
Commercial Invoice Template
Create a professional commercial invoice with editable invoice templates for products, services, quantities, shipping, taxes, and other business charges.

Choose the Best Invoice Template for Your Commercial Business
What to include in Commercial Invoice
A clear commercial invoice helps prevent disputes and ensures timely payment. Use this checklist to include the essential details.
- 1
Business Header & Contact
Company name, logo, phone number, email address, and physical business location.
- 2
Client Contact Information
Client's full name or business entity name, billing address, phone number, and email.
- 3
Invoice Metadata
Unique invoice number, invoice issue date, and payment due date (e.g., Net 15 / Due upon receipt).
- 4
Cost Summary & Taxes
Subtotal for services, local sales taxes (if applicable), applied discounts, and final bolded Total Due.
- 5
Deposit & Balance Tracking
Original estimate total, pre-paid deposit deductions (e.g., 'Less Deposit Received: -$500'), and remaining net balance due.
- 6
Payment Instructions
Accepted payment methods, including direct online payment links (Credit/ACH), check mailing address, or bank transfer details.
- 7
Exporter & Importer Details
Include the seller/exporter and buyer/importer legal names, complete addresses, and relevant contact or tax identification details required for the shipment.
- 8
Goods Description & Quantities
Provide a clear description of each product, including quantity, unit of measure, product or SKU number, and other details needed to identify the goods for customs purposes.
- 9
Country of Origin & Commodity Codes
Include the country of origin and applicable HS or tariff classification codes when required. Accurate product classification helps support customs processing.
- 10
Value, Currency & Trade Terms
State the unit price, total value, transaction currency, and applicable Incoterms or other agreed delivery terms.
Common Commercial Services & Billing Items
How Commercial charges are typically structured and billed.
Commercial Sales
Product or service provided, Quantity or scope, Crew size, Hours worked, and Service date
Commercial Services
Product or service provided, Quantity or scope, Delivery or handling details, Quantity or items handled, and Service location
Bulk Order
Crew size, Hours worked, Delivery or handling details, Quantity or items handled, and Service date
Delivery Service
Product or service provided, Quantity or scope, Crew size, Hours worked, Fee or tax type, and Related charge
Installation Service
Crew size, Hours worked, Fee or tax type, Related charge, and Service location
Account Services
Product or service provided, Quantity or scope, Delivery or handling details, Quantity or items handled, Fee or tax type, and Related charge
Custom Order
Product or service provided, Quantity or scope, Crew size, Hours worked, Delivery or handling details, and Quantity or items handled
Product/Service Charges: Charges for product/service charges associated with the service or project.
Labor: Charges for hands-on work, technician time, crew time, or professional service hours.
Delivery/Handling: Charges for delivery, transportation, loading, unloading, or handling of goods.
Fees/Taxes: Charges for fees/taxes associated with the service or project.
Commercial Invoicing Tips
Commercial costs vary by service scope, pricing method, and additional requirements. A detailed invoice helps customers understand every charge and reduces payment disputes.
Avoid Generic Product Descriptions
Descriptions such as "parts" or "merchandise" may not give customs authorities enough information. Best practice: describe the actual goods, including their material, intended use, model, or other identifying characteristics when relevant.
Keep Customs Values Consistent
Differences between the commercial invoice, packing list, purchase order, and shipping documents can delay customs clearance. Best practice: verify quantities, values, currency, product descriptions, and classification information before shipment.
Separate Freight and Other Charges
Freight, insurance, packing, or other charges may affect the declared transaction value depending on the applicable rules. Best practice: identify these amounts separately rather than combining them with the product price.
Match the Invoice to the Shipment
International shipments may contain many products or packages. Best practice: use consistent order numbers, product references, quantities, and shipment details across the commercial invoice and other shipping documents.
Reusable Billing Structure in Invoice Software
Use the items above to quickly create a Commercial Invoice Template in Invoice Zip.
FAQs about Commercial Invoicing
Q: What information should a commercial invoice include for international shipments?
A: A commercial invoice should identify the seller, buyer, goods, quantities, values, and shipping details needed for the international transaction. Accurate product descriptions and declared values help customs authorities assess the shipment.
Q: How should a commercial invoice describe goods for customs clearance?
A: Products should be described clearly enough for customs officials to understand what is being shipped. Include the quantity, unit value, total value, and other relevant product details rather than using vague descriptions such as “merchandise.”
Q: How should currency be shown on a commercial invoice for an international sale?
A: The invoice should clearly state the currency used for the transaction, such as USD, EUR, or GBP. This helps the buyer and customs authorities understand the declared value of the shipment.
Q: How should freight, insurance, and other shipping costs appear on a commercial invoice?
A: Shipping-related costs can be shown separately from the value of the goods when applicable. Keeping freight, insurance, and merchandise values distinct can make the total transaction value easier to review.
Q: How should a commercial invoice handle samples, gifts, or goods with no direct sale price?
A: Even when goods are not being sold, they may still need a declared value for customs purposes. The invoice should describe the items accurately and state the applicable value and reason for shipment.
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