Commercial Invoice Generator
Issue a commercial invoice that survives LC document examination: BL reference, HS code, weights, inspection certification, banking and declaration of origin.
Quick Answer
Document header
Seller / Exporter
Buyer / Consignee
Notify & Ship-to
Shipment & logistics
Line items
Banking
Signature
COMMERCIAL INVOICE
| Port of loading | Port of discharge | ||
| Vessel / Voyage | · V. | Shipment / ETA | → |
| Mode | Sea (FCL) | No. of containers | |
| Origin / Export | / | Final destination | |
| HS / Tariff | Freight terms | Freight Prepaid | |
| Inspection | SGS · | Charter party | |
| Insurance policy | |||
| Container Nos. | |||
| Seal Nos. | |||
| Packing | Bagged (PP/HDPE) | ||
| # | Description | Grade | HS | Qty | Unit | Unit price | Amount | Gross kg | Net kg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | MT | $0.00 | $0.00 | 0 | 0 | |||
| TOTAL WEIGHTS | 0 | 0 | |||||||
| Subtotal | $0.00 | ||||||||
| Freight | $0.00 | ||||||||
| Insurance premium | $0.00 | ||||||||
| Other charges | $0.00 | ||||||||
| Less discount | ($0.00) | ||||||||
| TOTAL INVOICE VALUE (USD) | $0.00 | ||||||||
We hereby certify that this invoice is true and correct and that the goods described herein have been shipped in accordance with the relevant Sales & Purchase Agreement.
We declare that the goods described herein originate from and are not subject to any applicable embargo, export restriction, or trade sanction.
The unit prices and total amounts shown are the actual prices charged and no other consideration has been or will be received for these goods.
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Overview & methodology
Invoice Compliance (UCP 600)
Per UCP 600 Article 18, a commercial invoice must appear to be issued by the beneficiary and be made out in the name of the applicant (unless Article 38 applies). It must be in the same currency as the credit. Most importantly, the description of goods in the invoice must correspond precisely with the description in the Letter of Credit.
Numerical Example: CFR Shipment Invoice Example
In a CFR (Cost and Freight) invoice, the freight component must be clearly broken out or included in the unit price to reflect the total value.
Customs Valuation
Customs authorities use the transaction value on the commercial invoice as the basis for calculating Ad Valorem duties. Including the correct HS Code (Harmonized System) is vital to ensure the correct duty rate is applied and to avoid administrative holds or fines for misclassification.
| Mandatory Field | UCP 600 / Compliance Basis | Common Discrepancy If Missing or Mismatched |
|---|---|---|
| Beneficiary & Applicant Names | Art. 18(a) | Invoice not issued by or to the correct party |
| Invoice Currency | Art. 18(a)(iii) | Currency differs from the LC currency |
| Description of Goods | Art. 18(c) | Description does not correspond with the LC |
| Invoice Value | Art. 18(b) | Value exceeds the LC amount without an allowed tolerance |
| HS Code | Customs valuation basis | Misclassification triggers duty disputes or holds |
| Incoterms 2020 Rule | Named place required | Freight/insurance cost split inconsistent with B/L |
| Invoice Date | Must not post-date the B/L on-board date | Invoice dated after shipment |
Method note: calculations run in your browser using the formulas and published rule books cited on this page. Results are free estimates for planning, with no login required, and should be confirmed with your bank, broker or the official source before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
Why must HS code match the LC exactly?
The HS (Harmonized System) code determines tariff classification and duty rates. If the invoice HS code differs from the LC, banks may reject it as discrepant. Customs authorities also use the invoice HS code for duty assessment, and misclassification can trigger holds or fines.
What does UCP 600 Article 18 require for commercial invoices?
Article 18 requires the invoice to be issued by the beneficiary, made out in the name of the applicant (buyer), and in the same currency as the LC. Goods description must match the LC precisely. Most critically, the invoice value must not exceed the LC amount unless the credit allows 'over-shipment' or 'over-amount'.
Can I issue an invoice dated before shipment?
No. Under UCP 600 and international practice, the invoice date must be on or before the on-board date of the B/L. Pre-invoicing is considered a discrepancy. Always ensure invoice date is on or before the B/L on-board date to avoid bank rejection.