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A Commercial Invoice is the key document you need when selling goods internationally. It acts as both a customs declaration and a bill of sale, showing exactly what's being shipped, who's buying it, and how much it costs. Think of it as your shipment's passport and price tag combined.

Under U.S. customs law, this document helps officials determine import duties and taxes, while giving them proof of the transaction's value. For businesses, it serves as a vital record for accounting, tax compliance, and proof of export. Your Commercial Invoice must include specific details like product descriptions, quantities, prices, and shipping terms - details that customs brokers and freight forwarders rely on to clear your goods through borders.

Use a Commercial Invoice any time you're shipping goods internationally from the United States. It's essential for all export shipments, from small business parcels to large container loads. Customs officials require this document to clear your goods through borders and calculate import duties.

You need one when selling products to overseas buyers, fulfilling international purchase orders, or sending commercial samples abroad. Many U.S. exporters prepare Commercial Invoices alongside their shipping documents and export declarations. Banks also require them for letter of credit transactions, making them crucial for securing payment in international trade. Having accurate, detailed Commercial Invoices helps prevent costly delays at customs and ensures smooth trade compliance.

• Proforma Invoice For International Shipping: Used before finalizing a sale to show estimated costs and terms
• International Invoice: Standard Commercial Invoice for completed international sales
• Invoice For Customs Purposes Only: Specialized format for non-sales shipments like samples or returns
• Shipping Invoice For Customs: Detailed version emphasizing shipping terms and logistics data
• Custom Clearance Invoice: Format with extra customs-specific details for complex clearance situations

• Exporters: Create and issue Commercial Invoices when shipping goods abroad, ensuring accurate product descriptions and values
• Customs Officials: Review these documents to assess duties, verify compliance, and clear shipments through borders
• Freight Forwarders: Handle Commercial Invoices as part of export documentation, coordinating with customs brokers
• Banks: Process these invoices for international payments and letters of credit transactions
• Import Buyers: Use the document to verify shipment details and arrange payment
• Shipping Companies: Require Commercial Invoices to transport goods internationally and complete customs formalities

• Basic Details: Gather complete company information for both seller and buyer, including tax IDs and addresses
• Product Information: List exact descriptions, quantities, unit prices, and total value of goods
• Shipping Terms: Determine Incoterms, delivery method, and expected shipping dates
• Country Requirements: Check specific U.S. export documentation rules for your product category
• Payment Details: Include payment terms, currency, and any letter of credit information
• Classification Codes: Look up correct Harmonized System (HS) codes for each product
• Final Review: Double-check all calculations and ensure compliance with customs requirements

• Invoice Header: Clear "Commercial Invoice" title, unique reference number, and date of issuance
• Party Information: Complete legal names, addresses, and tax IDs for seller and buyer
• Product Details: Detailed descriptions, quantities, unit prices, and total value in U.S. dollars
• Trade Terms: Specified Incoterms, shipping method, and delivery conditions
• Origin Statement: Country of manufacture or production for each item
• Customs Data: HS codes, export control numbers, and license information if required
• Declaration: Statement certifying information accuracy and compliance with export laws
• Authorized Signature: Name, title, and signature of company representative

A Commercial Invoice differs significantly from a standard Invoice Form in several key ways, particularly in international trade contexts. While both document financial transactions, their purposes and requirements vary substantially.

• Legal Status: Commercial Invoices serve as official customs documents and must comply with international trade regulations; standard Invoice Forms only record domestic business transactions
• Required Information: Commercial Invoices need detailed product descriptions, HS codes, country of origin, and export control numbers; Invoice Forms typically only require basic item and payment details
• Usage Context: Commercial Invoices facilitate international customs clearance and duty calculations; Invoice Forms primarily track accounts receivable
• Regulatory Compliance: Commercial Invoices must meet specific U.S. Customs and Border Protection requirements; Invoice Forms follow basic accounting standards
• Payment Terms: Commercial Invoices often include international payment methods and Incoterms; Invoice Forms typically specify simpler domestic payment terms