Export commercial invoice
Indian manufacturers, merchant exporters and trading houses shipping goods abroad.
- Export from India
- LUT / IGST
- Sea or air
Free templates
Commercial Invoice Template
A commercial invoice describes goods crossing a border: what they are, what they are worth, where they come from and the terms of sale. Use the export format for shipments from India, or the courier format for parcels, samples and small consignments.
Choose a template
- Free, no sign-up
- Logo and currency
- PDF and print
- A4 · A5 · Letter · Legal
2 commercial invoice templates to customise
Each one opens in an editor on its own page. Pick the closest fit; every field can be changed.
Courier commercial invoice
Small exporters, online sellers and anyone sending goods abroad by international courier.
- Courier
- Samples and small parcels
- Customs declaration
How it works
How editing, PDF download and printing work
Pick a layout
Open the commercial invoice template that fits your use and the editor loads straight away.
Fill in the fields
Click any field to type your own details, add your logo and choose the currency. Totals update as you type.
Choose the paper size
Switch between A4, A5, Letter and Legal to match your printer or what the recipient expects.
Download or print
Save a PDF to email or share, or print directly from the browser.
Everything stays in your browser
The template is edited and turned into a PDF on your own device. Nothing you type, and no logo you add, is uploaded to a server. There is no sign-up.
Before you send it
Use the same descriptions, quantities and values that appear on your packing list and shipping documents. Customs officers compare them, and a mismatch is a common reason for queries and delays.
Guide
When to use a commercial invoice
You need a commercial invoice whenever goods are sold or sent to another country. Customs authorities in both countries use it to identify the goods, check their value and work out duties, and the buyer and banks rely on it for payment.
What customs looks for on a commercial invoice
Customs officers read the commercial invoice to answer four questions: what the goods are (description and HS code), what they are worth (value, currency and Incoterm), where they were made (country of origin) and who is sending and receiving them. Weights and package counts let them tie the invoice to the physical shipment. Issue it when the goods are actually shipped, with final quantities and values.
Commercial invoice vs sales invoice
A domestic GST tax invoice records a sale inside India and the GST charged on it. An export commercial invoice records a sale to a buyer abroad. Indian exporters often issue one export invoice that carries both the GST particulars and the details customs and the foreign buyer need. Your CHA or tax adviser can confirm the format your shipment needs.
The documents that travel with it
The commercial invoice is the core of a shipping document set, not the whole set. The others depend on the shipment and the destination.
- Packing list: package-by-package contents, weights and dimensions.
- Shipping bill (exports from India): filed with Indian customs for clearance.
- Bill of lading or airway bill: issued by the carrier.
- Certificate of origin: where the buyer wants a trade agreement benefit or the destination requires it.
Which document is which
| Document | Issued by | What it is for | How it differs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | Seller / exporter | States the goods, value and terms of the shipment | — |
| Packing list | Seller / exporter | Details packages, weights and marks | No prices; supports the invoice |
| Shipping bill | Exporter or CHA, filed with Indian customs | Export declaration in India | A customs filing, built from invoice data |
| Bill of lading / airway bill | Carrier | Receipt and contract of carriage | Proves shipment; not a sale document |
Frequently asked questions
Which commercial invoice template should I use?
Use the export commercial invoice if you are an Indian business shipping goods abroad and need IEC, GST and LUT details on the invoice. Use the courier commercial invoice for parcels sent by courier, such as samples, small orders, gifts and returns, where the AWB number, reason for export, HS codes and a customs declaration matter most.
Can I show values in US dollars or euros?
Yes. Choose the currency in the editor. Export invoices are often in the currency of the contract; some exporters also note the rupee value and exchange rate used.
Does this template guarantee customs clearance?
No. Customs requirements differ by country and by product, and they change. The templates give you the common fields; always check the destination country’s customs requirements and confirm with your freight forwarder or customs broker.
Is a commercial invoice needed for samples or gifts?
Usually yes. Couriers and customs generally expect an invoice that states the reason for export and a value, even when nothing is being sold. Mark the purpose clearly instead of writing a zero value.
Is my shipment data uploaded?
No. The template runs entirely in your browser and the PDF is created on your device.
What is the difference between a commercial invoice template and a commercial invoice format?
Nothing in practice. “Format” is the more common word in India and “template” elsewhere. Both mean a ready layout with the fields a commercial invoice needs, which you fill in for each shipment.