Commercial Invoice Template

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a commercial invoice?

  A commercial invoice for shipping is one of the most important documents used in international trade. It serves as a bill of sale and is used to record the transaction details, including the type and quantity of goods, the prices, and the terms of sale.

• Who uses the commercial invoice?

  The commercial invoice is also used by:

  • Customs officials to determine the value of the goods being imported or exported.
  • It is often required by banks and insurance companies to process payments and insurance claims.
  • It is a critical document in international trade as it provides a clear and concise summary of the transaction and helps to ensure that the terms of the sale are properly understood by both parties.

• What relevant information should be included in a commercial invoice?

  A standard commercial invoice includes all the package-related details including

  • Country of origin
  • Invoice number and date
  • Company name and address
  • Phone number of the concerned persons
  • Item details including cost, description of items, country of import, country of export, details of shipments, and carrier terms, and conditions.

• What are the essential shipping documents?

  The main shipping documents are commercial invoices, a list of shipments, verified gross mass declarations, shipper or exporter’s letter of instruction, forwarding instructions, product payment receipt, a tax receipt for the particular product if any, and other shipping documents for customs.

• Can I create a commercial invoice template in Excel or Word?

  Yes, InvocieOwl helps you create commercial invoice templates in different file formats such as Google Docs, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and Adobe PDF.

• What if I don’t have a commercial invoice?

  If you do not attach a commercial invoice, the customs authority at the country of destination will not allow the shipment to enter the country. This may lead to monetary loss or even worse, you may lose the shipment too.

• Can I use a commercial invoice for both domestic and international shipments?

  Yes, both domestic and foreign shipments may use a commercial invoice. Customs officials need a commercial invoice to assess the shipment’s worth and calculate any tariffs, taxes, and additional fees that may be owed.

  Even while it may not be technically necessary for domestic shipments, a business invoice can nevertheless be utilized to give a precise and thorough description of the shipment, including the number, value, and type of items being transported.

• Can I customize a commercial invoice template to fit my business needs?

  Yes, InvoiceOwl provides free personalized commercial templates that fit your business needs and save time. You can easily personalize the templates as per your needs and references.

• How do I create a commercial invoice?

  You need to follow the below-mentioned steps to create a commercial invoice:

  • Download the commercial invoice template from InvoiceOwl.
  • Open the template and add relevant business information like the company name, company logo, contact information, email address, service description, etc.
  • Customize the template by changing the template design or the font style or size, adjusting the layout or any additional field of your business.
  • Once you have designed the template, save the invoice and send it to the client.