Free Commercial Invoice Template

Fill in the seller, consignee and goods below, then click "Download commercial invoice PDF" to get a printable commercial invoice. Line totals and the invoice total are calculated automatically, and it is free with no sign-up.

Free, no sign-up. Your details stay in this browser and are never uploaded.

How to make a commercial invoice

This template is an on-page form that turns your shipment details into a commercial invoice PDF. There is nothing to upload and no file to edit in another program. It works in modern browsers on a computer or phone.

To generate the PDF you need at least the seller or exporter name, the consignee name and one description of goods. Fill in the rest as your carrier or customs broker requires.

1. Enter the invoice number and date, customer PO, and the export reference, AWB or BOL number.
2. Fill in the seller or exporter (with tax ID or EIN) and the consignee, and add a buyer only if it differs from the consignee.
3. Choose the countries of origin and destination, terms of sale, reason for export and currency.
4. Add each product line with its description, HS code, origin, quantity, unit, weight and unit value. Click "+ Add line" for more lines or × to remove one.
5. Click "Download commercial invoice PDF." It downloads automatically, and a download button also appears.

What a commercial invoice is and why it matters

A commercial invoice is the document customs uses to identify goods crossing a border and to work out duties and taxes. The exporter (the seller or shipper) prepares it, and copies travel with the shipment and go to your carrier and customs broker.

It differs from a proforma invoice, which is a preliminary quote or estimate sent before the sale is final. The commercial invoice records the actual transaction: what was shipped, how many, and at what value.

HS codes (Harmonized System codes) classify each product with a standard number used by customs worldwide. The right code helps decide the duty rate, and a vague or wrong code can delay clearance.

Accurate values matter just as much. Customs bases duties on the declared value, and undervaluing goods can lead to penalties, held shipments or returned packages. Write clear, specific descriptions such as "men's cotton t-shirts" rather than "apparel."

Commercial invoice fields explained

Terms of sale (Incoterms) set who pays for freight, insurance and duties and where responsibility passes from seller to buyer. The dropdown includes EXW, FCA, FAS, FOB, CFR, CIF, CPT, CIP, DAP, DPU and DDP.

Reason for export can be Sale, Gift, Sample, Repair or return, Personal effects, or Other. Customs treats these differently, so choose the one that fits.

Totals are calculated for you. Each line total is quantity times unit value, and the invoice total adds the subtotal plus freight, insurance and other charges in the currency you enter.

The PDF ends with a declaration that begins "I declare that all the information contained in this invoice is true and correct," followed by blank lines for name and title, signature and date. Use the Additional information box for any notes your buyer or broker needs.

Privacy and limits

The invoice is built in your browser on your device, and nothing is uploaded or stored by PaperPorter. Your details are saved only in this browser's local storage, so the bill of lading and packing list generators open with the same shipper, consignee and items. "Clear form" resets everything.

Long invoices continue onto extra pages with the table header repeated, and pages are numbered. The PDF uses standard fonts, so non-Latin characters print as "?". Nothing is signed for you.

Some customs authorities and carriers require extra statements or their own forms, so check what your carrier and destination country ask for before you ship.

Tips for international shipping invoices

Match the paperwork. Quantities and weights on the commercial invoice should agree with your packing list and air waybill or bill of lading. Mismatches are a common cause of customs holds.

Use the currency of the sale. Enter the currency code you actually invoiced in, such as USD or EUR, so the totals line up with your payment records.

Declare gifts and samples honestly. Even free items usually need a realistic value for customs.

Wanted a commercial invoice template in Word? This tool gives you a finished PDF instead, which prints and emails the same everywhere and can be attached wherever a Word invoice was expected.

Finish your export paperwork

Your shipment details carry over, so you can make a matching packing list and bill of lading in a few clicks. If an export or import also involves an official government PDF, PaperPorter can help you fill official forms. See all free PDF tools.

Guides: Proforma invoice vs commercial invoice: what is the difference? · What does FOB mean in shipping?

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Frequently asked questions

Where can I get a free commercial invoice template?

You can fill one out on this page and download it as a PDF for free. No account or sign-up is needed.

What is the difference between a commercial invoice and a proforma invoice?

A proforma invoice is a preliminary quote sent before a sale is final. A commercial invoice records the actual shipment and is what customs uses to assess duties.

Who prepares the commercial invoice?

The exporter or seller prepares it. Copies go with the shipment and to the carrier and customs broker.

Do I need HS codes on a commercial invoice?

HS codes are usually expected for international shipments because customs uses them to classify goods and set duty rates. Add one for each product line.

Is there a commercial invoice template in Word?

This template produces a PDF instead of a Word file. The PDF can be printed, emailed or uploaded wherever a Word invoice would be used.

Does this commercial invoice calculate totals?

Yes. Line totals, the subtotal and the invoice total including freight, insurance and other charges are calculated automatically.