Trade Documentation & Compliance Services

Documentation service providers charge $50-$300 per shipment or document set.

Processing 400-3,000 shipments annually generates $80,000-$600,000 with 70-85% margins.

In 2025, proper documentation prevents shipment delays and penalties.

Revenue from commercial invoice and packing list preparation, certificate of origin ($25-$100), export declarations and AES filings, bill of lading review, industry-specific certificates (FDA, USDA, phytosanitary), and compliance documentation bundles.

Successful providers prepare accurate compliant documentation, understand destination country requirements, meet tight shipment deadlines, provide fast turnaround and corrections, and prevent documentation delays.

Exporters and freight forwarders as clients.

Marketing through freight forwarder partnerships, exporter referrals, trade associations, fast turnaround and accuracy reputation, and export service packages.