Sli что это в логистике

shipper’s letter of instruction (sli)

отгрузочное поручение
отгрузочная инструкция
указания грузоотправителя
Документ, содержащий подробные сведения о грузе и требованиях экспортера в связи с его перевозкой (ЕЭК ООН/ФАЛ). Инструкции продавца/грузоотправителя или покупателя/грузополучателя, выданные экспедитору, грузоперевозчику или его агенту или другому лицу, предоставляющему такую услугу, обеспечивающему передвижение товаров и связанную с этим деятельность. В документе могут быть предусмотрены следующие функции: перемещение и обработка товаров (транспортировка, экспедиторские услуги и хранение), совершение таможенных формальностей, распределение и передача документов (фрахт и сборы за связанные с ним операции), а также особые инструкции (страхование, опасные товары, выпуск товара, требования к дополнительным документам)
[Упрощение процедур торговли: англо-русский глоссарий терминов (пересмотренное второе издание) НЬЮ-ЙОРК, ЖЕНЕВА, МОСКВА 2011 год]

EN

shipping instructions
shipper’s letter of instruction (sli)
consignment instructions
Document advising details of cargo and exporter’s requirements for its physical movement (UN/ECE/FAL). Instructions from either the seller/shipper or the buyer/consignee to a freight forwarder, carrier or their agent, or other provider of a service, enabling the movement of goods and associated activities. The following functions can be covered: movement and handling of goods (shipping, forwarding and stowage), Customs formalities, distribution of documents, allocation of documents (freight and charges for the connected operations), special instructions (insurance, dangerous goods, goods release, additional documents required)
[Trade Facilitation Terms: An English — Russian Glossary (revised second edition) NEW YORK, GENEVA, MOSCOW 2761]

What Is a Shipper’s Letter of Instruction (SLI)?

Freight forwarders are appointed agents of shippers and exporters who organize and facilitate the shipment, as well as the documentation flow. In order to officiate this appointment, the United States requires all exporters to fill out a particular document.

A Shipper’s Letter of Instruction (SLI) is a document filed by the exporter of a shipment that clearly indicates all relevant shipping information, which freight forwarding agent it has appointed and how the shipment is to be handled. The United States mandates an SLI submission to the U.S. Customs Border Protection via the Automated Export System (AES).

Therefore, it’s important to understand a Shipper’s Letter of Instruction correctly, as well as why it’s important, who submits it, where it is submitted to and why it’s required. This article will address all of the above mentioned points and will also further clarify these through some examples and case templates.

Why Is a Shipper’s Letter of Instruction Important?

There are several reasons why it’s important for exporters to submit a Shipper’s Letter of Instruction. Here are the main ones:

1. The exporter or US Principal Party in Interest (USPPI) officially provides the freight forwarder with the power of attorney to export cargo on their behalf.
2. The information provided in the SLI acts as a single source of information for all parties. This information is complete, organized, within reach, usable, and includes all relevant shipment details.
3. It fulfills the requirement of submitting the Electronic Export Information (EEI) through the AES.
4. It clearly indicates shipping details and handling instructions so that the freight forwarder can understand how to handle the cargo and where it needs to go.

For these reasons, exporters should consider complying to the mandatory requirements. Typically, the freight forwarder you are working with will prompt and remind you to submit the SLI form.

Is the Shipper’s Letter of Instruction Mandatory?

There are certain countries that require a formal submission of a document that clearly shows which freight forwarding agent an exporter has appointed to handle a particular shipment.

In the United States, the Shipper’s Letter of Instruction is a mandatory document. The US Customs and Border Protection is mandated to collect data and keep track of all relevant shipment details and parties. Take note that failing to comply may result in fines of up to $10,000 and or recordkeeping infractions.

Who Is Required to Fill Out the Shipper’s Letter of Instruction?

The exporter (officially referred to as US Principal Party in Interest or USPPI in short) is liable for the information presented in the SLI. It’s important to note that this does not mean that they are required to fill in and submit this document. The exporter may appoint a licensed freight forwarder to take on this task.

However, it’s recommended to carefully consider requesting a freight forwarder to fill out these details. This is mainly because the exporter is able to outsource the responsibility, but not the liability. In essence, the exporter is liable for all details in the Shipper’s Letter of Instruction.

For What Type of Products is a Shipper’s Letter of Instruction Needed?

All shipments that are exported from the United States require a submission of an SLI. This means that there are no exemptions or exceptions pertaining to products. However, filing the Electronic Export Information (EEI) through the AES is only required if the value of consignment is above $2,500.

