A commercial invoice is one of the most fundamental documents in international trade. It serves multiple purposes: customs declaration, payment settlement, and supporting documentation for letters of credit. Getting the format right is essential for smooth customs clearance.

Required Fields on a Commercial Invoice

A properly formatted commercial invoice must include: seller and buyer details with full addresses, invoice number and date, detailed description of goods including HS codes, unit price and total value, currency, terms of delivery (Incoterms), country of origin, and shipping details. Missing any of these fields can result in customs delays or rejection.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most frequent errors include: inconsistent descriptions between invoice and packing list, missing Incoterms designation, incorrect currency codes, and valuation discrepancies. Always cross-check the invoice against the purchase order and letter of credit before submission.