Commercial Invoice Template
Build a free commercial invoice for international shipping and customs. Add HS codes, country of origin and Incoterms, total the customs value, then print to PDF.
Updated 2026-06-14 · Free · No sign-up · Runs privately in your browser
Preview the commercial invoice
A Free Commercial Invoice Template for Customs
A commercial invoice is the document customs uses to clear an international shipment and calculate import duty. This tool builds one for you with everything customs expects: a full goods description, HS codes, country of origin, Incoterms, freight and insurance, and a totalled customs value with a signed declaration line.
It is for exporters, online sellers shipping abroad and anyone arranging a cross-border delivery.
How to Use It
- Enter the parties — the exporter or shipper and the consignee or importer, with an invoice number and date.
- Set shipment details — country of origin, Incoterms (for example FOB or CIF) and the currency.
- Add line items — for each product give a description, the HS code, quantity and unit value.
- Add freight and insurance — these are added to the goods value to give the total customs value.
- Print or save — click Print / Save as PDF to export the finished invoice with the declaration line.
Worked Example
An exporter ships two product lines:
| Goods | HS code | Qty | Unit value | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton T-shirts | 6109.10 | 800 | $3.20 | $2,560.00 |
| Canvas tote bags | 4202.92 | 200 | $2.10 | $420.00 |
- Goods value = 2,560 + 420 = $2,980.00
- Freight $150 + insurance $40 = $190.00
- Total customs value = 2,980 + 190 = $3,170.00
Customs uses that total customs value (and the HS codes) to assess the import duty in the destination country.
Commercial vs. Proforma Invoice
- A proforma invoice is a quote sent before the sale, used to agree prices or arrange payment.
- A commercial invoice is the final document issued when the goods actually ship, and it is the one customs uses for duty.
Always declare the true value and accurate descriptions: under-declaring to reduce duty is illegal and can lead to seizure, fines or shipment delays.
Frequently asked questions
What is a commercial invoice?+
A commercial invoice is the legal document a seller issues to a buyer for an international shipment. Customs authorities use it to identify the goods, confirm their value and assess import duties and taxes, so it must list a clear description, quantity, value, country of origin and the parties involved.
What information must a commercial invoice include?+
At minimum it needs the exporter and importer, an invoice number and date, a full description of the goods with HS codes, quantities, unit values, total value, currency, country of origin, Incoterms, and a signed declaration that the details are true and correct.
What is an HS code on a commercial invoice?+
An HS (Harmonised System) code is an internationally standardised number that classifies a product for customs. Listing the correct HS code for each line item helps customs apply the right duty rate and speeds up clearance. This template has an HS code column for every line.
What are Incoterms on a commercial invoice?+
Incoterms are standard trade terms such as FOB, CIF or EXW that define who pays for freight and insurance and where responsibility passes from seller to buyer. Stating the Incoterm makes clear what the invoice value includes.
How do I save the commercial invoice as a PDF?+
Click 'Print / Save as PDF' and a clean print view opens. In the print dialog choose 'Save as PDF' as the destination to download a file you can attach to your shipment or email to your freight forwarder.