As global trade regulations continue to evolve, ensuring your documentation is accurate and compliant is more important than ever. CBP requires specific information on every commercial invoice. Missing or incomplete details can lead to costly delays, penalties or shipment holds.
To help you stay compliant, Krieger Worldwide has summarized the key requirements under 19 CFR §§ 141.86 and 142.6.
What Must Be on a Commercial Invoice
- Port of entry
- Country of origin(s) of the merchandise
- Transaction details: Date, place, seller and buyer
- Merchandise description: Detailed product name, grade/quality, and identifying marks and numbers
- Quantities: In U.S. or origin country weights/measures
- Purchase price or value: In the proper currency, clearly identified
- Type of currency
- Charges: Freight, insurance, packing, containers and other costs itemized
- Rebates, drawbacks, etc. separately stated
- Discounts: Clearly shown from list or base price
- Assists: Goods or services provided for production not included in the price (e.g., dies, molds, tools, hang tags and engineering work not furnished or made in the United States)
- Packing list detailing the contents of each package
- HTS U.S. classification: At either the eight-digit level or 10-digit level
- Exporter/invoicing party information: Full name and complete address
- Invoice and accurate page numbering: Sequentially numbered across invoices and attachments
- Language: Invoice must be in English or include an accurate translation
- Responsible party: A named employee of the exporter who has knowledge of or can readily obtain information about the transaction
- Manufacturer: Depending on the commodity, the manufacturer’s information may be required (i.e., textiles and FDA-regulated products, etc.)
- Partner government agency information: PGA-specific information (FDA, Fish and Wildlife, CITES, EPA, etc.) should be provided if applicable
Why This Matters
CBP uses the commercial invoice as the primary document to assess duties, ensure trade compliance and enforce trade remedies. Errors or omissions can result in:
- Shipment delays at port
- Increased inspections and compliance scrutiny
- Potential penalties or additional duty assessments
How Krieger Worldwide Can Help
Krieger’s team continuously monitors trade regulation updates to help importers stay ahead in a dynamic environment. If you’d like us to review your current invoice templates or provide guidance tailored to your products, please reach out to the client services team at cst@nkinc.com.
