Commercial Invoice Template (Free)
A commercial invoice is the customs document that states what is being shipped, its value, and the terms of sale. Customs uses it to assess duty and taxes, so the description, HS codes, Incoterm and country of origin must be accurate. Use this template for any cross-border B2B shipment.
What this template covers
- Seller (exporter) and buyer (importer) details
- Invoice number, date and order reference
- Incoterm and country of origin
- Line items: description, HS code, quantity, unit price, amount
- Totals, currency and payment terms
- Declaration and signature
Commercial Invoice template
COMMERCIAL INVOICE
Invoice No: [NUMBER] Date: [DATE]
Purchase Order No: [PO NUMBER]
EXPORTER / SELLER IMPORTER / BUYER (SOLD TO)
[NAME] [NAME]
[ADDRESS] [ADDRESS]
[COUNTRY] [COUNTRY]
Tax / VAT ID: [ ] Tax / VAT ID: [ ]
SHIP TO (if different): [NAME, ADDRESS, COUNTRY]
Incoterm 2020: [e.g. FOB Shanghai / CIF Rotterdam / DDP Buyer Warehouse]
Country of Origin: [COUNTRY]
Currency: [e.g. USD]
Means of transport: [SEA / AIR / ROAD]
LINE ITEMS
No | Description of goods | HS code | Qty | Unit | Unit price | Amount
1 | [DESCRIPTION] | [CODE] | [ ] | [pcs]| [PRICE] | [AMOUNT]
2 | [DESCRIPTION] | [CODE] | [ ] | [pcs]| [PRICE] | [AMOUNT]
Subtotal: [AMOUNT]
Freight: [AMOUNT]
Insurance: [AMOUNT]
TOTAL: [AMOUNT] [CURRENCY]
Total packages: [NUMBER] Net weight: [KG] Gross weight: [KG]
Payment terms: [e.g. T/T 30% deposit, balance against copy B/L]
Bank details: [BANK NAME, ACCOUNT, SWIFT/IBAN]
DECLARATION
I declare that the information on this invoice is true and correct and that the contents and value are as stated.
Signature: ____________ Name: [NAME] Title: [TITLE] Date: ________Before you use it
- Use the correct HS code for each item: it sets the duty rate. See our note on customs and landed cost below.
- The value you declare is the customs value. Under-declaring is illegal and risks seizure and penalties.
- A commercial invoice records a real sale. For a quote before the sale, use a proforma invoice instead.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a commercial invoice and a proforma invoice?
A commercial invoice is issued for a completed sale and is the document customs uses to assess duty. A proforma invoice is issued before the sale, as a quote or to let the buyer arrange payment or an import licence. The figures should match once the deal is final.
What information must a commercial invoice include for customs?
At minimum: seller and buyer, invoice number and date, a clear description of the goods with HS codes, quantity, unit price and total value, the currency, the Incoterm, and the country of origin. Missing or vague details cause customs delays.