commercial invoice forms & templates

Glossary : Customs : COMMERCIAL INVOICE FORMS & TEMPLATES

A commercial invoice is a form identifying the seller and buyer of goods or services, identifying numbers [invoice number] date, shipping date, mode of transport, port of entry, delivery and payment terms, and a complete listing and description of the goods or services sold including, quantities, prices, discounts.

The commercial invoice form is considered the most important document in international trade, because merchandise is not allowed to clear customs at the destination without one. That is even true if the goods are samples and have no commercial value. This document is usually the one that all the service providers first look to for information about your shipment. It is important to prepare the commercial invoice as clearly and accurately as possible to avoid problems with your shipment. The Commercial Invoice is a Customs requirement, not a transportation requirement. When someone is engaged in international trade, Customs requires a Commercial Invoice form.

You will need two copies of the Commercial Invoice. One must accompany the freight from the point of pickup to the point of customs clearance, the other should be attached to the Bill of Lading.

Free generic commercial invoice forms & templates are available on our website.