Export commercial invoice

The commercial invoice is the document the exporter issues to the buyer for the sale. At destination, customs uses it to calculate duties and taxes, so its details have a direct financial impact on your customer.

Details you cannot leave out

Requirements vary by country, but almost every invoice needs:

Seller and buyer details.
Invoice number and date.
Description of goods, quantities, unit and total price.
Currency and Incoterm (for example FOB or CIF) with its named place.
HS tariff code and country of origin.
Container, vessel or shipment reference.

Why the Incoterm matters

The Incoterm defines who pays freight and insurance and where risk passes to the buyer. Destination customs uses it to determine the customs value, so it must be consistent with the bill of lading (freight prepaid or collect).

Common mistakes

These force amended declarations and delay clearance:

Quantities that differ from the packing list.
An HS code that differs from the certificate of origin.
A proforma invoice sent instead of the final one.

How ContainerDocs helps

The invoice travels in the same email as the bill of lading, packing list and certificates for each container, so your customer’s customs broker has everything together and on time.

General information. Requirements change by country, product and trade agreement; confirm them with your customer or customs broker.