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If you’re shipping products internationally, you need to provide a commercial invoice alongside your parcels so that customs can process the package for shipment.
What is a commercial invoice?
A commercial invoice is a customs document that serves as a legal agreement between the seller and buyer. It provides a detailed description of the goods sold and the amount due to the business.
How to create a commercial invoice for international shipping?
Creating a commercial invoice for export is easy with Parcel2Go. After you complete the booking process, we send you all the completed documentation you need.
For us to do this you will need to provide:
- Accurate descriptions of the goods you’re sending including the commodity codes (we’ll help you find this in the booking process too).
- Your customer’s correct address and contact details.
We’ll include your commercial invoice and instructions on how to attach your commercial invoice to your package alongside your order confirmation email and shipping labels. Easy!
Read our page on how to complete a commercial invoice for step-by-step instructions and top tips to help you through every stage.
You can also find details on this page about how to work out your Commodity Code or HS Code.
We'll guide you through this process when you book your parcel delivery with Parcel2Go, but you can read more detail on our blog about what is a Commodity Code?
What are the requirements for a commercial invoice?
Information you’ll need to provide on a commercial invoice includes:
- Your business details, including the name of your business, your address, phone number, and email address.
- The customer’s details, providing the name and address of your buyer, including the billing address if different from the shipping address. A local phone number and email are recommended for customs to contact the buyer if necessary.
- A clear description of the goods you’re sending, including their composition and intended use.
- A valuation of the item listed in the currency you specify on the invoice.
- The country of origin, referring to where the goods were manufactured, not where they’re being shipped from.
- A commodity code, work out which Commodity Code you should use.
We’ve streamlined our booking process to make providing the above information and finding the right codes easy. If you’re unsure, our Help Centre and International Shipping Hub offer extensive guidance for overseas shipments.
Can a commercial invoice be used for payment?
Yes. A commercial invoice serves as a legal document that provides evidence of the transaction’s finalized terms and conditions. You can use it to collect payment, and customs will use it to determine the duties, taxes, and fees due during export.
Do I need a commercial invoice for personal items?
If you’re sending a gift or personal items, you’ll need a pro-forma invoice rather than a commercial invoice.
We’ll still require certain information, such as HS codes, during the booking process, and we’ll guide you through this.
Do I need a commercial invoice for documents?
Only goods with a commercial value need a commercial invoice. Generally, documents aren’t considered to have commercial value and therefore don’t require a commercial invoice when shipped internationally.
Does a commercial invoice need to be signed?
Yes. When you receive your commercial invoice with your order confirmation, you should print three copies and sign each one. Place one copy on the outside of your parcel, one inside (in case the exterior copy is damaged), and retain one for your records.
