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What to Know About Commercial Invoices and Packing Lists [LINK TO COMMERCIAL INVOICE TEMPLATE]

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Understanding Customs Declaration Documents

What are the essential documents for a customs declaration?

To clear your cargo via U.S. Customs, you need two crucial documents:

Packing List

What is a packing list?

A packing list is a customs declaration form that provides detailed information about the shipment. It includes:

  • Number of units
  • Weight
  • Measurements
  • Carton count

What is the importance of a packing list?

The data on the Commercial Invoice and the corresponding fields on the Packing List must match. For example, the number of units for each product should be the same on both the Commercial Invoice and the Packing List.

Commercial Invoice

What is a commercial invoice?

A commercial invoice is another essential customs declaration form. It contains information regarding:

  • Price
  • Quantity of the goods being sent

What details should a commercial invoice include?

A comprehensive commercial invoice should have:

  • Country of manufacturing or origin
  • Full name and address of the manufacturer or supplier
  • Full name and address of the buyer (individual or company)
  • Number of units for each product
  • Full name and address of the recipient
  • Unit price in US dollars and supplier's currency
  • A thorough explanation of the product, including its description, functionality, and materials

Additional Information

  • It's important to note that every imported commodity must have a declared value. A $0 value is not acceptable for Customs reasons.
  • Even if you are receiving the goods for free, it's advisable to declare the item's fair market worth.

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