To clear a forklift through customs you need five core documents: a bill of lading, a commercial invoice, a packing list, a certificate of origin, and any compliance certificate your market requires — CE for the EU machine, or EPA / EU Stage proof for a diesel engine. The bill of lading is the carrier’s receipt and title; the invoice and packing list set the customs value and contents for duty; the certificate of origin proves where the truck was made, which can affect the tariff; the compliance certificate shows the machine meets local rules. Miss one and the shipment stalls at the border. This guide lists each document, who issues it, and what it is for, so your first import clears without delay. Your customs broker confirms the exact set for your country and the shipment date. HONGLI, building at its plant in Tai’an, Shandong, since 2012, issues the export documents and certificates against your order and destination.
Core import documents (checklist)
| Document | Issued by | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Bill of lading (B/L) | Carrier / forwarder | Receipt and title for the cargo |
| Commercial invoice | Seller | Sets value for duty and payment |
| Packing list | Seller | Lists contents, weight, dimensions |
| Certificate of origin | Seller / chamber | Proves country of manufacture (tariff) |
| Compliance certificate (CE; EPA / EU Stage for the engine) | Maker / test body | Shows the machine meets local rules |
Documents your market may add
Some countries ask for extra paperwork: an import licence, a customs declaration form, an insurance certificate (for CIF), or a fumigation certificate for wooden packing. Your broker lists what your border requires before the goods sail.
How to avoid a hold at the border
Check the documents match before shipping: the model, quantity, value and HS code must read the same across the invoice, packing list and bill of lading. A mismatch is the most common cause of a customs hold. Confirm the compliance certificate is in the maker’s name.
FAQ
What documents do I need to import a forklift?
A bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin and any compliance certificate — CE for the EU machine, or EPA / EU Stage proof for a diesel engine. Your broker confirms the full set.
What is a certificate of origin for?
It proves where the forklift was made, which can change the tariff rate under trade agreements.
Why do shipments get held at customs?
Most often a mismatch between documents — model, value or HS code that does not match across the paperwork.
Who issues the certificates?
HONGLI issues the export documents and compliance certificates against your order and destination.
Related: /resources/knowledge-base/forklift-import-duty-by-country/ · /blog/export-buyer-checklist/ · /service-support/process/ · /get-a-quote/