Trade
Free Commercial Invoice Template
A practical starting point for business sales, itemized goods, and payment terms.
What this template includes
About the commercial invoice template
A commercial invoice is the standard document for a business sale of goods and is also the key document for international shipping and customs clearance. It records what was sold, the quantities and values, and the terms of sale. This free commercial invoice template gives you the itemized structure and totals customs and accounts-payable teams expect.
What to put on a trade invoice
- Seller and buyer (consignee) names, addresses, and contacts
- Invoice number and date
- Itemized goods with description, quantity, unit price, and total
- Country of origin and HS codes for international shipments
- Currency, incoterms, total value, and payment terms
Typical payment terms
For domestic B2B sales, net 30 is the most common term. For international shipments, the commercial invoice must accurately state values, country of origin, and incoterms because customs authorities use it to assess duties and taxes. Under-stating value can cause delays or penalties.
Trade invoice FAQs
What is a commercial invoice used for?
A commercial invoice records a business sale of goods and is the primary document customs authorities use to assess duties and taxes on international shipments. It states the seller, buyer, itemized goods, values, country of origin, and terms of sale.
What should a commercial invoice include?
Include the seller and buyer details, an invoice number and date, itemized goods with quantities and unit prices, the currency and total value, country of origin and HS codes for international shipments, incoterms, and payment terms.
What is the difference between a commercial and pro forma invoice?
A pro forma invoice is a preliminary estimate sent before the sale to confirm an order. A commercial invoice is the final document issued for the actual sale and is the one used for accounting and customs clearance.