What is a Commercial Invoice and How to Create One

A commercial invoice is a vital document used in international trade that serves as a legal record between the exporter and the importer. It outlines the details of a sale, such as goods sold, pricing, quantity, shipping method, and payment terms. It is used by customs authorities for valuation and duty assessment and is crucial for clearing goods through customs at both origin and destination ports.

Unlike a standard invoice used in domestic transactions, a commercial invoice is specifically tailored for international shipments. It contains information that customs authorities require to determine import duties, verify compliance with trade regulations, and ensure security. It is often required by the buyer, freight forwarder, customs broker, and various government agencies involved in the import/export process.

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🛠️ How to Create a Commercial Invoice?

Creating a professional, accurate commercial invoice doesn’t need to be complicated. With InvoiceBuilder, our web-based commercial invoice generator, you can create, download, and share invoices in minutes — no design or accounting skills required.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Visit InvoiceBuilder:
Go to InvoiceBuilder and open the Commercial Invoice Generator tool.

2. Upload Your Company Logo (Optional):
Make your invoice more professional by adding your logo. This option is available at the top left of the template.

3. Enter Exporter and Importer Details:
Add your (seller) information and the buyer’s information, including addresses, contact numbers, and tax IDs if available.

4. Fill in Invoice Metadata:
Add an invoice number, issue date, and shipment reference numbers such as the AWB number or VAT ID.

5. Add Itemized Goods:
List each item, including quantity, unit price, description, total price, HS code, and country of origin.

6. Set Shipping and Payment Terms:
Specify Incoterms (e.g., CIF 2020), payment methods, bank account details, shipment method, and estimated delivery.

7. Preview & Download Your Invoice:
Click on “Preview Invoice” to check for errors. Once satisfied, hit Download PDF or share it directly with your client.

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✅ Benefits of Using InvoiceBuilder

• Fast & Easy Interface
  Intuitive form fields make invoice creation straightforward for any business size.
• Customizable Templates
  Add logos, modify fields, and adapt the design to meet your branding needs.
• Legally Compliant
  Templates follow global standards and include all required legal elements for international shipping.
• Cloud-Based & Accessible Anywhere
  Access your invoices on the go from any device with an internet connection.
• Download in Multiple Formats
  Save as PDF, print directly.