Is there a difference between a customs invoice and a commercial invoice?

A customs invoice is an approximate bill of sale. They are used for high value orders and act as a finalizing document. Commercial invoices, on the other hand, are used by smaller merchants that sell to customers because the seller has already received the payment.

What is a commercial invoice for USA customs?

A commercial invoice is a required document for the export and import clearance process. It is sometimes used for foreign exchange purposes. In the buyer's country, it is the document that is used by their customs officials to assess import duties and taxes.

How do I create a customs commercial invoice?

To make a commercial invoice to send to international customers, small businesses should follow these steps: Download a Commercial Invoice Template. ... Fill in Seller Details. ... Fill in Customer Details. ... Assign an Invoice Number. ... Include a Customer Reference Number. ... Include the Terms of Sale. ... Detail the Terms of Payment.

Can you make your own commercial invoice?

A customs invoice is an approximate bill of sale. They are used for high value orders and act as a finalizing document. Commercial invoices, on the other hand, are used by smaller merchants that sell to customers because the seller has already received the payment.

What is required on a commercial invoice for customs?

The easiest way to build a commercial invoice is to download a customizable template from a reputable site. You can use this commercial invoice form from the U.S. Department of Commerce, or this example from FedEx.

What is the format of a commercial invoice?

A commercial invoice should include the following fields: invoice number, date, seller and buyer contact information, detailed description of the goods, quantity, unit price, total value, currency, harmonized system (HS) codes, terms of sale (Incoterms), shipping information, and country of origin.

Electronic Signature
Features
Invoice templates
US Customs Commercial Invoice Template

Streamline Your Shipping with Our US Customs Commercial Invoice Template

Effortlessly create and eSign essential documents with airSlate SignNow. Experience a cost-effective solution that simplifies your shipping process.

Sign documents online

Learn more

Collect payments & signatures

Learn more

Add wet ink signature online

Learn more

Sign documents on iPhone or iPad

Learn more

Award-winning eSignature solution

Move your business forward with the airSlate SignNow eSignature solution

Create your signature in seconds on any desktop computer or mobile device, even while offline. Type, draw, or upload an image of your signature.

Deliver a seamless eSignature experience from any website, CRM, or custom app — anywhere and anytime.

Organize multiple documents in groups and automatically route them for recipients in a role-based order.

Collect signatures faster by sharing your documents with multiple recipients via a link — no need to add recipient email addresses.

Create unlimited templates of your most-used documents. Make your templates easy to complete by adding customizable fillable fields.

Create teams within airSlate SignNow to securely collaborate on documents and templates. Send the approved version to every signer.

See airSlate SignNow eSignatures in action

Create secure and intuitive eSignature workflows on any device, track the status of documents right in your account, build online fillable forms – all within a single solution.

Try airSlate SignNow with a sample document

Complete a sample document online. Experience airSlate SignNow's intuitive interface and easy-to-use tools
in action. Open a sample document to add a signature, date, text, upload attachments, and test other useful functionality.

sample

Checkboxes and radio buttons

Try a sample document

sample

Request an attachment

Try a sample document

sample

Set up data validation

Try a sample document

Understanding the US Customs Commercial Invoice Template

The US Customs commercial invoice template is a crucial document for international shipping. It serves as a declaration of the value of goods being shipped and is required by customs authorities to assess duties and taxes. This template typically includes essential details such as the seller's and buyer's information, a description of the goods, their value, and the terms of sale. Using a standardized template helps ensure compliance with customs regulations and facilitates smoother processing of shipments.

Key Components of the Template

A well-structured commercial invoice template should contain several key components:

Seller and Buyer Information: Names, addresses, and contact details of both parties.
Description of Goods: Detailed descriptions, including quantity, weight, and unit value.
Invoice Total: The total value of the goods being shipped.
Payment Terms: Conditions under which payment is to be made.
Shipping Information: Details about the shipping method and carrier.

