General
Cross Trade
A shipment where seller and buyer are in different countries and cargo moves directly between two other countries without passing through the forwarder home country.
In depth
Cross-trade (triangular trade) moves goods directly between two countries while the seller and buyer are in a third. The forwarder may issue documents showing neutral shipper/consignee to protect commercial confidentiality. Tax and customs treatment needs careful structuring.
Key points
- Cargo does not transit the trader’s home country
- Documentation may use switch B/Ls to hide supplier identity
- VAT/GST and sanctions screening apply to all parties and routes
- Requires experienced forwarder and legal/tax advice