Harvest
Invoices
Sign up

Commercial Invoice Template

Harvest excels in providing a streamlined invoicing process, though it requires manual adjustments for international trade specifics.

INVOICE DRAFT

Add your logo here
Item type
Description
Quantity
Unit price
Tax
Amount
Subtotal
$0.00
Discount
$0.00
Amount Due
$0.00
Get paid via:
Credit card / Debit card
ACH
Wire transfer
Powered by

Customise invoice

Appearance

Add a logo
Show invoice title

Invoice settings

Tax Add up to 2 tax rates
%
Discount Apply a discount percentage
%

Download Your Free Commercial Invoice Template

Accessing a free commercial invoice template is straightforward, often found through online business resources or directly from major shipping carriers. To effectively use these templates, prioritize those available in editable formats like Microsoft Word, Excel, or Google Docs, allowing for full customization. This flexibility enables you to tailor the template with your company's branding, logo, and specific product details, ensuring it aligns with your unique shipping requirements. Customization is key to reflecting accurate information for diverse shipments, from varying quantities to different types of goods, without needing to recreate the document from scratch each time.

Key Elements of a Compliant Commercial Invoice

Ensuring your commercial invoice is compliant with international shipping regulations hinges on including several critical elements accurately. Firstly, detailed item descriptions are paramount; avoid generic terms and instead specify the material, purpose, and composition of each item. Secondly, include the correct Harmonized System (HS) codes for all goods, which are internationally standardized six-digit numbers used by customs to classify products and assess duties. Thirdly, clearly state the currency of the transaction and, if applicable, the conversion rate used. Finally, explicitly define the shipping terms and conditions using Incoterms (International Commercial Terms), which clarify responsibilities for costs, risks, and insurance between the buyer and seller.

Tips for Filling Out Your Commercial Invoice

Properly completing your commercial invoice is crucial to avoid customs delays and potential penalties. Follow these steps for accurate documentation:

  • Gather all necessary information: This includes sender and receiver details, a precise description of goods, quantity, unit value, total value, and country of origin.
  • Enter HS codes accurately: Double-check that the six-digit HS code for each item matches its description to prevent misclassification.
  • Specify Incoterms: Clearly state the agreed-upon Incoterm (e.g., FOB, CIF, DDP) to define who is responsible for shipping costs, insurance, and customs duties.
  • Declare the true value: Always state the actual selling price or fair market value of the goods to ensure correct assessment of duties and taxes.
  • Sign and date: A physical or electronic signature, along with the date, validates the document.

A common pitfall is incomplete or inconsistent information, which can lead to customs holding your shipment. Regarding duties and taxes, the declared Incoterm dictates who is responsible for these charges; ensure both parties understand their obligations to prevent unexpected costs.

See Your Commercial Invoice Template in Action

Preview how your invoice includes detailed item descriptions, accurate currency, and HS codes — ready for international shipping compliance.

Commercial Invoice Template FAQs

  • A commercial invoice for international shipping must include detailed descriptions of the goods, HS codes, the value of the goods, the currency used, the country of origin, and the shipping terms. Additionally, it should have the buyer and seller's information, including contact details.

  • Most commercial invoice templates do not automatically adjust for different countries' customs regulations. Users typically need to manually input the relevant details specific to each country's requirements to ensure compliance.

  • The Harvest interface and PDF labels (Invoice, Due Date, etc.) are in English only. However, you can type invoice content — like descriptions and notes — in any language.

  • To ensure accurate currency conversion, use up-to-date exchange rates from reliable financial sources. Clearly state the currency used in the transaction and, if applicable, the conversion rate applied to these amounts.

  • Yes, each country has specific customs regulations that must be followed. It's important to research the destination country's requirements, including necessary declarations, documentation, and any restrictions on certain goods.