Commercial Invoice
Category: Documents
Definition (plain English)
The seller invoice used for customs valuation, payment evidence, accounting, and shipment records, showing final line values, currency, Incoterm, origin, quantities, parties, and product descriptions.
Why it matters commercially
Customs brokers, banks, buyers, and finance teams use it to reconcile declared value, duty, VAT, payment release, and document-control requirements before cargo or funds move.
Example
A bank held an LC presentation because the commercial invoice described mixed fruit snacks while the bill of lading and certificate used a different regulated food description.
Common mistake
Issuing an invoice from the proforma without reconciling product wording, quantities, currency, Incoterm, origin, document set, and payment terms against the packing list and transport document.
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