Documentation
Commercial Invoice
A document stating the seller and buyer, description of goods, quantity, unit price, total value, currency, and Incoterm. Customs authorities use it to assess duties and verify shipment contents.
In depth
The commercial invoice is the primary customs valuation document. It must match the physical shipment, transport documents, and any letter of credit. Errors in value, currency, Incoterm, or HS description are among the top causes of customs holds and bank refusals.
Key points
- Must align with packing list, B/L/AWB, and certificate of origin
- Shows Incoterm and place: customs uses this for responsibility context
- Understates value at your compliance and duty risk
- Often required in triplicate for certain destinations