COMMERCIAL INVOICE INSTRUCTIONS
A Commercial Invoice is used when goods are to be sold as part of a commercial transaction. It is acceptable
for Customs purposes if prepared in accordance with Section 141.86 through 141.89 of the United States
Customs Regulations.
The invoice shall be typed on the sender's company stationery in the English language, contain the sending
com
pany's complete address, telephone number and fax, and be signed by the shipper or its agent. An
accurate description of goods is necessary for Customs purposes. If the receiver is different from the
importer, it shall be noted on the invoice. The original commercial invoice, one copy attached to the
shipment paperwork, and one copy attached to the shipment are required.
1. Seller
- The seller's (shipper’s) full company name and address, including street address, city, country,
post code, and telephone number.
2. Consignee (Recipient) - Full company name, recipient's name, department, complete address including
suite number, telephone number, and fax number.
3. Invoice Date - Date the invoice is prepared.
4. Invoice Number - Any invoice number of the sender's choosing
5. Terms of Trade - They define the buyers' and sellers' risks; e.g., FOB, CIF, EXW.
6. Total Packages - Indicates the total number of packages in the shipment.
7. Total Weight - Lists the total weight (kgs) of all packages in the shipment.
8. Description of Goods - Complete a detailed description of the items being shipped, including the item
name, model number, serial and/or part number, reason for shipment (sales samples, returned for repair,
gift) what the items are made of, and whether the item is new, used, etc.
For example, the description for parts and accessories of comm
unication products (other than covers,
carrying cases and the like) shall identify for what machine it is a part, the specific function, where and
how it is used, and whether it is shaped to fit a specific machine. If they are Printed Circuit Assemblies
(PCAs), state the function for the PCA, whether populated or bare. If applicable, indicate the kind of
components included and whether it contains Memory (type and capacity i.e., DRAM), CPU, or BIOS.
Poorly described shipments will be held by the gateway to obtain detailed information before the
presentation of the entry to Customs.
9. Customs Commodity Code
(if known) - This information is optional. If the Customs Commodity Code
for the items being shipped are known, they shall be indicated to a six digit level only.
10.Country of Manufacture - Indicates the country where the goods were grown, produced, or
manufactured.