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Your Company Name
123 Business Street
City, State 10001
Country
hello@yourcompany.com
+1 555 000 0000
SHIPPING INVOICE
INV-2025-001
Bill To
Client Name
456 Client Avenue
City, State 20002
client@example.com
Issue Date
Due Date
Description
Qty
Unit Price
Total
Subtotal$0.00
Discount$0.00
Tax (10%)$0.00
Shipping$0.00
TOTAL DUE$0.00
Payment Details:
Bank: Your Bank Name
Account: 1234567890
Payment due within 30 days. Thank you for your business!
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What Is a Shipping Invoice?
A shipping invoice (also called a commercial invoice for shipping) is a document that accompanies goods being shipped, especially across international borders. It serves as the official record of the transaction for customs authorities, providing the information needed to assess import duties, taxes, and the permissibility of the goods.
Unlike a standard invoice which is primarily a payment document, a shipping invoice must also satisfy customs requirements. Errors or missing information on a shipping invoice can cause goods to be held at customs, resulting in delivery delays and storage charges that far outweigh the cost of getting the invoice right first time.
Key Fields for Shipping Invoices
Shipper and consignee details - full addresses for both sender and recipient
Country of origin - where the goods were manufactured
HS (Harmonised System) commodity codes - used by customs to classify goods
Detailed description of goods - sufficient for customs to identify and classify
Quantity, unit price, and total value in the transaction currency
Incoterms - who is responsible for shipping costs and risk (e.g. FOB, CIF, DDP)
Tracking or shipping reference number
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Incoterms and why do they matter?
Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) are standardised trade terms that define who is responsible for shipping costs, insurance, and risk of loss at each stage of transit. Common terms include FOB (Free on Board - seller's responsibility ends when goods are on the vessel), CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight - seller covers shipping and insurance to destination port), and DDP (Delivered Duty Paid - seller handles everything including import duties).
What are HS codes and do I need them?
Harmonised System (HS) codes are an internationally standardised system for classifying traded goods. They are required on commercial invoices for most international shipments. Using the wrong HS code can result in incorrect duty rates or delays at customs.
What value should I declare on a shipping invoice?
Always declare the true transaction value - the actual price paid for the goods. Undervaluing goods to reduce import duties is customs fraud and can result in severe penalties including seizure of goods and prosecution.
Is a shipping invoice the same as a packing list?
No - they are different but often sent together. The shipping invoice shows the financial value and transaction details for customs and payment. The packing list shows the physical contents of each box or pallet - the number of units, weights, and dimensions. Both are typically required for international shipments.