A commercial invoice is the customs document that accompanies an international shipment of goods. Customs authorities use it to assess duties and taxes, so it must declare the goods, their value, and the terms of sale accurately. This commercial invoice template covers the export-specific fields a domestic invoice leaves out.
It is the primary customs document for an international shipment. Customs uses it to classify the goods and assess duties and import taxes based on the declared value.
What are Incoterms and why include them?
Incoterms (like FOB or DDP) define who is responsible for shipping costs, insurance, and duties at each stage. Customs and carriers need them to process the shipment.
Is a commercial invoice the same as a proforma invoice?
No. A proforma is preliminary and sent before shipment; a commercial invoice is the final document declaring the actual goods and value being exported.