Business glossary
Commercial invoice
A customs document describing goods, value and parties in an international shipment.
Example
An exporter shipping 20 identical parts can list the seller, buyer, product description, quantity, unit value, total value, origin and applicable shipment information. Customs uses the commercial invoice to assess the goods.
How it differs from related terms
A commercial invoice describes an international goods transaction for customs and related purposes. A pro forma invoice describes a proposed transaction. Destination-specific fields should be confirmed using the importing authority or shipping adviser.
Frequently asked questions
What is an example of commercial invoice?
An exporter shipping 20 identical parts can list the seller, buyer, product description, quantity, unit value, total value, origin and applicable shipment information. Customs uses the commercial invoice to assess the goods.
How should commercial invoice be interpreted?
A commercial invoice describes an international goods transaction for customs and related purposes. A pro forma invoice describes a proposed transaction. Destination-specific fields should be confirmed using the importing authority or shipping adviser.