What is a commercial invoice?
A commercial invoice is the seller's bill to the buyer in an international sale. Beyond requesting payment, it is the primary document customs authorities use to value the goods, classify them (via the HS code) and assess duties and taxes. Banks rely on it under letters of credit, and it must agree with the Bill of Lading and packing list for the same shipment.
What a commercial invoice should contain
- Parties: seller/exporter and buyer/importer with full addresses and tax or EORI numbers; the consignee if different
- Identification: invoice number and date, purchase order or contract reference
- Terms: the Incoterms® rule and named place, currency, payment terms
- Goods: a precise description of each line, HS code, quantity and unit, unit price and line amount
- Origin and transport: country of origin, ports of loading and discharge, B/L or air waybill number, number of packages
- Totals: subtotal, freight and insurance where the Incoterms rule includes them, and the invoice total
- Declaration: a statement that the particulars are true and correct, signed by the exporter
Requirements differ by destination country, so check the importing country's customs rules for any mandatory statements.
Frequently asked questions
What is a commercial invoice used for?
Customs uses it to value, classify and clear the goods and to calculate duties and taxes; the buyer uses it to pay; banks use it under letters of credit. It must match the Bill of Lading and packing list for the same shipment.
Commercial invoice vs. proforma invoice — what's the difference?
A proforma invoice is issued before the sale is final, as a quotation or so the buyer can arrange payment, an import licence or a letter of credit. A commercial invoice is issued when the goods ship and is the document customs and payment are based on. Some countries accept a proforma for clearance only when the commercial invoice follows.
Commercial invoice vs. packing list?
The commercial invoice states what the goods are worth and what the buyer owes. The packing list states how the goods are packed — package count, weights and dimensions — and carries no prices. Customs and carriers use both, and the package count and weights must agree.
What is an HS code and where do I find it?
The Harmonized System code is the international product classification customs uses to set duty rates. The first six digits are common worldwide; countries add further digits for their own tariff. Look it up in the importing country's tariff database (for example the EU's TARIC or the US HTS).
Is this commercial invoice template free?
Yes. Fill it in online and print or save as PDF. No signup, no watermark, and nothing you type is uploaded.
Who signs the commercial invoice?
The seller or exporter, usually with the signatory's name and title and the place and date. Many destinations require the signed declaration that the particulars are true and correct.