A Commercial Invoice is a critical document in international shipping issued by the seller. It outlines the goods sold, their value, quantity, and terms of sale. Customs authorities use it to verify shipment details, assess duties and taxes, and ensure regulatory compliance.
To meet customs clearance requirements, a commercial invoice must include:
- Detailed product description
- Country of origin: Where the goods were manufactured.
- Seller’s full name and address: The supplier or manufacturer.
- Buyer’s full name and address: The person or company purchasing the goods.
- Consignee information: The recipient of the goods (may differ from the buyer)
- Product quantity: Number of units per product.
- Unit value: Listed in both USD and the supplier’s local currency. If goods are free, declare the fair market value.