What a commercial invoice is for
A commercial invoice is the seller's bill for goods sold across a border, and it is the main document customs uses to identify the goods, their value and their origin. The buyer's customs broker uses it to declare the import and work out duty, the bank uses it under a letter of credit, and the freight forwarder uses it with the packing list and the bill of lading or air waybill. People also call it an export invoice. Unlike a proforma invoice, which is a quote before the sale, the commercial invoice records the actual sale and shipment.
HS codes and country of origin
Each line can carry a Harmonized System (HS) code and a country of origin. The first six digits of an HS code are the same worldwide; countries add two or four more digits for their own tariff, so the tool accepts 4, 6, 8 or 10 digits. Use the code that applies in the destination country's tariff when you know it, and check it with your broker or the customs authority, because a wrong code can change the duty or delay clearance. Origin is where the goods were made, not where they were shipped from.
Incoterms 2020 and shipment details
The delivery terms tell both sides who pays for transport and insurance and where the risk passes. Pick an Incoterms 2020 rule such as EXW, FOB, CIF or DAP, and name the place or port, for example "FOB Jebel Ali Port". FOB, FAS, CFR and CIF are meant for sea and inland waterway transport; the others work for any mode. Add the ports of loading and discharge, the vessel, flight or air waybill number, the number of packages and the gross and net weights so the invoice agrees with the packing list.
Requirements differ by country
There is no single worldwide format. Some importing countries want the invoice in a set language, legalised or attested by a chamber of commerce or embassy, or carrying particular wording, and goods claiming lower duty under a trade agreement usually need a separate certificate of origin. This tool gives you a complete, standard layout; it does not check a destination's rules or make any certificate. Ask your freight forwarder or the destination customs authority what they need before you ship.
Tax, currency and privacy
Exports are often zero-rated for VAT, so the tax column defaults to no tax; set a tax name and rate only if your sale is taxable. You can invoice in over thirty currencies, and the total is written in words in English and Arabic. Your business details, logo and next invoice number can be remembered in this browser only, and the invoice is built and printed on your device without being uploaded. For a quote before shipping, use our proforma invoice tool, and for the box contents, our packing slip.