What is the difference between a proforma invoice, a commercial invoice and a packing list?
A proforma invoice is a quote sent before shipment so the buyer can confirm the order, arrange payment or apply for an import licence. The commercial invoice is the final sales invoice that customs use to assess duties; it states value, origin and terms of sale. The packing list shows how the goods are packed: cartons, quantities, weights and dimensions. Customs and forwarders compare these documents, so the quantities must match.
Which Incoterms make the seller pay freight and insurance?
Under CFR and CPT the seller pays the main freight. Under CIF and CIP the seller also insures the goods; Incoterms 2020 require cover of at least 110% of the value, on ICC (C) terms for CIF and ICC (A) for CIP. Under EXW, FCA, FAS and FOB the buyer pays the main freight. Under DAP, DPU and DDP the seller delivers at the destination.
How are net weight and gross weight calculated?
Net weight is the goods alone; gross weight adds the packaging. Triplicate takes the weights per carton you enter, works out the net weight per piece so a partly filled last carton is counted correctly, and adds the packaging weight once for every carton.
How many digits of the HS code should I use?
The first 6 digits are the same in every country that uses the Harmonized System. Countries add their own digits after that, for example 10 in Korea and the United States and 8 in the EU's Combined Nomenclature. Use your own country's code on export documents and let the importer confirm the classification at destination.
Can my buyer pay in USDC?
Triplicate can print your wallet address and a QR code for USDC or USDT as a payment option, next to your bank details. The payment goes straight from the buyer to your wallet. Always state the exact network, and check your country's foreign exchange and tax rules before accepting crypto for exports.
Is my data stored anywhere?
No. There is no account, and the documents are built in your browser, not uploaded. Your last entries are kept in your own browser so you can pick up where you left off. The one exception is text you choose to paste into AI quick fill: it is sent to our server only to fill in the form, as the privacy policy explains.
Can I make a purchase order with Triplicate?
Yes. Choose the Purchase order tab, fill in your company as the buyer (consignee) and your supplier as the shipper/exporter, and the same items, prices and Incoterms become a purchase order with signature lines for you and the supplier. There is also a free purchase order template in Excel.
Can I make a sales contract for my buyer to sign?
Yes. Open the Sales contract tab: the seller, buyer, goods, prices, Incoterms rule, payment and shipment details come from the same form, with signature lines for both parties. Anything you write in Remarks is printed as other terms. Have the contract reviewed before signing; there is also a free sales contract template in Excel.
Can I make a certificate of origin with Triplicate?
Yes, a general (non-preferential) one. Open the Certificate of origin tab: the exporter, consignee, transport details, goods, HS codes, cartons and weights come from the same form, with the exporter's declaration and space for the chamber of commerce's stamp. To claim lower duty under a trade agreement, use that agreement's own form or origin statement. There is also a free certificate of origin template in Excel.
How do I send the documents to my buyer or a colleague?
Save them as PDF, or use Copy link: the link carries the documents, so whoever opens it sees them filled in. You can also download the open document as an Excel file (.xlsx). Nothing is uploaded; the details travel inside the link. Ready-to-send English emails (proforma invoice, shipping advice, payment reminder and more) are in the export email templates.
Can I print the invoice in triplicate, with an original and copies?
Yes. Next to the PDF buttons, choose Copies: each document is then saved with a page marked ORIGINAL, followed by pages marked COPY, for example one original and two copies when a letter of credit asks for a commercial invoice in triplicate. The choice is remembered on this device.