Invoice types
Commercial Invoice Generator
A commercial invoice is the core customs document for cross-border shipments, declaring what is being sold, its value and its origin so goods can clear at the border.
- How do I make a commercial invoice?
- Open Receipt Caker in your browser, list each product with quantity, unit value and HS code, add the exporter, buyer, country of origin and Incoterms, then export a document. No account is needed.
- What is a commercial invoice used for?
- It is the primary document customs authorities use to assess duties and taxes on an international shipment. Carriers and importers rely on it to confirm the value, quantity and origin of the goods crossing the border.
What to include on a commercial invoice
What you can do
- List every product line with quantity, unit price and value
- Add a column or note for HS codes and country of origin
- Live preview that updates as you type each field
- Automatic line totals and grand total in your chosen currency
- Free watermarked PNG export from the browser
- Pro unlocks watermark-free PDF plus your own logo
What a commercial invoice is
A commercial invoice is the official record of a sale between an exporter and an importer in different countries. It states exactly what is being shipped, how many units, the agreed value and the terms of sale so that everyone in the supply chain reads the same numbers.
Unlike a domestic sales invoice, it carries extra detail that customs officials need. Country of origin, tariff classification and Incoterms all sit alongside the usual line items, because border authorities use these to decide how much duty and import tax apply.
When you need one
You need a commercial invoice whenever tangible goods cross an international border as part of a sale. Freight forwarders and couriers usually require it before they will accept the shipment, and it travels with the parcel through customs.
It is different from a proforma invoice, which is a preliminary quote issued before goods ship. The commercial invoice is the final, definitive statement of the transaction and reflects the actual quantities and values that left the warehouse.
What to include for smooth customs clearance
Accuracy matters at the border. Describe each item plainly, avoid vague terms, and match the HS code to the product so the correct tariff is applied. List the country of origin, which is where the goods were made, not necessarily where they shipped from.
State the Incoterms so responsibility for freight, insurance and duties is unambiguous. Include net and gross weights, the currency, and a clear grand total. Clean, complete detail reduces the chance of your shipment being held for questions.
Building one in Receipt Caker
Open the generator in your browser and enter the exporter and importer details at the top. Add a line for each product with its quantity and unit value, and use the description or a note to record HS codes and origin.
The live preview shows the finished layout while totals calculate automatically. When it looks right, export a watermarked PNG for free, or upgrade to Pro for a clean, watermark-free PDF with your own logo. Receipt Caker only builds the document; it does not file it with customs.