Filling Out the Template Accurately

Accuracy is vital when completing the commercial invoice template. Ensure that all details match the accompanying shipping documents. Misrepresentation of values or descriptions can lead to delays or penalties. Double-check the following:

All values should be in US dollars.
Descriptions should be clear and specific to avoid confusion.
Ensure that the invoice is signed and dated by the seller.

Using airSlate SignNow for Efficient Document Management

airSlate SignNow provides a user-friendly platform for preparing and sending your commercial invoice for eSignature. You can easily upload your template, fill in the necessary details, and send it to relevant parties for their signatures. This process is secure and efficient, allowing you to manage your documents without the hassle of printing or scanning.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When using the commercial invoice template, it is important to avoid common mistakes that can complicate the shipping process:

Leaving out essential information, such as the country of origin.
Using vague descriptions of goods.
Failing to include the correct Harmonized System (HS) codes.

Best Practices for Submission

To ensure that your commercial invoice is processed smoothly, follow these best practices:

Submit the invoice along with other shipping documents.
Keep copies of all submitted documents for your records.
Communicate with your shipping provider to confirm that all documentation is in order.

Staying Compliant with Customs Regulations

Compliance with US customs regulations is essential for any business engaged in international trade. Regularly review updates to customs policies to ensure that your commercial invoice template meets current requirements. Utilizing airSlate SignNow can help streamline your document management, making it easier to stay compliant while saving time and resources.

airSlate SignNow solutions for better efficiency

Keep contracts protected

Enhance your document security and keep contracts safe from unauthorized access with dual-factor authentication options. Ask your recipients to prove their identity before opening a contract to us customs commercial invoice template.

Stay mobile while eSigning

Install the airSlate SignNow app on your iOS or Android device and close deals from anywhere, 24/7. Work with forms and contracts even offline and us customs commercial invoice template later when your internet connection is restored.

Integrate eSignatures into your business apps

Incorporate airSlate SignNow into your business applications to quickly us customs commercial invoice template without switching between windows and tabs. Benefit from airSlate SignNow integrations to save time and effort while eSigning forms in just a few clicks.

Generate fillable forms with smart fields

Update any document with fillable fields, make them required or optional, or add conditions for them to appear. Make sure signers complete your form correctly by assigning roles to fields.

Close deals and get paid promptly

Collect documents from clients and partners in minutes instead of weeks. Ask your signers to us customs commercial invoice template and include a charge request field to your sample to automatically collect payments during the contract signing.

Collect signatures

24x

faster

Reduce costs by

$30

per document

Save up to

40h

per employee / month

Our user reviews speak for themselves

Kodi-Marie Evans

Director of NetSuite Operations at Xerox

airSlate SignNow provides us with the flexibility needed to get the right signatures on the right documents, in the right formats, based on our integration with NetSuite.

Check 5000+ reviews

Samantha Jo

Enterprise Client Partner at Yelp

airSlate SignNow has made life easier for me. It has been huge to have the ability to sign contracts on-the-go! It is now less stressful to get things done efficiently and promptly.

Check 5000+ reviews

Megan Bond

Digital marketing management at Electrolux

This software has added to our business value. I have got rid of the repetitive tasks. I am capable of creating the mobile native web forms. Now I can easily make payment contracts through a fair channel and their management is very easy.

Check 5000+ reviews

be ready to get more

Why choose airSlate SignNow

Free 7-day trial. Choose the plan you need and try it risk-free.
Honest pricing for full-featured plans. airSlate SignNow offers subscription plans with no overages or hidden fees at renewal.
Enterprise-grade security. airSlate SignNow helps you comply with global security standards.

Start free trial

How to utilize the US Customs commercial invoice template

Employing the US Customs commercial invoice template can simplify your document signing procedure. With airSlate SignNow, you can effortlessly oversee your documents, guaranteeing they are signed and dispatched effectively. This guide will direct you through the procedures to make the most of this powerful instrument efficiently.

