The core document set at a glance
The documents required for customs clearance in Azerbaijan depend on the type of goods, their value, the country of origin and the importer’s status. For most shipments, the core set looks like this:
- Commercial invoice.
- Packing list.
- Transport document: AWB, B/L, CMR or rail waybill.
- Certificate of origin — where required.
- Certificates of conformity, phytosanitary, veterinary or hygiene certificates — depending on the goods.
- Permits and licences for restricted goods.
- Sales contract and payment documents.
- Power of attorney for the customs broker — if a broker handles clearance.
- VÖEN (tax ID) for companies, FİN (personal ID number) for individuals.
Commercial invoice: what it must include
A proforma invoice is a preliminary document for payment and does not replace the commercial invoice. The shipment must travel with a final commercial invoice that matches the goods actually shipped: if the order changed, the invoice must be updated too. Prepare scans of your documents in advance — with electronic clearance they are needed quickly.
The invoice is the key document for determining customs value, so it must be complete and accurate. Ask your supplier for an invoice with the following details:
- Full names, addresses and details of the seller and buyer.
- Invoice number and date.
- A clear description of the goods: what they are, material, model — not generic terms like "gift", "sample" or "accessories".
- Quantity, unit price and total value for each line, and the currency.
- Delivery term (Incoterms 2020, for example EXW or FOB) and payment terms.
- Country of origin and, where possible, the HS code.
- Weight and number of packages, plus the seller’s signature or stamp.
Packing list
The packing list shows what is in each package and speeds up customs inspection. Its figures must match the invoice and transport document exactly — discrepancies can trigger a more detailed check.
It should state the total number of packages, the contents of each carton, net and gross weight, dimensions and marks. For cargo shipped through our warehouses, the TK number on the cartons must match the marks on the list.
The most common discrepancies are:
- The number of packages on the list differs from the transport document.
- Gross weight does not match the weight on the invoice or waybill.
- One carton holds several kinds of goods, but the list shows only one.
- The goods are described one way on the invoice and another way on the packing list.
Transport documents: AWB, B/L, CMR, SMGS
The transport document confirms that the goods were handed to the carrier, and its type depends on the mode of transport. For consolidated cargo a master manifest is issued, and in Azerbaijan each client’s cargo is handed over with an internal waybill.
Who arranges transport depends on the Incoterm: under EXW, for example, it is the buyer or the buyer’s forwarder; under CIF or CPT, it is the seller. Specify in the contract who provides the transport document, when and in what form.
- AWB (Air Waybill) — for air freight.
- B/L (Bill of Lading) — for sea freight; it also serves as a document of title to the goods.
- CMR — the international road consignment note.
- SMGS waybill — for international rail shipments.
Certificate of origin and form ST-1
A certificate of origin confirms where the goods were produced. In some cases it directly affects duty: goods originating in CIS countries with which Azerbaijan has free trade agreements may be exempt from import duty when a valid certificate of origin in form ST-1 is presented.
The certificate is issued by an authorised body in the country of origin, and its details must match the invoice. Confirm in advance whether the exemption applies to your goods — it depends on the product and the terms of the agreement.
Certificates, permits and licences
Some product groups need additional documents for customs clearance. Find out before you order — preparing paperwork while the goods are in transit means delays and storage costs.
Check in advance whether a foreign certificate provided by the supplier is accepted in Azerbaijan or whether local certification is needed. The product name, model and manufacturer on the certificate must match the invoice.
- Certificate of conformity — confirms the goods meet technical requirements and standards.
- Phytosanitary certificate — for plant products: fruit, vegetables, seeds and some wood materials.
- Veterinary certificate — for products of animal origin.
- Hygiene (sanitary) documents — for groups such as food, cosmetics and children’s products.
- Permits and licences — for restricted goods, for example medicines and certain chemicals.
Contract, payment records, power of attorney and e-declaration
The sales contract and payment records (proof of bank transfer) confirm that the transaction is genuine and support the declared value. They matter most for imports by companies.
If a customs broker handles clearance, the importer issues a power of attorney. Companies are identified by their VÖEN, individuals by the FİN on their ID card.
The customs declaration is filed electronically in the system of the State Customs Committee. Its data must match your documents, so checking the whole set in advance saves time.
How TuranKargo helps with documents
The list in this guide is general. The exact documents for your goods depend on the HS code, the country of origin and the clearance terms, so it is worth confirming them for each shipment. After your request, we send you the list of documents you need.
- Transport + Customs ("Cargo") — for China, Turkey and the USA: we ship the cargo to Azerbaijan and handle customs clearance, and you see one final amount.
- Customs brokerage — for cargo from other countries, as a separate service on individual terms: document checks, preparing the customs declaration and coordinating procedures.
- Measurement and document checks at warehouse intake — discrepancies are caught before clearance begins.