Commercial invoice
For businesses shipping goods across a border. Customs authorities use the commercial invoice to classify goods, assess duties and confirm value, so this template collects HS codes, country of origin, Incoterms, package counts and weights alongside the usual line items, and ends with a signed declaration.
- Fields
- 88
- Pages
- 2
- Paper
- Letter
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Reviewed
Before you start
What you need to fill it in
- Exporter and consignee names, full addresses and tax or importer IDs
- The HS (Harmonized System) code for each product
- Country of origin for each line (where it was made, not shipped from)
- Quantities, units and the transaction value per unit
- Incoterms agreed with the buyer, plus freight and insurance charges
- Number of packages, gross and net weight, and the carrier's tracking or bill of lading number
What's inside
88 fields, ready to fill
- 71Typed answersnames, addresses, descriptions
- 2Dateschecked as real dates
- 10Calculatedfill themselves from other fields
- 4Choicescheckboxes, options, dropdowns
- 1Signaturessignature and initials
8 required — the editor counts down how many are left while you fill.
Instructions
How to fill out the Commercial invoice
- 1
Fill exporter and consignee
Enter full legal names and addresses including country. Add the exporter's tax ID and the importer's tax or customs ID if the destination requires one.
- 2
Describe the shipment
Choose the currency, Incoterms and reason for export, then enter the transport mode and the air waybill or bill of lading number.
- 3
List each product
Write a plain description customs can understand (material and use, not just a model number), the HS code, country of origin, quantity, unit and unit value.
- 4
Add freight and insurance
Enter these only if they are charged to the buyer under the Incoterms you chose; the invoice total includes them.
- 5
Enter packages and weights
Give the number of packages and the gross and net weight in kilograms.
- 6
Sign the declaration
The person responsible for the export signs and dates the declaration. Print copies for the carrier if they ask for paper.
Fill it online
What filling it looks like
- Edit & fill, Invite to sign and Create form are three modes of the same editor
- Amounts are formula fields: they calculate as you type
- The field navigator counts what's left and jumps to the next field
Shown with our invoice template. Sample content; names are fictional.
Written for: International
Customs requirements differ by country and change. This template is a general format, not customs, trade or legal advice; confirm requirements with your carrier, customs broker or the destination country's customs authority.
Written by PDFBetter and last reviewed October 15, 2026. Spotted a problem? Tell us.
Commercial invoice: questions people ask
Where do I find HS codes?
Use the destination country's tariff schedule or, for US exports, the Census Bureau's Schedule B search. The first six digits are shared internationally; countries add more digits.
What is the difference between this and a proforma invoice?
A proforma invoice is a quote-like document sent before the sale. The commercial invoice reflects the actual sale and accompanies the shipment through customs.
Which currency should I use?
Use the currency of the sale as agreed with the buyer, and state it in the currency field. Values on the invoice are in that currency.
Do I still need export filing?
Possibly. US exports over certain values or of controlled items need Electronic Export Information filed in AESDirect. The commercial invoice does not replace that filing. This is not legal or customs advice.
Does the carrier need a printed copy?
Many carriers accept electronic invoices but some still ask for signed paper copies in a pouch. Check with your carrier.
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