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What is a Commercial Invoice?
The Commercial Invoice (CI) is a legal document describing the entire export transaction and shipping terms: the prices, value of the goods, payment terms, and total invoice value.
Why do you need a Commercial Invoice?
It provides the total value of your shipment, which is then used to calculate your import duties and taxes.
Is it a must-have?
Yes! It is one of the most important documents you will need to carry out your shipment.
Who prepares the Commercial Invoice?
The factory or the seller.
What information should a Commercial Invoice contain?
A good Commercial Invoice must contain the following:
• Shipping transaction (date, invoice number, terms of sale)
• Details of the exporter and receiver
• Country of origin (country of manufacture)
Sales Value vs Purchase Value. Which should you put on your Commercial Invoice?
It depends on who you’re shipping to.
As a buyer, if you're shipping to your warehouse , put Purchase Value! You don’t want to pay unnecessary duties and taxes.
As a buyer, if you're shipping to your retailer’s warehouse or your customer, put Sales Value! You don’t want your retailer or customer to know your purchase price.
Note: Taxes and duties will be based on the total value listed on the Commercial Invoice.
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Logistics nerd and resident marketing guy of Bookairfreight. I love writing content that simplifies old-fashioned industry processes and provides solid, accurate information you can base your decisions on. Outside of logistics, I enjoy nature, hanging out with friends, electronic music and spirituality.
