Import Operations and Documentation
The document set
A typical import file contains a proforma invoice/indent, commercial invoice, packing list, transport document (bill of lading, airway bill, road/rail consignment note), certificate of origin, insurance certificate where required, and the bill of exchange if payment is by collection or LC. The bill of lading is a document of title (endorsable, delivers constructive possession); an airway bill is not - it is a consignment note only. That single distinction drives a large share of objective questions.
Incoterms 2020 discipline
Incoterms allocate cost, risk and obligation, not ownership or payment. Under FOB, risk and cost pass to the buyer when goods are on board at the named port; under CIF/CFR, the seller contracts and pays carriage (and insurance under CIF) but risk still passes at shipment. Incoterms 2020 changed DAT to DPU and consolidated FCA-on-board provisions. Trap: candidates assume CIF means the seller bears risk until destination - it does not.
Procedure
Importer lodges an EIF with the AD, who endorses the shipping documents, and clearance is made through WeBOC against the goods declaration, HS code and applicable valuation. Payment mode determines the documentary route: advance payment, open account, documents against payment/acceptance (collection) or LC. Restricted/prohibited goods are listed in the IPO; DTRE and Export Facilitation Scheme allow duty-free input imports for exporters.
Worked rule of thumb
Ask "who pays freight, who bears risk, where does risk pass?" in that order. Example: FOB Karachi, goods damaged after loading - loss is the buyer's, though the seller arranged the port handling. Under CIF, the same loss is also the buyer's, but the seller must have arranged minimum ICC(C) cover.