A commercial invoice is a key international trade document issued by the seller to the buyer that describes the goods being shipped and the terms of sale. Customs authorities use it to verify product descriptions, quantities, values, currency, country of origin, seller and buyer details, Incoterms, and payment terms. A complete commercial invoice supports customs clearance, duty and tax calculation, import compliance, cargo release, and accurate landed cost reporting.
A commercial invoice is the primary transaction document issued by the seller to the buyer, detailing the goods sold, quantities, unit prices, total value, payment terms, and parties. It is required for customs entry and is the basis for duty calculation.
Required Information
- Seller and buyer name, address, and contact
- Invoice number and date
- Description of goods and HTS code
- Quantity, unit of measure, and unit price
- Total invoice value and currency
- Country of origin
- Incoterms and payment terms
CBP uses the commercial invoice to determine dutiable value. Undervaluing goods to reduce duties is a customs violation.
For related logistics context, see glossary entries on Customs Valuation, Customs Entry, Certificate of Origin, and Incoterms.
