international shipping commercial invoice template

Understanding International Shipping: The Importance of a Commercial Invoice

When shipping goods internationally, it's crucial to have all necessary documents in order to clear customs efficiently and avoid any potential delays. One essential document is the commercial invoice, which serves as proof of shipment and helps identify the value and contents of the package.

In this article, we'll explore the importance of a commercial invoice in international shipping and provide guidance on how to create one using an International Shipping Commercial Invoice Template.

Why Do I Need a Commercial Invoice?

A commercial invoice is required for any order that is shipped from a warehouse in one country (e.g., the UK) to a destination address in a different country. This document provides valuable information about the shipment, including the contents, value, and destination. It's an essential tool for customs officials to process international shipments efficiently.

How Do I Create a Commercial Invoice?

Creating a commercial invoice is a straightforward process that can be completed using Shipwire's online platform or by downloading our International Shipping Commercial Invoice Template. Here are the steps:

1. Log in to your Shipwire account and select the 'Shipwire default with customized values (free)' option.

2. Make any necessary edits to the template, ensuring you include all required information such as the 10-digit HTS and ECCN codes.

3. At the bottom of the page, select 'Do you need to modify your commercial invoice?' and click 'Next' to advance to 'Step 2: Shipping details.'

4. Select 'Create an order' to start preparing your international/export order.

Can I Modify My Commercial Invoice Values?

Yes, Shipwire allows you to directly confirm and/or input desired commercial invoice values on an order-by-order basis in the UI or via API. In certain situations, it may be necessary to override the value that Shipwire uses to prepare your invoice.

Tips for Filling Out Your Commercial Invoice

To avoid unnecessary delays, we advise that you fill out all required company and product-level information prior to submitting your international orders. This includes providing the 10-digit HTS and ECCN codes. Once this data is provided, the order hold will automatically clear, and the order will be processed.

What Happens if I Don't Have Sufficient Information?

If you don't have sufficient information, Shipwire will place your order on hold until the required information is supplied. Orders without complete information cannot be processed until all necessary details are provided.

In conclusion, a commercial invoice is an essential document in international shipping that provides valuable information about the shipment and helps customs officials process packages efficiently. By following the steps outlined above and using Shipwire's International Shipping Commercial Invoice Template, you can ensure that your shipments are processed quickly and without any issues.

Remember to always fill out all required company and product-level information prior to submitting your international orders to avoid delays. For additional information on our International Preparation Documents for international orders, please visit our website.

International shipping commercial invoice template