Free commercial invoice template

Download a commercial invoice in Excel with the fields customs, banks and couriers expect, and totals that calculate themselves. Or fill in one form online and get the matching packing list too.

What the template covers

Shipper or exporter, consignee or buyer and notify party, with tax IDs
Invoice number and date, PO or contract number and L/C number
Incoterms 2020 rule with named place, payment terms, currency, ports, vessel and sailing date
Description, HS code, quantity, unit, unit price and amount per line, with subtotal, freight, insurance and total
Country of origin, bank details, amount in words and a signed declaration

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Guides on this topic

Commercial Invoice Requirements for Customs: A Worldwide ChecklistWhat a commercial invoice must show for customs: core fields, US 19 CFR 141.86, EU, UK, Canada and Brazil rules, freight and value basis, samples…Export Documents Checklist: What You Need and Who Issues EachWhich documents an export shipment needs and who issues each: invoices, packing list, B/L or air waybill, certificate of origin, insurance,…

What the commercial invoice is for

The commercial invoice is the seller's bill for the goods shipped and the main document customs uses to check what the goods are, what they are worth and where they come from. Banks examine it under a letter of credit, and couriers clear parcels with it.

How to fill it in

Describe each line in plain trade language (what it is, material and use), give an HS code you have checked, and state the Incoterms 2020 rule with its named place. Show freight, insurance and discounts as separate amounts, and make quantities, weights and marks match the packing list and the bill of lading.

Common mistakes

Vague descriptions such as "parts" or "samples", a value of zero for free goods, a missing country of origin, a currency shown only as "$", and totals that differ from the packing list. Each of these can hold a shipment at customs.

Common questions

Is a commercial invoice the same as a proforma invoice?

No. A proforma is the offer or price confirmation sent before shipment; the commercial invoice is the final bill for the goods actually shipped and the document customs relies on.

Does the commercial invoice need a signature?

Many countries and couriers expect a signed declaration that the invoice is true and correct. Under a letter of credit the invoice need not be signed unless the credit asks for it.

What if I send free samples?

Still make a commercial invoice with a realistic value for each item and a statement such as "Samples of no commercial value, value for customs purposes only". Customs needs a value to assess duties and taxes.

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