Free commercial invoice generator, export & customs PDF.
Create commercial invoices for export in minutes. Free commercial invoice generator with HS codes, Incoterms, and PDF download. No signup needed. Try now.
A commercial invoice generator creates the customs document used for international shipments. It declares the exporter, consignee, goods, quantities and value so customs can assess duties. Fill it in, preview live, and download a print-ready PDF in your browser, free.
When to use it
For shipping goods across a border. A commercial invoice is what customs uses to value the shipment and assess duty, so it carries more than a normal bill.
| What you can do | Detail |
|---|---|
| Declare the goods | A description with HS or tariff codes |
| Set Incoterms | Who pays freight, insurance and duty |
| Country of origin | Affects duty and trade agreements |
| Declared value | The basis customs uses to assess duty |
| Download a clean PDF | Customs-ready, no signup |
Prefer a file or a walkthrough?
You can also grab a free commercial invoice template, see a commercial invoice example, and read commercial invoice for exports.
Frequently asked questions
What is a commercial invoice?
A commercial invoice is a legal document used in international trade that acts as both a bill of sale between buyer and seller and a customs declaration. Customs authorities use it to verify the nature, value and quantity of the goods and to calculate duties and taxes.
What must a commercial invoice include?
A commercial invoice must include exporter and importer details, a unique invoice number and date, a detailed description of the goods, quantity and weight, declared value and currency, HS (commodity) codes, country of origin, the Incoterms, reason for export, and a signature.
What is the difference between a commercial invoice and a proforma invoice?
A proforma invoice is a preliminary, non-binding quote issued before shipment to confirm terms. A commercial invoice is the final, legally binding document used for customs clearance and as the actual bill of sale once the goods ship.
What is the difference between a commercial invoice and a packing list?
A commercial invoice is a financial and legal document showing values, prices and terms of sale. A packing list only details the physical contents of the shipment (items, quantities, weights, dimensions) and contains no pricing or contractual information.
What are HS codes and why are they needed?
HS (Harmonized System) codes are an international classification that identifies each type of goods. Customs authorities use the HS code to determine the correct import duties, taxes and any controls, so an accurate code is essential to avoid delays and fines.
What are Incoterms on a commercial invoice?
Incoterms (such as EXW, FOB, CIF, DAP and DDP) are standardized trade terms that define who is responsible for shipping costs, insurance, and import duties between the buyer and seller. They should be stated clearly on the invoice.
When is a commercial invoice required?
A commercial invoice is required whenever goods are sold and shipped across international borders. Without one, shipments can be delayed, held, or rejected at customs.
Does a commercial invoice need to be signed?
Yes. Most customs authorities expect the commercial invoice to be signed and dated by the exporter, with a declaration that the information is true and accurate.
Is the commercial invoice generator free?
Yes, it is completely free with no signup and unlimited invoices. Your data stays in your browser.
What is the difference between a commercial invoice and a tax invoice?
A commercial invoice is built for customs: it declares goods, value, origin and Incoterms so duties can be assessed at the border. A tax invoice is built for domestic tax accounting: it records VAT or sales tax on a local sale. One shipment can need both. For domestic billing, use the free invoice generator.
How many copies of a commercial invoice do I need?
Plan on at least three signed copies: one for the exporter records, one for the importer customs broker, and one that travels with the shipment. Some countries and carriers ask for more, so check with your freight forwarder before the goods leave.
Do I need a commercial invoice for samples, gifts, or goods with no commercial value?
Yes. Customs still needs to know what is crossing the border, even when nothing is being sold. State the reason for export and declare a realistic value for duty purposes. You can also grab a free commercial invoice template if you prefer to fill one in by hand.
Who prepares the commercial invoice, the buyer or the seller?
The seller (exporter) prepares and signs it, because only the seller can declare what the goods are and what they are worth. The buyer or their customs broker then uses that declaration to clear the shipment on arrival.
What happens if the commercial invoice has errors?
Mistakes cause delays: wrong HS codes, vague descriptions, or mismatched values can hold a shipment at the border, trigger inspections, or lead to the wrong duty being charged. For official guidance on required fields, see the U.S. Commercial Service commercial invoice overview (trade.gov).
Can a commercial invoice be used to request payment?
Yes. A commercial invoice is both a customs declaration and a bill of sale, so it can serve as the payment request for the goods. If the deal needs a quote before anything ships, start with the proforma invoice generator.
Related tools
Learn more: Proforma vs commercial invoice