Commercial invoice

When used in foreign trade, a commercial invoice is a customs document. It is used as a customs declaration provided by the person or corporation that is exporting an item across international borders.[1] Although there is no standard format, the document must include a few specific pieces of information such as the parties involved in the shipping transaction, the goods being transported, the country of manufacture, and the Harmonized System codes for those goods. A commercial invoice must often include a statement certifying that the invoice is true, and a signature.

A commercial invoice is used to calculate tariffs, international commercial terms (like the Cost in a CIF) and is commonly used for customs purposes.

Commercial invoices in European countries are not normally for payment. The definitive invoice for payment usually has only the words "invoice". This invoice can also be used as a commercial invoice if additional information is disclosed.

A sample commercial invoice format[2]

COMMERCIAL INVOICE
SENDER: AUTO PARTS FEE WAREHOUSE 7634 KIMBEL STREET UNIT 1-9 MISSISSAUGA,ON L5S-1M6 Phone:905.677.0996 Fax: 999-999-9999 Tax ID/VAT/EIN# nnnnnnnnnn			RECIPIENT: XYZ Company 3 Able End There, Shropshire, UK Phone:99-99-9999
Invoice Date: 12 December 2007			Invoice Number: 0256982
Carrier tracking number: 526555598			Sender's Reference: 5555555
Carrier: GHI Transport Company			Recipient's Reference: 5555555
Quantity	Country of Origin	Description of Contents	Harmonized Code	Unit Weight	Unit Value	Subtotal (USD)
1,000	United States of America	Widgets	999999	2	10.00	10,000
Total Net Weight (lbs):	2,000	Total Declared Value (USD):	10,000
Total Gross Weight (lbs):	2,050	Freight and Insurance Charges (USD):	300.00
Total Shipment Pieces:	1,000	Other Charges (USD):	30.00
Currency Code:	USD	Total Invoice Amount (USD):	10,330
Type of Export: Permanent			Terms of Trade: Delivery Duty Unpaid
Reason for Export: stated reason
General Notes: notes and comments
The exporter of the products covered by this document - customs authorization number - declares that, except where otherwise clearly indicated, these products are of United States Of America preferential origin. I/We hereby certify that the information on this invoice is true and correct and that the contents of this shipment are as stated above. Name, Position in exporting company, company stamp, signature