Commercial Invoice
The seller's invoice to the buyer. Customs use it to establish the value of the goods, so it is needed for every export and import declaration.
- Issued by
- The seller (exporter).
- When it's needed
- Every international shipment that crosses a customs border, and to calculate duties and VAT on import.
- Transport
- Sea, Air, Road, Rail
What it contains
- Seller and buyer with addresses and VAT / EORI numbers
- Invoice number and date
- Clear description of goods, HS codes and country of origin
- Quantities, unit prices, total value and currency
- Incoterms® rule with the named place, and payment terms
- Net and gross weights
Practical tips
- Describe goods specifically — “spare parts” or “samples” invites a customs check.
- The invoice, packing list and transport document must agree on quantities and weights.
- For EU imports, freight and insurance to the EU border are added to the invoice value for duty — the Incoterms® rule tells customs what is included.
Not sure which documents you need?
Send us the route and the goods — we'll list the documents and prepare the transport ones for you.
Contact usOther shipping documents
Bill of LadingSea WaybillAir WaybillCMR Consignment NoteRail Consignment Note (CIM, SMGS, CIM/SMGS)Shipping InstructionsPacking ListCertificate of OriginExport DeclarationTransit Declaration (T1)Dangerous Goods DeclarationPhytosanitary CertificateShipping documents
General guidance only — requirements depend on the goods, the countries involved and the contract. We check the documents needed for every booking.
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