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A Commercial Invoice is your key trade document when moving goods internationally - it's the official record of what you're selling, to whom, and for how much. Australian businesses use it both as a customs declaration and as proof of the sale's terms, making it essential for clearing goods through border control.

Beyond listing prices and quantities, this document helps Australian authorities calculate import duties and GST. It must include your ABN, detailed product descriptions, country of origin, and agreed Incoterms. Most Australian banks also require it when processing letters of credit or handling international payments.

Use a Commercial Invoice any time you're exporting goods from Australia or importing products from overseas suppliers. This document becomes essential the moment you arrange international shipping, as Australian customs officials require it to process your shipment and calculate duties.

Australian businesses need it for several other key moments: when applying for import/export permits, processing letters of credit through banks, filing GST returns, or proving compliance with trade agreements. Having it ready before your shipment reaches customs helps avoid costly delays and ensures smooth clearance through border control.

• Proforma Invoice For International Shipping: Used before finalizing a sale to show estimated costs and goods details.
• Commercial Invoice And Proforma Invoice: Combines both preliminary and final invoice details in one comprehensive document.
• Commercial Invoice For Customs Purposes Only: Specifically formatted for customs declarations, focusing on duty calculations.
• Invoice For Customs Purposes Only: Simplified version used solely for customs clearance, not payment.
• Packing List And Commercial Invoice: Integrates detailed shipping contents with commercial details for complete cargo documentation.

• Exporters: Australian businesses selling goods overseas create and issue these invoices, ensuring accurate product descriptions and pricing details
• Customs Officials: Review Commercial Invoices to assess duties, verify compliance with trade regulations, and clear shipments
• Freight Forwarders: Handle documentation on behalf of exporters, ensuring Commercial Invoices meet destination country requirements
• Banks: Process international payments and letters of credit based on Commercial Invoice details
• Import Brokers: Use these documents to calculate landed costs and handle customs clearance for incoming goods
• Tax Authorities: Reference Commercial Invoices for GST compliance and international trade reporting

• Business Details: Gather your ABN, company name, and complete contact information for both parties
• Product Information: List exact descriptions, quantities, unit prices, and HS codes for all items
• Shipping Terms: Confirm Incoterms, delivery method, and agreed payment terms
• Origin Details: Document country of manufacture and any special trade agreement certificates
• Currency Information: Specify exchange rates if using multiple currencies
• Compliance Check: Review against Australian Border Force requirements and destination country rules
• Documentation: Attach required permits, certificates of origin, or special licenses

• Invoice Header: Document title, unique reference number, and date of issue
• Party Information: Full legal names, ABNs, and registered addresses of buyer and seller
• Product Details: Precise item descriptions, quantities, unit prices, and total value
• Trade Terms: Specified Incoterms, delivery conditions, and payment terms
• Compliance Data: HS codes, country of origin, and any required permit numbers
• Tax Information: GST status, registration numbers, and applicable tax rates
• Declaration: Statement confirming accuracy of information for customs purposes
• Authorisation: Signature block with name and position of authorised representative

Let's compare a Commercial Invoice with an Invoice Form. While both documents record sales transactions, they serve different purposes and have distinct requirements under Australian law.

• Legal Status: Commercial Invoices are formal customs documents that must comply with international trade regulations and Border Force requirements, while Invoice Forms are primarily internal accounting documents for domestic transactions.
• Required Information: Commercial Invoices need additional details like HS codes, country of origin, and Incoterms that aren't necessary on standard Invoice Forms.
• Usage Context: Commercial Invoices facilitate international trade and customs clearance, while Invoice Forms handle domestic sales and GST reporting.
• Verification Process: Commercial Invoices often require special certification or validation by customs authorities, unlike Invoice Forms which typically only need business verification.