Commercial Invoice

Detailed explanation

The Commercial Invoice is a financial document issued by the seller (exporter) to the buyer (importer) detailing the sale and the goods.

Contents of a Commercial Invoice

Basic Information - **Invoice number** and date - **Seller and buyer names and addresses** - **Detailed cargo description** (type, quantity, unit) - **Unit price and total** - **Payment currency** (USD, EUR, EGP) - **Payment terms** (T/T, L/C, D/P)

Shipping Information - **Port of loading and port of arrival** - **Shipping method** (sea, land, air) - **Shipment data** (weight, volume, pallet count)

Importance in Customs

• •**Customs valuation**: the basis for calculating duties
• •**True value proof**: must reflect the real value of the goods
• •**Documentation**: attached with the rest of the clearance file
• •**Banking**: required for Letter of Credit payments

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• •Prices not matching the sales contract
• •Inaccurate or generic cargo descriptions
• •Missing units of measure
• •Using an unagreed currency
• •Seller's signature missing

Commercial Invoice vs Shipping Invoice

• •**Commercial invoice**: issued by the seller to the buyer
• •**Shipping invoice**: issued by the carrier to the cargo owner