commercial invoice

{{Short description|Document used in foreign trade}}

{{Admiralty law}}

When used in foreign trade, a commercial invoice is a customs document. It is used as a customs declaration provided by the person or corporation that is exporting an item across international borders.{{Cite web|url=http://www.fedex.com/bs/tools/invoice.html|title=FedEx - Tools - Commercial Invoice|website=www.fedex.com}} Although there is no standard format, the document must include a few specific pieces of information such as the parties involved in the shipping transaction, the goods being transported, the country of manufacture, and the Harmonized System codes for those goods.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ups.com/us/en/shipping/international/commercial-invoice.page|title=About the Commercial Invoice|website=www.ups.com}} A commercial invoice must often include a statement certifying that the invoice is true, and a signature.

A commercial invoice is used to calculate tariffs, international commercial terms, and is commonly used for customs purposes. Commercial Invoices are generally not needed for shipments between EU Countries—just between EU Countries and non-EU Countries.{{Cite web|url=https://www.eurosender.com/blog/en/commercial-invoice-export/|title=What Is a Commercial Invoice for Export and When It's Required?|website=www.eurosender.com|date=17 February 2020 }}

Commercial invoices in European countries are not normally for payment. The definitive invoice for payment usually has only the words "invoice". This invoice can also be used as a commercial invoice if additional information is disclosed. Beginning in 2018, European Invoices must be electronic for use in public procurement as laid out in Directive 2014/55/EU.{{Cite web|url=https://globaleinvoicing.com/en/news/2018-key-year-e-invoicing-european-union|title=2018: Key year for e-Invoicing in the European Union|website=www.globalinvoicing.com}}

A sample commercial invoice format{{cite web|url=http://www.dhl.com/en/express/customs_support/customs_paperwork.html|title=DHL - Customs Paperwork}}

class="wikitable"
colspan="7"|COMMERCIAL INVOICE
colspan="3"|SENDER: AUTO PARTS FEE WAREHOUSE 7634 KIMBEL STREET UNIT 1-9 MISSISSAUGA,ON L5S-1M6 Phone:905.677.0996 Fax: 999-999-9999 Tax ID/VAT/EIN# nnnnnnnnnn | colspan="4"|RECIPIENT: XYZ Company 3 Able End There, Shropshire, UK Phone:99-99-9999
colspan="3"|Invoice Date: 12 December 2007 | colspan="4"|Invoice Number: 0256982
colspan="3"|Carrier tracking number: 526555598 | colspan="4"|Sender's Reference: 5555555
colspan="3"|Carrier: GHI Transport Company | colspan="4"|Recipient's Reference: 5555555
Quantity | Country of Origin | Description of Contents | Harmonized Code | Unit Weight | Unit Value | Subtotal (USD)
1,000 | United States of America | Widgets | 999999 | 2 | 10.00 | 10,000
Total Net Weight (lbs): | 2,000 | Total Declared Value (USD): | colspan="4"|10,000
Total Gross Weight (lbs): | 2,050 | Freight and Insurance Charges (USD): | colspan="4"|300.00
Total Shipment Pieces: | 1,000 | Other Charges (USD): | colspan="4"|30.00
Currency Code: | USD | Total Invoice Amount (USD): | colspan="4"|10,330
colspan="3"|Type of Export: Permanent | colspan="4"|Terms of Trade: Delivery Duty Unpaid
colspan="7"|Reason for Export: stated reason
colspan="7"|General Notes: notes and comments
colspan="7"|The exporter of the products covered by this document - customs authorization number - declares that, except where otherwise clearly indicated, these products are of United States Of America preferential origin. I/We hereby certify that the information on this invoice is true and correct and that the contents of this shipment are as stated above. Name, Position in exporting company, company stamp, signature