Commercial invoice sample
This commercial invoice uses example data; it is the filled sample in the downloads above.
COMMERCIAL INVOICE
- No.
- CI-20261023-01
- Date
- 2026-10-23
- Proforma Invoice No.
- PI-20261023-01
- Reference
- PO-2026-118
Seller / Exporter
Sample Export Co., Ltd.
No. 88 Example Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
Attn: Lily Chen
Tel: +86 574 0000 0000
Email: sales@example.com
Tax ID: 91330200XXXXXXXXXX
Buyer / Consignee
Sample Buyer GmbH
Musterstraße 1, 20095 Hamburg, Germany
Attn: Max Mustermann
Tel: +49 40 000000
Email: purchasing@example.de
Tax ID: DE000000000
- Terms of Delivery
- FOB Ningbo, Incoterms® 2020
- Payment Terms
- T/T 30% deposit, 70% before shipment
- Port of Loading
- Ningbo, China
- Port of Discharge
- Hamburg, Germany
- Transport
- Sea
- Vessel / Flight
- TBA
- Country of Origin
- China
| # | Description of Goods | HS Code | Quantity | Unit | Unit Price (USD) | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stainless steel centrifugal fan, 250 mm, 230 V | 8414.59 | 200 | PCS | 38.50 | 7,700.00 |
| 2 | Axial fan, 300 mm, IP55 | 8414.59 | 120 | PCS | 26.80 | 3,216.00 |
| 3 | Fan guard, powder coated steel | 7326.20 | 320 | PCS | 2.10 | 672.00 |
| Total | 640 | USD 11,588.00 | ||||
SAY US DOLLARS ELEVEN THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-EIGHT ONLY
Total packages: 88 CTNS · N.W. (kg) 1,472.00 · G.W. (kg) 1,618.00 · 7.118 CBM
Shipping Marks
SAMPLE BUYER / HAMBURG / C/NO. 1-UP / MADE IN CHINA
We hereby certify that this invoice shows the actual price of the goods described, that all particulars are true and correct, and that the goods are of the origin stated.
Commercial invoice format: what customs and banks look for
| Field | What to write | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Seller, buyer and notify party | Full names, addresses and tax IDs of the exporter and consignee; add a notify party when it differs from the consignee on the bill of lading. | Sample Buyer GmbH · DE000000000 |
| Invoice number and date | A unique invoice number and date; you can add the related proforma invoice number and customer PO. | CI-20261023-01 · PO-2026-118 |
| Incoterm and payment terms | The rule, place and version, and the payment terms; customs use them to see whether the price includes freight and insurance. | FOB Ningbo, Incoterms® 2020 |
| Shipping details | Ports of loading and discharge, transport mode, vessel and voyage or flight. | Ningbo → Hamburg · Sea · TBA |
| Country of origin | Where the goods originate. A certificate of origin is a separate document when a preferential duty rate is claimed. | China |
| Goods and HS codes | Describe material and use, and keep HS codes, quantities, units, unit prices and amounts consistent with the customs declaration. | 8414.59 · 200 PCS × 38.50 = 7,700.00 |
| Packages, weights and volume | Total cartons, net and gross weight and CBM, matching the packing list. | 88 CTNS · 1,472.00 / 1,618.00 kg · 7.118 CBM |
| Shipping marks | The marks on the cartons, used for inspection and receiving. | SAMPLE BUYER / HAMBURG / C/NO. 1-UP |
| Declaration and signature | A statement that the price is real, the particulars correct and the origin true, signed and stamped by an authorized person. | We hereby certify that this invoice shows the actual price… |
How the proforma invoice, commercial invoice and packing list fit together
- After the offer is agreed, issue a proforma invoice; the buyer pays the deposit, opens a letter of credit or applies for an import licence against it.
- At shipment, issue the commercial invoice for customs, clearance and payment, with the same goods and prices as the proforma invoice.
- Issue the packing list at the same time, with cartons, weights and sizes per item, consistent with the commercial invoice and the bill of lading.
A bill of lading is issued by the carrier or forwarder, and a certificate of origin by a chamber of commerce, trade promotion body or customs; a self-made template cannot replace them, so this site does not provide them.
Frequently asked questions
Is this commercial invoice template suitable for customs?
It covers what most customs authorities ask for: seller and buyer, invoice number, Incoterm, country of origin, HS codes, quantities and prices, packages and weights, shipping marks and a declaration. Some countries need more, such as manufacturer details for the US; confirm with your forwarder or broker before declaring.
Can I use this template for courier shipments with FedEx, UPS or DHL?
Yes, it works as the commercial invoice that travels with the shipment, and its fields match what couriers ask for. If the courier generates its own invoice in its booking system, follow that system.
Can I put a lower value on the commercial invoice?
No. The invoice must show the actual transaction price. Undervaluing is illegal and can lead to fines and seizure, and it also affects payment and insurance claims.
Does the Excel commercial invoice calculate automatically?
Yes. Each amount is quantity times unit price, and the subtotal, freight, insurance, discount and total are formulas. Update the amount in words by hand when the total changes, or generate the invoice online and export it again.
Can I create a bill of lading or certificate of origin here?
No. A bill of lading is issued by the carrier or forwarder, and a certificate of origin by a chamber of commerce, trade promotion body or customs, so a self-made template cannot replace them. This site provides the matching commercial invoice and packing list.