Instructions for use of Commercial Invoices for International Shipping
Individual customs procedures vary greatly between countries, but to ensure the smooth passage of your goods it is imperative that this documentation is accurately completed.
Here at TWL we have many years of experience exporting to USA, Africa and Asia, we have experience of, and understand the procedures involved, so if you require any assistance at all please do not hesitate to get in touch.
You must include three copies of a commercial invoice for all non-document shipments.
A blank commercial invoice can be downloaded here.
To save to your PC, right click and “save link as”.
Details that are a requirement on a commercial invoice include:
Name and address of shipper (seller) as shown on the address label, including a contact person and telephone number.
Name and address of consignee (ship to), including destination country and postcode, as shown on the address label. To help ensure prompt delivery, a contact person and telephone number must be included.
Invoice date.
Purchase order or invoice number, if applicable.
Name and address of purchaser (importer) if different from the consignee, including a contact name and telephone number.
Complete description of each item being shipped. What is the item?
What is the item made of? What is it used for? (Include Customs Harmonised Codes, if known.)
Country of origin. Where was the item manufactured?
Number of units, unit value and total value of each item. For samples or articles with no commercial value, a nominal or fair-market value must be stated for customs purposes.
Declared Value for Carriage.
Total value of the shipment, including currency of settlement.
Reason for export. For example: sale, repair, inter-company.
Terms of Sale that define the charges included in the total value on the invoice. For example: Bill Shipper.
Number of packages and total weight of packages.
Shipper’s signature and date.