What is a Manifest and What is it Used For?

A Manifest is an English term that refers to a list of all the goods being transported by a particular means of transport. In fact, a manifest is the complete list of cargo on a ship, train, truck, or airplane. This list is presented when the commercial shipment arrives at the destination customs. The manifest is very important for customs authorities and transportation companies, as it helps them control the cargo and ensure its legal entry and exit.

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What is a Customs Manifest?

A manifest is a declaration or a complete list of shipment details entering maritime, air, or land borders. The list of cargo on a ship, train, truck, or aircraft is called a "manifest." In Persian, it can be referred to as the "Master Cargo List," containing all detailed information related to the shipment. This list is submitted when the commercial shipment arrives at the destination customs.

 

Types of Manifest

There are different types of cargo manifests, each will be used depending on the mode of transportation and legal requirements. Each type of manifest plays a vital role in the management, control, and supervision of cargo transport. They help port authorities, customs officials, and transportation companies to track and inspect goods. The most important types of manifests include the following:

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    Cargo Manifest

    A cargo manifest is a comprehensive list of all goods loaded on a ship, including details such as the shipper and consignee's names, type and quantity of goods, container number, and origin/destination country information.
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    Container Manifest

    This manifest is specific to containerized shipments and provides complete details of each container, including the container number, weight, type of cargo, and names of the cargo owners.
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    Customs Manifest

    A Customs Manifest is a document prepared for submission to customs authorities, detailing the specifications of goods for inspection and approval of their entry or exit from a country.
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    Dangerous Goods Manifest (DGM)

    A Dangerous Goods Manifest is specific to hazardous materials such as chemicals, fuel, and compressed gases. It contains information about the type of material, its hazards, and the safety requirements for transportation.
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    Passenger Manifest

    A Passenger Manifest is used on passenger ships and includes a complete list of passengers, their details, and travel itinerary information.
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    Bill of Lading Manifest

    A Bill of Lading Manifest is a compilation of information from various bills of lading, used by a shipping company to better manage cargo.

 

If you need consultation regarding any type of manifest, please contact the consultants at Torang Darya Shipping Company.

 

What Is the Use of a Manifest in Commerce?

The primary use of a manifest is to help port and customs authorities monitor and control transportation by tracking and inspecting goods. Since a manifest contains comprehensive information about the shipment, including its weight and volume, it is considered an essential document. However, it is not mandatory to have a customs manifest in order to prepare a declaration.

 

What Does a Customs Manifest Include?

A manifest includes a detailed list of goods. The customs manifest consists of entries that record all relevant events from the time the goods are loaded in the country of origin until they are delivered in the destination country. The information in the manifest shows from which country’s customs the goods were shipped and confirms that nothing has been added or removed during transit. If any items are added or removed from the original shipment, those changes must be reflected in the manifest.

 

Specifications of a Customs Manifest

A customs manifest includes some of the most important details and specifications. These specifications must be translated into the language of the destination country and included in the document.

 

Customs Manifest Details:

  • Shippers(Sender of the cargo)

  • B/L No. and Date(Bill of Lading number and issue date)

  • Actual Weight(Precise weight of the cargo)

  • Marks and Numbers of Cargo(Identification marks and numbers on the packages)

  • Consignee(Owner or recipient of the cargo)

  • Number of Packages and Descriptions(Total number of packages and detailed description of each)

  • Actual Measurement (if available)(Exact dimensions or volume of the cargo)

  • Estimated Tonnage (Approximate weight or tonnage of the shipment)

  • Port of Shipment (Loading port of the goods)

  • Destination(Port of discharge/delivery)

  • Freight Rate(Agreed rate for cargo transport)

  • Actual Freight(Total cost of transportation)

  • Where Freight Is Payable(Place of payment for freight charges)

  • Other Remarks(Any additional information or comments)

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      Frequently Asked Questions

       

      What is a Cargo Manifest?

      A cargo manifest is a general list of all goods transported by a vehicle, which is important for customs and regulatory authorities and is used for monitoring purposes.

      What is the difference between a Manifest and a Bill of Lading?

      A manifest is an oversight document listing all cargo, while a bill of lading is a legal and ownership document for a specific shipment.

      What is the difference between a Manifest and a Customs Declaration?

      A manifest is a general list of all goods transported by a vehicle, used by customs and regulatory authorities. A customs declaration, however, is a document that includes detailed and accurate information about the goods—such as type, quantity, value, and customs procedure—and is submitted by the owner or their legal representative to customs for clearance.

      Who issues the Cargo Manifest?

      Transport companies such as shipping lines, airlines, rail, or road transport carriers are responsible for issuing the manifest.

      Is a Manifest required for all modes of transport?

      Yes, a manifest is essential for all modes of transportation, although its content and details vary between sea, air, land, and rail transport.

      Why is the Manifest important for customs?

      The manifest helps customs authorities inspect, control, and prevent illegal entry or exit of goods.

      What is the use of a Manifest?

      A manifest is a general list of all goods on a transport vehicle used by customs and regulatory bodies. In many countries, it is used as a substitute for a customs declaration because it contains key information about the cargo. In some countries, having a manifest alone allows the cargo to cross borders without submitting a separate declaration.

      Conclusion

      In general, the manifest is used for monitoring and controlling cargo and transportation. The bill of lading proves the transport contract and ownership of goods, while the customs declaration includes full and detailed information about the goods—such as type, quantity, value, and customs procedure—and is submitted by the cargo owner or their legal representative to customs for clearance.

       

      For more information about manifests and other shipping documents, feel free to contact the consultants at Torang Darya Shipping Company.