Commercial Invoice Template
A commercial invoice is the seller's bill for goods shipped across a border, listing what is in the shipment, what it is worth and who is buying it, and it is the main document customs uses to classify the goods and calculate duty. The template below is pre-filled with a sample from Granite Outdoor Gear Co. to Harbor Trail Supplies Ltd: 4 lines, $5,888.00. Edit it and download the PDF.
Pre-filled commercial invoice sample ($5,888.00). Example prices: replace them with your own.
From
Granite Outdoor Gear Co.
12 Market Street
Springfield, IL 62704
billing@example.com
Commercial Invoice
Bill to
Harbor Trail Supplies Ltd
40 Station Road
Fairview, OR 97024
| Description | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insulated hiking jacket, men's MHS 6201.40, origin USA, 100% polyester shell | 40 each | $68.00 | $2,720.00 |
| Aluminium trekking polesHS 6602.00, origin USA | 60 pair | $24.50 | $1,470.00 |
| Merino hiking socks, 3-packHS 6115.94, origin Peru | 150 pack | $11.00 | $1,650.00 |
| Export packing | 6 carton | $8.00 | $48.00 |
- Subtotal
- $5,888.00
- Balance due
- $5,888.00
Notes
Reason for export: sale. 6 cartons, gross weight 118 kg, net weight 104 kg.
Made with Billwise - invoice-pdf-maker-app.web.app
Preview of the PDF. Everything stays in your browser: nothing is uploaded.
What is a commercial invoice?
A commercial invoice is the seller's bill for goods shipped across a border, listing what is in the shipment, what it is worth and who is buying it, and it is the main document customs uses to classify the goods and calculate duty.
The tool prints it with the heading "Commercial Invoice" and behaves as an invoice.
Sample commercial invoice: Granite Outdoor Gear Co. to Harbor Trail Supplies Ltd
| Item | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insulated hiking jacket, men's M (HS 6201.40, origin USA, 100% polyester shell) | 40 each | $68.00 | $2,720.00 |
| Aluminium trekking poles (HS 6602.00, origin USA) | 60 pair | $24.50 | $1,470.00 |
| Merino hiking socks, 3-pack (HS 6115.94, origin Peru) | 150 pack | $11.00 | $1,650.00 |
| Export packing | 6 carton | $8.00 | $48.00 |
| Total | $5,888.00 |
When to use a commercial invoice
- You ship goods to a buyer in another country by courier, post, air or sea freight.
- A parcel carrier asks for an invoice to attach to an international shipment.
- Your buyer's customs broker needs the declared value, origin and tariff codes to clear the goods.
- You send replacement parts or samples abroad and must still declare their value, even though no payment is due.
What a commercial invoice must include
- Exporter and importer names, addresses and contact details
- Consignee and delivery address if different from the buyer
- Invoice number and date of export
- A precise description of each item: material, purpose, model
- Harmonized System (HS) tariff code per line
- Country of origin of each item
- Quantity, unit price and line value
- Currency of sale and the Incoterm
- Gross and net weight and number of packages
- Reason for export: sale, sample, repair or return
Commercial Invoice vs similar documents
-
vs proforma invoice
A proforma invoice is issued before the shipment to request payment or support an import licence; the commercial invoice accompanies the goods when they actually leave.
-
vs packing slip
A packing slip lists what is in each box so the receiver can check the delivery and usually shows no prices; customs needs the values and tariff codes on the commercial invoice.
-
vs tax invoice
A domestic tax invoice is built around the seller's VAT or GST charge; an export commercial invoice is built around customs data such as HS codes, origin and Incoterms, and exports are often zero-rated for VAT.
Legal and tax note
For goods imported into the United States, the required contents of a commercial invoice are set out in 19 CFR 141.86 (US Customs and Border Protection). Customs authorities in other countries publish their own lists, and a vague description or a value that does not match the sale can delay clearance.
General information, not legal or tax advice.
How to make a commercial invoice
-
Open the pre-filled sample
The tool above starts as "Commercial Invoice" from Granite Outdoor Gear Co. to Harbor Trail Supplies Ltd.
-
Replace the parties
Enter your business and your customer, plus incoterm, reason for export and packages.
-
Edit the lines
Change the 4 sample lines ($5,888.00 in total) to your own items and prices.
-
Check the required fields
Make sure all 10 fields listed above are filled, then download the PDF.
Trades that use a commercial invoice
Frequently asked questions
Who prepares the commercial invoice, the seller or the shipper?
The seller (exporter) prepares it, because only the seller knows the real transaction value. A freight forwarder or courier may type it into their system, but the content is the seller's responsibility.
Do I need a commercial invoice for a free sample?
Yes. Customs still needs a value, so declare a realistic one and give the reason for export as a sample, not for resale. A declared value of zero usually prompts questions at the border.
What is an HS code and where do I find it?
The Harmonized System code is the international tariff classification of a product; the first six digits are shared by most countries. Look it up in the destination country's tariff schedule or your own customs authority's tariff search.
How many copies of a commercial invoice should go with the parcel?
Many carriers ask for printed copies in a document pouch on the outside of the parcel as well as an electronic copy in their booking system. Check your carrier's current instructions for the number.