Steps to use the US Customs commercial invoice template

Launch your web browser and visit the airSlate SignNow site.
Create a complimentary trial account or log into your current account.
Choose the document you intend to sign or send for signatures and upload it.
If you intend to use this document again, convert it into a reusable template.
Access your uploaded file and modify it as needed, such as adding fillable fields or inserting specific data.
Sign the document and designate signature fields for your recipients.
Click 'Continue' to set up and send an eSignature invitation.

airSlate SignNow provides a robust solution for enterprises seeking to improve their document management. With a comprehensive feature set that delivers excellent return on investment, it is designed to be user-friendly and scalable, making it ideal for small to medium-sized businesses. Furthermore, the clear pricing model ensures no hidden charges, and exceptional 24/7 support is accessible for all paid plans.

Begin enhancing your document signing process today with airSlate SignNow. Register now and witness the benefits firsthand!

How it works

Access the cloud from any device and upload a file

Edit & eSign it remotely

Forward the executed form to your recipient

airSlate SignNow features that users love

Speed up your paper-based processes with an easy-to-use eSignature solution.

Edit PDFs
online

Generate templates of your most used documents for signing and completion.

Learn more

Create a signing link

Share a document via a link without the need to add recipient emails.

Learn more

Assign roles to signers

Organize complex signing workflows by adding multiple signers and assigning roles.

Learn more

Create a document template

Create teams to collaborate on documents and templates in real time.

Learn more

Add Signature fields

Get accurate signatures exactly where you need them using signature fields.

Learn more

Archive documents in bulk

Save time by archiving multiple documents at once.

Learn more

Connect airSlate SignNow to your apps

Check out airSlate SignNow integrations

Data accuracy, security, and compliance

airSlate SignNow is committed to protecting your sensitive information by complying with global industry-specific

Learn more about security

be ready to get more

Get legally-binding signatures now!

Start your free trial

FAQs

Here is a list of the most common customer questions. If you can’t find an answer to your question, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Need help? Contact support

Is there a difference between a customs invoice and a commercial invoice?

A customs invoice is an approximate bill of sale. They are used for high value orders and act as a finalizing document. Commercial invoices, on the other hand, are used by smaller merchants that sell to customers because the seller has already received the payment.
What is a commercial invoice for USA customs?

A commercial invoice is a required document for the export and import clearance process. It is sometimes used for foreign exchange purposes. In the buyer's country, it is the document that is used by their customs officials to assess import duties and taxes.
How do I create a customs commercial invoice?

To make a commercial invoice to send to international customers, small businesses should follow these steps: Download a Commercial Invoice Template. ... Fill in Seller Details. ... Fill in Customer Details. ... Assign an Invoice Number. ... Include a Customer Reference Number. ... Include the Terms of Sale. ... Detail the Terms of Payment.
Can you make your own commercial invoice?

A customs invoice is an approximate bill of sale. They are used for high value orders and act as a finalizing document. Commercial invoices, on the other hand, are used by smaller merchants that sell to customers because the seller has already received the payment.
What is required on a commercial invoice for customs?

The easiest way to build a commercial invoice is to download a customizable template from a reputable site. You can use this commercial invoice form from the U.S. Department of Commerce, or this example from FedEx.
What is the format of a commercial invoice?

A commercial invoice should include the following fields: invoice number, date, seller and buyer contact information, detailed description of the goods, quantity, unit price, total value, currency, harmonized system (HS) codes, terms of sale (Incoterms), shipping information, and country of origin.

What active users are saying — us customs commercial invoice template

Get access to airSlate SignNow’s reviews, our customers’ advice, and their stories. Hear from real users and what they say about features for generating and signing docs.

Great service for streamlined efficiency!

5

Lisa Robinson

What do you like best?

This service makes it super easy to get legal signatures from clients. I've been using it for years and never had a single person have trouble with the interface or how to operate it. It allows me to close deals more quickly and efficiently. It also offers me a space to store backups of contracts.

Read full review

Easy to use, reasonable pricing!

5

Aileen Choi

What do you like best?

I like that I can create templates so it speeds up my workflow when I need to send different types of contracts to my clients. The interface is easy to use for myself and my clients. I also love how reasonable priced the subscription is.

Read full review

Easy to use and very practical.

5

User in Consumer Services

What do you like best?

How easy it is to use for our customers.

Read full review