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A Commercial Invoice acts as the official bill of sale when shipping goods internationally to or from South Africa. It shows key details like the buyer and seller information, what's being sold, quantities, prices, and delivery terms - all essential for customs clearance and trade compliance.

Under South African customs law, this document helps determine import duties and VAT, while proving ownership and transfer of goods. Banks also rely on Commercial Invoices for processing letters of credit and other trade finance arrangements. Companies must ensure these invoices comply with SARS requirements and include the correct customs tariff codes.

Use a Commercial Invoice anytime you're exporting or importing goods through South African customs. This document becomes essential when shipping products internationally, processing foreign payments, or claiming VAT refunds on exports. It's particularly important for transactions requiring letters of credit or bank financing.

SARS requires Commercial Invoices for all international shipments valued over R50,000. Companies dealing with regular cross-border trade need these invoices to maintain accurate records for tax purposes, prove ownership transfers, and speed up customs clearance. They're also crucial when applying for export incentives or managing shipping insurance claims.

• Proforma Invoice For International Shipping: Used before final sale to quote prices and secure buyer commitment
• Commercial Invoice For Export: Standard export document meeting SARS requirements for international sales
• Invoice For Customs Purposes Only: Specialized format for non-sale shipments like samples or returns
• Commercial Invoice And Tax Invoice: Combined format meeting both VAT and export documentation needs
• Packing List And Commercial Invoice: Integrated document detailing both cargo contents and commercial terms

• Exporters: Create and issue Commercial Invoices when shipping goods internationally, ensuring compliance with SARS requirements
• Customs Officials: Review these documents to assess duties, verify values, and clear shipments through borders
• Freight Forwarders: Handle documentation for clients, coordinate with customs, and manage shipping logistics
• Bank Officers: Process trade finance and letters of credit based on Commercial Invoice details
• Import/Export Compliance Teams: Verify accuracy, maintain records, and ensure adherence to trade regulations
• SARS Auditors: Examine invoices during tax assessments and VAT refund claims

• Basic Details: Gather complete buyer and seller information, including VAT numbers and physical addresses
• Product Information: List exact quantities, descriptions, unit prices, and total values in both ZAR and foreign currency
• Shipping Terms: Confirm Incoterms, delivery method, and destination port or address
• Customs Data: Look up correct tariff codes for each item through SARS online tools
• Export Details: Note export permit numbers and control requirements if applicable
• Payment Terms: Specify payment method, currency, and banking details clearly
• Document Review: Double-check all calculations and verify compliance with SARS requirements

• Invoice Header: Title as "Commercial Invoice" with unique reference number and date
• Party Details: Full legal names, VAT numbers, and physical addresses of buyer and seller
• Product Description: Detailed specifications, quantities, unit prices, and total values
• Trade Terms: Specified Incoterms, delivery conditions, and payment terms
• Customs Information: Country of origin, tariff codes, and export permit details
• Currency Details: Exchange rates and total values in both foreign and local currency
• Declaration Section: Statement confirming invoice accuracy and compliance with SARS requirements
• Authorisation: Company representative's signature, name, and designation

A Commercial Invoice differs significantly from a standard Invoice Form in several key aspects, particularly for international trade in South Africa. While both document types record sales transactions, their purposes and legal requirements vary considerably.

• Legal Status: Commercial Invoices serve as official customs declarations and proof of transaction value, while standard Invoice Forms only record domestic sales
• Required Information: Commercial Invoices must include export-specific details like HS codes, country of origin, and Incoterms - elements not needed in basic Invoice Forms
• Regulatory Compliance: Commercial Invoices must meet SARS international trade requirements and customs regulations; standard Invoice Forms only need to satisfy basic VAT rules
• Usage Context: Commercial Invoices facilitate international trade, customs clearance, and foreign exchange transactions, while Invoice Forms mainly support local business operations and tax records