs warehouse (temporary warehouse).
The Customs Agent submits (electronically) the Customs Declaration of Goods (based on the
documents provided by the exporter) to the Customs Office.

10. IMPORTER'S BANK
IMPORTER
EXPORTER
EXPORTER'S BANK
FREIGHT FORWARDER
INSURANCE COMPANY
CUSTOMS AGENT
CUSTOMS
OFFICE
The integrated Customs Management system corroborates this data. And, if they conform, number
and date the Customs Declaration of Goods.
Once accepted, the Customs Agent sends a copy of the Customs Declaration of Goods to the
exporter, and the goods can now be shipped.
8

11. IMPORTER'S BANK
IMPORTER
EXPORTER
EXPORTER'S BANK
FREIGHT FORWARDER
INSURANCE COMPANY
CUSTOMS AGENT
CUSTOMS
OFFICE
9
The shipping company (or the freight forwarder) issues the Bill of Lading (or a House Bill of
Landing) to certify that the goods are on board.

12. IMPORTER'S BANK
IMPORTER
EXPORTER
EXPORTER'S BANK
FREIGHT FORWARDER
INSURANCE COMPANY
CUSTOMS AGENT
CUSTOMS
OFFICE
Maison des arts
CERTIFICATION BODY
In addition, depending on the type of goods, They must have certain documents and
special certificates (issued by certification bodies).
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13. IMPORTER'S BANK
IMPORTER
EXPORTER
EXPORTER'S BANK
FREIGHT FORWARDER
INSURANCE COMPANY
CUSTOMS AGENT
CUSTOMS
OFFICE
Maison des arts
CERTIFICATION BODY
The operations for embarkment begin.
11

14. IMPORTER'S BANK
IMPORTER
EXPORTER
EXPORTER'S BANK
FREIGHT FORWARDER
INSURANCE COMPANY
CUSTOMS AGENT
CUSTOMS
OFFICE
Maison des arts
CERTIFICATION BODY
12
Transport is carried out and the goods arrive at their destination.

15. PROCESS RESULTS
AGENTS INVOLVED
TRANSFERRED
DOCUMENTS
Up to 20 documents/container
Up to 27 agents
DELAYS 1-2 days on average
INCREASE IN COSTS DUE TO
DELAYS OR MISSED
DEADLINE
20% of logistical costs

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