What is commercial invoice in shipping?

A commercial invoice is a legally binding document used in international trade transactions to provide detailed information about the goods being shipped, their value, and the terms of sale. It serves as proof of sale and is required by customs authorities to determine the duties, taxes, and fees that need to be paid when importing goods into a country.

A commercial invoice typically includes the following information:

1. Seller and buyer information Date of shipment
2. Product description and quantity
3. Unit price and total cost
4. Payment and shipment terms
5. Incoterms (International Commercial Terms)
6. Harmonized system (HS) code, if applicable
7. Bill of lading or airway bill number
8. Shipping marks

The commercial invoice is used by customs officials to clear the shipment and by banks to process payment, so it is important that the information it contains is accurate and complete.