Commercial Invoice Template
For International Trade & Export (Free Download)
A commercial invoice is a customs document used in international trade. Unlike a regular invoice (which just requests payment), a commercial invoice also tells customs authorities exactly what's being shipped, where it's from, and what it's worth. Get it wrong and your shipment gets held at customs.
π₯ Free Commercial Invoice Template
Professional template with all mandatory fields. Word / PDF format.
Commercial invoice vs regular invoice β the difference
| Field | Regular Invoice | Commercial Invoice |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Request payment | Request payment + customs clearance |
| HS/Tariff code | β Not needed | β Required |
| Country of origin | β Not needed | β Required |
| Incoterms | β Optional | β Required (e.g. FOB, CIF, DDP) |
| Customs value | Invoice amount | Declared customs value (may differ) |
| Number of packages | β Not needed | β Required |
| Net/gross weight | β Not needed | β Required |
| Export declaration ref | β Not needed | β Required (UK: NES; EU: ECS) |
What a commercial invoice must include
Full name, address, VAT/EORI number
Buyer's name, address, import EORI
Unique sequential number
Where goods were manufactured
6-digit WCO code for each line item
Per item and total shipment
e.g. '3 cartons', '1 pallet'
e.g. FOB Liverpool, CIF Rotterdam, DDP Amsterdam
In invoice currency, clearly itemised
Specific, not generic. 'Blue cotton t-shirts' not 'clothing'
State clearly. GBP, EUR, USD, etc.
Signed declaration: 'I certify this invoice is true and correct'
Incoterms explained (the most common ones)
Incoterms define who bears the cost and risk at each point of the shipment journey. Always state the named place (e.g. "FOB Rotterdam").
How to find the HS code for your product
The Harmonised System (HS) code is a 6-digit number that classifies your product for customs. Getting it wrong can cause delays, fines, or incorrect duty rates.
FAQ β commercial invoices
Do I need a commercial invoice for services (not goods)?
No β commercial invoices are specifically for physical goods crossing international borders. For international services, use a regular invoice with appropriate VAT/reverse charge treatment.
How many copies of a commercial invoice do I need?
Typically 3: one for the exporter, one for customs, one for the consignee. Some countries require more β check the specific import requirements of the destination country.
What currency should a commercial invoice be in?
The agreed transaction currency. For customs valuation, the receiving country may convert to local currency at the rate on the date of import. State the currency clearly.
Can I use a proforma invoice instead of a commercial invoice?
A proforma is a preliminary document (like a quote), not a customs document. Customs requires the final commercial invoice. You can send a proforma first to get payment, then issue the commercial invoice when shipping.
What's the difference between commercial invoice and packing list?
The commercial invoice covers the financial transaction (values, payment terms). The packing list is a physical inventory of exactly what's in each box (weights, dimensions, package count). Both are typically required for customs.
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