First-time seafood importers often find that the documentation side of an international order requires as much attention as the product specification itself. Missing or incorrect paperwork is one of the most common causes of customs delays, and the requirements can vary depending on the product category, the destination country and the shipping method used. This checklist outlines the documents importers typically need when working with a canned tuna exporter or wider seafood supplier, and what to confirm before a shipment is dispatched.
Commercial Invoice and Packing List Basics
The commercial invoice and packing list form the foundation of almost every international shipment. The commercial invoice typically includes:
- Seller and buyer details
- A description of the goods, including quantity and unit price
- Total order value and agreed currency
- Shipping terms (such as FOB, CIF or other agreed incoterms)
The packing list complements the invoice with physical shipment details — number of cartons, weights, dimensions and how goods are distributed across pallets or containers. Importers should review both documents carefully before shipment to confirm they match the agreed purchase order, since discrepancies between the invoice, packing list and physical goods are a common cause of customs queries.
Certificate of Origin and Why It Matters for Customs
A certificate of origin confirms the country in which the goods were produced or substantially transformed. This document can affect:
- Applicable import duties, particularly where trade agreements exist between the origin and destination countries
- Customs clearance speed, since missing origin documentation can trigger additional verification
- Compliance with destination-market labeling requirements that reference country of origin
Importers should confirm with their customs broker or import compliance team whether a specific certificate of origin format is required for their market, as requirements can vary by destination and by trade agreement status.
Health and Veterinary Certificates for Seafood Shipments
Seafood products typically require health or veterinary certification confirming that the goods meet the food safety requirements of the destination market. These certificates are usually issued by a recognized authority in the country of origin and may need to accompany specific product categories such as canned tuna, caviar or crab. Importers should confirm with their supplier:
- Which certificates are issued as standard for the products being ordered
- Whether the certificate format matches what the destination country's customs and food safety authorities require
- How far in advance the certificate is typically issued relative to shipment dispatch
Because requirements can differ between seafood categories, importers sourcing both canned tuna and premium seafood products such as caviar or crab should confirm documentation separately for each category rather than assuming identical requirements apply.
Catch Certificates for Certain Seafood Categories
Depending on the product and destination market, a catch certificate may also be required, particularly for wild-caught species. This document supports traceability back to the original catch and is increasingly requested by customs authorities and retailers as part of broader supply chain transparency requirements. Importers should ask their supplier directly whether a catch certificate applies to the specific products being ordered, since not all seafood categories require one.
Transport Documents: AWB and Bill of Lading
The transport document depends on the shipping method used:
- Air Waybill (AWB) — used for air freight shipments, serving as both a contract of carriage and a receipt for the goods.
- Bill of Lading (B/L) — used for sea freight, and depending on the type issued, may also function as a document of title to the goods.
Importers should confirm early in the order process which transport document will apply, and clarify whether an original document is required for customs clearance or whether a copy is sufficient, since this affects how the documents are physically transmitted between exporter, freight forwarder and importer.
How to Request Documentation Support from Your Supplier
Rather than waiting until a shipment is ready to leave, importers are better served by raising documentation requirements at the start of the supplier relationship. A practical approach includes:
- Requesting sample documentation from a previous shipment, where the supplier is able to share it, to confirm format and content
- Sharing destination-market documentation requirements with the supplier in writing before the first order is confirmed
- Agreeing on a timeline for when documentation will be issued relative to the shipment date
- Confirming a single point of contact on the supplier's side for documentation questions
Suppliers experienced in international seafood export are typically familiar with these requirements and can flag potential issues before they affect a shipment. For importers also exploring a private label arrangement, documentation requirements should be confirmed for the private label product specifically, since custom labeling can occasionally affect certification details. See our related guide on private label canned tuna for retailers and distributors for more on this process.
Marituna's Approach to Export Documentation
Marituna supports international buyers with the documentation required for canned tuna and seafood shipments, including commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and health or veterinary certification where applicable, coordinated alongside our production and logistics partners. Our export team discusses documentation requirements directly with each buyer before an order is confirmed, helping to reduce the risk of delays once a shipment is in transit.
To discuss documentation requirements for your specific market, or to review our product range before placing a first order, visit our product range or download our product catalogs. Our team is available to clarify documentation expectations for both canned tuna and wider seafood categories.