How to Fill Out a Shipper’s Letter of Instruction

There are various Shipper’s Letter of Instruction templates that are compliant and appropriate for submission. Almost every renowned freight forwarder will have their own SLI template, which they will be able to extend to exporters.

However, the official SLI template of the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America, Inc. (NCBFAA) is always preferred, as it contains all of the relevant data fields and is also updated to meet the latest regulations. Here you’ll be able to see shipper and consignee details, country of destination among other required details.

Below, you’ll find a guide on how to fill out the Shipper’s Letter of Instruction with definitions and examples.

1. USPPI Name – Stands for U.S. Principal Party in Interest (USPPI) and is the exporter (typically also the shipper). It is also the same company of which EIN is being used.
2. USPPI Address Including Zip Code: The full address and zip code of the USPPI.
3. Freight Location Company Name: If the USPPI cargo is located in a different facility, the name of the company storing the goods should be indicated.
4. Freight Location Address: The complete address of where the merchandise is located.
5. Forwarding Agent: The name and address of the company or person representing the USPPI for the filing of export documents.
6. USPPI EIN (IRS) No: The USPPI unique Employer Identification Number. Entering another EIN is strictly prohibited.
7. Related Party Indicator: To confirm if the USPPI or its consignee own 10% of the either company. If not applicable, indicate Non-related.
8. USPPI Reference #: The internal record or reference number of the shipment. This is used by the shipper and forwarder for easy identification.
9. Routed Export Transaction: Confirmation if the shipment routing is from the USPPI own freight forwarder or consignees.
10. Ultimate Consignee Name and Address: The complete name and address of the buyer of the merchandise.
11. Ultimate Consignee Type: Indicate the type of consignee here. Choices are Direct Consumer / Government Entity / Reseller / Other. The USPPI is requested to pick the nearest description.
12. Intermediate Consignee Name and Address: If the consignee at destination is represented by another company acting of the interest of the buyer of the merchandise.
13. State of Origin: The 2 character state code where the exporter originates from.
14. Country of Ultimate Destination: The final destination of the exported goods.
15. Hazardous Material: If the cargo is deemed to be hazardous. Type Yes or No in the given space.
16. In-Bond Code: If the shipment is traveling under bond the corresponding code is entered.
17. Entry Number: The unique entry number generated when export processing is being accomplished.
18. FTZ Identifier: If the goods are coming from a Free Trade Zone, indicate the 7 character code identifier.
19. TIB / Carnet: used for temporary export exemptions.
20. Gross Weight in kilos: Total weight of the shipment including packaging. All weights must be indicated in kilos.
21. SOLAS Certification: Indicate the verified gross mass (VGM) of the shipment including the container. This is for safety purposes of container handling at origin and destination.
22. Domestic or Foreign (D/F): Confirm if the goods for export are made in the US or originate from a foreign country.
23. Schedule B / HTS Number and Commercial Commodity Description: Enter unique 10 digit unique Harmonized Tariff Code.
24. Quantity in Schedule B / HTS Units: The confirmed weight of the shipment and packaging.
25. DDTC Quantity and DDTC Unit of Measure: Applies to exports requiring Department of State approval and the quantity of the item being shipped.
26. Shipping Weight (in Kilos): For all shipments using airfreight, sea freight, rail or truck, indicate the total weight of the commodity only.
27. ECCN, EAR99 or USML Category No.: Indicate the 5 character Export Control Classification Number. For EAR 99, the exporter must ensure that the items to be exported are not destined to a sanctioned country.
28. SME Indicator: (Y/N): If the exported items are part of International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) additional clearances are needed. If not applicable, enter ‘N’.
29. Export License No., License Exception Symbol, DDTC Exemption No., DDTC ACM No. Or NLR: Input the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) license for controlled items, if applicable.
30. Value at the Port of Export (US dollars): The total selling price of the goods including freight, insurance, and other origin charges. All amounts should be rounded up to the next dollar. omitting any cent value.
31. License Value by Item (if applicable) (US dollars): Enter the license value of each item being exported.
32. DDTC Applicant Registration Number: Enter the unique 6 number code DDTC registration number.
33. Eligible Party Certification: If the exporter is shipping ITAR or controlled items, enter ‘Y’.
34. AES Filing Requirement: AES filing is required for items above a $2,500 value Schedule B number. Indicate if applicable for non-applicable.
35. Freight Forwarder Authorization: This authorizes the freight forwarder to act on behalf of the USPPI, enabling them to fill out and submit the required Electronic Export Information (“EEI”), in accordance with US laws and regulations.
36. Statement Certification: The USPPI confirms that all provided information is accurate and understands the criminal liability for falsely declared information. A failure to provide correct information would find USPPI in violation of U.S. laws on exportation (13. U.S.C) Sec .305: 22 U.S.C. Sec 401, 18 U.S.C. Sec 1001, 50 U.S.C. app. 2410).
37. USPPI E-mail Address: The email address of the USPPI contact.
38. USPPI Telephone No.: The telephone number of the USPPI contact.
39. Printed Name of Duly Authorized Officer or Employee: Name of the USPPI employee who has been authorized to fill out these details.
40. Signature: Signature of the USPPI filling up the form. E-signatures are acceptable.
41. Title: Designation of the USPPI’s employee.
42. Date: The date the SLI was completed and signed.

