Commercial Invoice for International Trade

What a good one includes

• Full legal names, physical addresses, and contact details for both the exporter and the importer, including tax registration numbers like EORI or EIN.
• A unique invoice number, issuance date, and reference to any associated purchase orders to establish a clear audit trail.
• A detailed description of each item in plain English alongside its corresponding 6- to 10-digit Harmonized System (HS) tariff code for accurate duty assessment.
• Exact unit quantities, unit measurements, net weight, and gross weight for each line item to match physical cargo inspections.
• The unit price and total value of the goods, clearly indicating the three-letter ISO currency code used for the transaction.
• The specific 2020 Incoterms along with the named place of delivery to define financial and logistical responsibilities.
• The certified country of origin for each manufactured product to determine eligibility for preferential trade agreements and bilateral tariffs.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using vague or generic product descriptions like 'machine parts' or 'samples' instead of specifying the exact material and purpose of the items.
• Declaring an artificially low value or listing a 'zero value' for promotional samples, which triggers customs audits and severe undervaluation penalties.
• Omitting or inputting incorrect HS tariff codes, leading to miscalculated customs duties and preventable cargo holds at the border.
• Allowing discrepancies in weights, quantities, or values between the commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading.

Frequently asked questions