Buyer guide — Documentation
Coal import documentation in Africa
Every delayed coal consignment we have ever been asked to rescue was delayed by paperwork, not by the coal. Here is the complete document set and who issues each item.
The core document set
These travel with every consignment we despatch.
- —Commercial invoice and packing list
- —Certificate of origin (SADC or COMESA)
- —Certificate of analysis from an independent inspectorate
- —Weighbridge certificate at loading
- —Export permit and transit bond
- —Bill of lading or consignment note
- —Insurance certificate on CIF terms
Destination-side requirements
Import permits, pre-shipment inspection (required in several West African markets), tax identification and customs entry are handled by your clearing agent — or by ours, if you prefer a single point of accountability.
Letter of credit document control
Under a letter of credit, a single mismatched field can delay payment for weeks. We circulate draft documents for your bank's approval before shipment so discrepancies are caught early.
Frequently asked questions
- What documents prove Zimbabwean coal origin?
- A SADC or COMESA certificate of origin, issued alongside the commercial invoice and analysis certificate.
- Do I need pre-shipment inspection?
- Several West and North African markets require it. We arrange SGS or Bureau Veritas pre-shipment inspection where your customs authority mandates it.
Related — Buyer guides
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