Export - Commercial Invoices Invoice Template

Free invoice templates for exporters built for product details, shipping charges, and insurance charges. Download and edit in PDF, Word, Excel, Google Docs, or Google Sheets.

Also called: export invoice, export bill, or commercial invoice.

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Download Free Export - Commercial Invoices Invoice Templates

Download a template, then edit in PDF, Word, Excel, Google Docs or Google Sheets. Print or email when ready.

Sheets, Excel, Word and Doc Templates Coming November 21, 2025.

Editable Export - Commercial Invoices Invoice Template

Best for:

Edit items, HS codes, terms, freight.

Custom Export - Commercial Invoice Template

Best for:

Logo, shipper, consignee, EIN/VAT fields.

Printable Export - Commercial Invoices Invoice Template

Best for:

Totals, currency, signatures, ship date.

Free Export - Commercial Invoices Invoice Template

Best for:

HS code, origin, Incoterms, weight, value.

How to Create a Commercial Invoice for Export

A simple flow that keeps customs happy and payment clean.

Free Online Invoice Generator

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In 5 Steps:

Confirm the order, Incoterms, delivery details, and who pays freight and insurance.
Build item lines with clear descriptions, quantities, unit prices, currency, and origin.
Add freight, insurance, and discounts to calculate totals and the customs value.
Assign a unique invoice number and date, reference the PO and shipment, and request any deposit.
Send the invoice and apply the deposit on the final bill once goods ship.

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What to Include on a Commercial Invoice

Use these fields to make your invoice complete and compliant.

Exporter legal name, address, and contact
Consignee or importer name, address, and contact
Commercial invoice number and date
Purchase order or sales order number
Incoterms rule and named place
Currency and payment terms
Item description with HS code, quantity, unit of measure, and unit price
Country of origin for each item
Compliance IDs: tax or business ID, export filing or clearance reference, license # (check local rules)
Freight and insurance amounts, totals, and declared customs value

Billing Scenarios for Exporters

How to label charges so every invoice makes sense the moment your clients see it.

Freight (non-dutiable); Insurance (non-dutiable)

Buyer pays carrier directly but you must show freight for customs

Separating these keeps the customs value clear even when charges are paid outside the invoice.

Partial shipment; Backorder balance

You partially ship an order

Split lines make it obvious what shipped now versus later for payment and customs.

Replacement value for customs; No-charge (for billing)

You provide a warranty replacement at no charge

Customs still needs a fair value even when the customer owes nothing.

Deposit received; Deposit applied

You issue a prepayment and then ship

Recalculate every invoice, include subtotals, and ensure discounts and charges roll up cleanly to the grand total.

Invoice currency; Bank conversion fee

Multiple currencies appear between quote and payment

This shows the official pricing and the separate cost of currency conversion.

Export packing; Pallet charge

Listing these helps the buyer see non-product costs and supports logistics claims.

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Standard items and charges on export commercial invoices

List product details, HTS codes, value, insurance, freight, and Incoterms with professional invoice line items.

Charge or Service

Unit

Taxable

When to use

How to show it

Shipped Goods (by SKU)

Item

Taxable

Bill each product shipped

Qty × unit price. List HS code and origin for clear customs and buyer records.

Packing Labor

Time

Boxes, labeling, counts ready

Hours × hourly rate. Note lot or serials to match the packing list.

Export Crating Materials

Item

Taxable

Wood crates, foam, dunnage used

Cost × (1 + markup rate). Keep materials separate from labor for tax clarity.

Pallet & Shrink Wrap

Item

Taxable

Pallets or wrap provided

Cost × (1 + markup rate). Specify pallet type and count on the invoice.

Freight Charges (Prepaid)

Item

You arrange and prepay carriage

Pass-through as billed. Name carrier and service level for traceability.

Cargo Insurance

Item

You place cargo insurance

Pass-through as billed. Reference policy number and coverage scope.

Certificate of Origin

Item

Buyer requests COO for customs

Qty × unit rate. Cite issuing chamber or platform reference.

Export Documentation Prep

Time

Create invoice and packing list

Hours × hourly rate. Include consignee, Incoterms, and HS data before release.

Dangerous Goods Processing

Time

IMDG or IATA rules apply

Hours × hourly rate. Include UN number and packing group in your notes.

After-Hours Document Rush

Item

Same-day or after-hours paperwork

Per request × rush rate. Note ship date and cutoff met.

Save and reuse your export invoice items

Create a free account and save HTS codes, values, and freight terms once, so nothing gets retyped.

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Common Commercial Invoice Mistakes

These slip-ups stall clearance and payment; use the quick fixes to keep shipments moving.

Mistake

How to fix it

Missing or vague Incoterms shifts costs and risks and sparks disputes.

State the full Incoterms rule with the named place and align it with the quote and PO. Put it near the totals so no one misses it.

Vague descriptions or wrong HS codes cause clearance delays and unexpected duty.

Use clear product descriptions and the correct HS code from a trusted source; keep your classification notes and evidence on file and check local rules.

Issue a proper commercial invoice once terms are final and goods are ready to ship, and reserve pro forma for quotations only.

Recalculate every invoice, include subtotals, and ensure discounts and charges roll up cleanly to the grand total.

Missing country of origin leads to holds and possible fines.

Show origin for each item and retain supplier declarations or certificates so you can prove origin if asked.

No unique invoice number breaks the audit trail and slows payment.

Use a unique numbering sequence and date every document so banks and customs can match records fast.

Exporter Invoice FAQs

Bill overseas buyers right. Add HS codes, Incoterms, freight, insurance, and doc fees. Handle EEI and packing. Fast terms, clear answers.

What must appear on a US commercial invoice?

List seller and buyer, ship-to, description, quantity, unit price, total, currency, Incoterms, country of origin, and signature. Add a line like “Packing & Handling: $65” and “HS Code: 7326.90.8688.”

How do I show Incoterms 2020 and named place?

Write the term and the place exactly. Example: “CIF Rotterdam, NL: Freight $480, Insurance $55.” Rules vary—check local rules.

Where do HS code or Schedule B go, and whose code do I use?

Put it on each line with the description. Example: “Aluminum Brackets: HS 7616.99.5190: 1,000 pcs.” Shippers often use the exporter’s code unless the buyer requires theirs.

Should freight, insurance, and handling be included or billed separately?

Include them when your term requires it, or list them as separate charges. Example: “Ocean Freight: $1,240; Insurance: $85; Export Docs: $50.”

How do I handle EEI/AES and the ITN on paperwork?

File in AES if required and place the ITN on the document set. Example footer: “AES ITN: X20250915ABC1234.” Rules vary—check local rules.

What’s the right way to show currency and exchange rates?

State the currency and, if you must convert, show the rate used. Example: “Total EUR 9,800 (converted at 1 USD = 0.92 EUR).”

How do I bill a partial shipment against one PO?

Reference the PO and mark the part shipped. Example: “Partial 1 of 3: 400 of 1,200 pcs: Balance Open.” Add a new freight line if costs change.

What’s the difference between a pro forma and a commercial invoice?

Pro forma is a quote for approval or payment setup. Commercial is the final sale for customs. Example change: “Pro Forma Total $12,400” becomes “Commercial Total $12,680” with “Export Crating: $280.” Use the Exporter Invoice Template to keep fields consistent.