Free Commercial Invoice Templates (Word, Excel, PDF)
Invoices
by sofiagibson
A commercial invoice is the document customs relies on to assess duties and clear an international shipment, so getting it right matters. This set of 47 commercial invoice templates helps exporters, online sellers, and small businesses list goods, quantities, values, and shipping terms in the format buyers and officials expect. The layouts cover the standard fields, which keeps your parcels moving instead of stuck.
Excel versions total values and quantities automatically, while Word and PDF files print cleanly for the paperwork that travels with the shipment. Enter your products, add the terms, and produce a complete invoice for each order. Requirements differ by country, so confirm the details for your destination, then download the template that fits your shipments.
When to use this Commercial Invoice template
- Small e-commerce sellers shipping internationally need a commercial invoice to avoid delays at customs, ensuring accurate product descriptions and HS codes align with buyer contracts and shipping regulations.
- Manufacturers exporting raw materials or components to overseas suppliers use these templates to document quantities, unit prices, and incoterms clearly for customs valuation and freight cost allocation.
- Dropshippers fulfilling cross-border orders must include precise shipping details like carrier name and consignee address on invoices to prevent shipments from being held or returned by customs authorities.
- Retailers selling high-value goods like electronics or jewelry to international buyers rely on commercial invoices to prove fair market value, reducing risks of duty disputes or confiscation at ports.
Which format should I download?
Choose Word if you need to customize fields, add your company logo, or adjust the layout before printing—ideal for businesses that frequently update their invoice details or branding. Excel is best for bulk processing or integrating with accounting software, where you can auto-fill shipment data for multiple orders. Use PDF for final submissions to buyers or customs, as it preserves formatting and prevents unauthorized edits once completed. The PDF format is also required by many shipping carriers and regulatory agencies for digital filings.
How to use this Commercial Invoice template
What is a commercial invoice used for in shipping?
A commercial invoice is the document customs uses to assess duties and clear an international shipment. It declares the goods, their value, and the terms of sale between exporter and buyer. Getting it accurate is essential, since errors can delay clearance or lead to incorrect charges.
What information must a commercial invoice contain?
A commercial invoice lists the seller and buyer, a description of the goods, quantities, unit values, and total value. It also shows the country of origin, shipping terms, currency, and harmonized codes where required. Complete, accurate details help customs process the shipment without delay.
What is the difference between a commercial invoice and a regular invoice?
A regular invoice requests payment for goods or services, while a commercial invoice serves customs in international trade. The commercial version adds details like country of origin, shipping terms, and tariff codes needed to assess duties. Both record a sale, but the commercial invoice supports border clearance.
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