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A Commercial Invoice (Handelsrechnung) acts as the key billing document for international trade in Germany. It tells customs officials and business partners exactly what goods are being shipped, their value, and the terms of sale. This document proves ownership, helps calculate import duties, and meets requirements under German trade laws.

Beyond its basic billing role, the Commercial Invoice serves as legal proof for tax authorities and supports VAT documentation under German tax regulations. Companies use it to track international transactions, verify shipment details, and maintain records for both EU and non-EU trade compliance. German customs authorities require it to include specific details like the Incoterms used and the country of origin.

Use a Commercial Invoice for every international shipment leaving or entering Germany. This document becomes essential when selling goods across borders, especially for transactions with non-EU countries. German customs officials require it for clearing shipments, calculating duties, and verifying trade compliance.

Create one before shipping any commercial goods internationally - even for samples, repairs, or returns. German tax authorities need these invoices to track VAT payments and verify export declarations. Companies dealing with regular cross-border trade often integrate Commercial Invoice generation into their order processing systems to streamline customs clearance and maintain proper documentation.

• Commercial Invoice Pro Forma Invoice: Used for price quotes and preliminary customs clearance before final sale
• Proforma Invoice For International Shipping: Helps secure import permits and letter of credit transactions
• Invoice For Customs Purposes Only: Specifically designed for non-commercial shipments like samples or gifts
• Commercial Invoice For Customs: Standard format meeting German customs requirements for regular trade
• Commercial Invoice For Customs Purposes Only: Used for temporary imports or warranty replacements

• Exporters/Sellers: Create and issue Commercial Invoices for each international shipment, ensuring accuracy of product details and pricing
• Customs Officials: Review these documents to determine import duties, verify compliance with trade regulations, and clear shipments
• Freight Forwarders: Handle documentation processing, ensure proper completion, and coordinate with customs authorities
• Finance Teams: Use invoices for accounting, VAT reporting, and maintaining trade records under German tax law
• Import/Export Compliance Officers: Monitor invoice accuracy, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain proper documentation
• Buyers/Importers: Reference these documents for payment terms, product verification, and customs declaration purposes

• Basic Details: Gather complete company information for both seller and buyer, including VAT numbers and EORI numbers
• Product Information: List exact descriptions, quantities, unit prices, and Harmonized System (HS) codes for all items
• Shipping Terms: Determine applicable Incoterms, delivery conditions, and payment terms
• Documentation: Collect origin certificates, export licenses, and any special permits required
• Compliance Check: Verify all information meets German customs requirements and EU trade regulations
• Format Review: Our platform automatically includes all mandatory elements in the correct format for German customs
• Final Verification: Double-check currency conversions, totals, and required signatures

• Company Details: Full legal names, addresses, VAT IDs, and EORI numbers of both parties
• Invoice Identifiers: Unique invoice number, date of issue, and shipping date
• Product Information: Detailed description, HS codes, quantities, unit prices, and total value
• Trade Terms: Applicable Incoterms, delivery conditions, and payment terms
• Country Details: Origin and destination countries, plus any transit countries
• Shipping Information: Mode of transport, packaging details, and gross/net weights
• Currency Information: Exchange rates and total amounts in both foreign and Euro currencies
• Legal Declaration: Statement confirming invoice accuracy under German export regulations

People often confuse a Commercial Invoice with a standard Invoice Form, but they serve different purposes under German law. While both document financial transactions, Commercial Invoices specifically support international trade and customs processes.

• Legal Requirements: Commercial Invoices must include additional elements like HS codes, country of origin, and Incoterms to meet German customs regulations
• Purpose: Commercial Invoices primarily facilitate customs clearance and international trade compliance, while Invoice Forms focus on domestic billing
• Content Detail: Commercial Invoices require more detailed product descriptions, weights, and packaging information for customs purposes
• Currency Handling: Commercial Invoices often show multiple currencies and exchange rates, whereas Invoice Forms typically use only Euro amounts
• Legal Status: Commercial Invoices serve as official customs documents and export declarations, giving them additional legal weight in international trade