Please take note that the above listed SLI guide refers to the official NCBFAA template. If you’re working with a particular freight forwarder, you’ll need to get in touch with them for more information.

Tips When Submitting the SLI

When submitting the Shipper’s Letter of Instruction there are certain things that you should keep in mind that can also speed up the approval process.

• Submit the SLI timely
• Ensure that all details are correct
• Request for help if needed
• Find a suitable SLI Template
• Appoint a freight forwarder beforehand

Shipper’s Letter of Instruction Template and Forms

Freight forwarders and exporters are free to have their own SLI template for export shipments, as long as all the information provided is complete and accurate. This information can either be filled in and submitted by the exporter or an appointed party.

As previously mentioned, The National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America, Inc., has made a standardized Shipper’s Letter of Instruction template available for anyone to download. This template is recommended.

Below is a list of SLI templates from various freight forwarders that you can access, as well as the standardized template from the NCBFAA.

Co-Founder & Writer
at freightcourse

About the Author

Gerrit is a certified international supply chain management professional with 16 years of industry experience, having worked for one of the largest global freight forwarders.

As the co-founder of freightcourse, he’s committed to his passion for serving as a source of education and information on various supply chain topics.

Shippers Letter Of Instruction (SLI)

A Shipper’s Letter of Instruction (SLI) is a note from the exporter to the freight forwarder with instructions on how a shipment is being sent and where it is going.

While each forwarder has their own SLI form, they all request the same details:

• Designation of consignor/consignee and their contact information
• Routing information
• Shipment dimensions and weight
• Goods description, and a UN number (if applicable)

Why do I need an SLI?

An SLI serves as both an order form and as proof that you are purchasing from the forwarder. It must be completed upon the pickup of your goods.

What is a SLI form?

A Shipper’s Letter of Instruction (SLI) is a ‘letter’ from the exporter instructing the freight forwarder on how and where to handle the export shipment. The exporter is granting permission to the forwarder to act as the authorized forwarding agent for U.S. export control and customs.

How do I fill out a SLI form?

How To Fill Out The Shipper’s Letter Of Instruction

1. Detail the Shipper and Consignee.
2. Notify Party.
3. Special Instructions.
4. Product Descriptions, Weight and Measurements.
5. Charges Payable By.
6. Commercial Value.
7. Destination Requirements.
8. Signature & Date.

What is SLI in international shipping?

The Shipper’s Letter of Instruction (SLI) can be used to provide Expeditors with all required data elements for transmission of the Electronic Export Information (EEI) as well as shipping instructions if Expeditors is acting as forwarding agent.

What does SME mean on shipper’s letter of instruction?

Significant Military Equipment
Note: A product is only EAR99 if it is not controlled under the ITAR and is not on the Commerce Control List: Commerce Control List-Alphabetical Index. 27. SME Indicator (Y/N) Place a “Y” in this column for ITAR items designated Significant Military Equipment (“SME”). If the ITAR item is not SME, place an “N”.

Who prepares the SLI?

The National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) has developed a template for the SLI that will stand the test of time. The NCBFAA has not only provided the form, they have prepared a set of instructions that references the regulations for each field that is available for completion.

What is d/f or m on SLI?

D/F OR M – DOMESTIC EXPORT (D): merchandise that is grown, produced, or manufactured in the United States (including imported merchandise which has been enhanced in value or changed from the form in which imported by further manufacture or processing in the United States).

Is SLI required?

An SLI is not a mandatory or legally binding requirement. However, the dependency may vary from country to country, determining the country-specific rules and foreign trade regulations. It serves as an order form as well as proof of purchasing from the forwarder.

What is an export license number?

An Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) is a five-character alphanumeric key used in the Commerce Control List (CCL) to classify U.S. exports and determine whether an export license is needed from the Department of Commerce. An ECCN categorizes a product based on its commodity, software, or technology.

What is ECCN or EAR99?

EAR99 is a classification for an item. It indicates that a particular item is subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), but not listed with a specific Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) on the Commerce Control List (CCL).