What is a custom Invoice? In simple terms, a customs invoice is a document involving the importation and exportation of goods. A customs invoice is an approximate bill of sale. They are finalising documents that you need for transactions when arriving from a different country.
Is a customs invoice the same as a commercial invoice?
Both customs and commercial invoices are similar and help cross-border shipments to clear customs. Your shipment cannot be cleared to leave the country without a customs invoice.
What should be included in your customs invoice?
Date, Collection address, delivery address, goods description, total shipment value, tax status of the receiver, why you are exporting, manufacturing country, statement of declaration, goods description, shipping weight, terms of the package, value for each item in the package.
When do you need a customs invoice?
The customs invoice is most often needed to clear customs. It contains all the required information that will be requested at customs. The agents at customs of the receiving country will scan through this information to ascertain if the shipment will be allowed in the country or will face possible inhibition.
Where should a customs invoice be attached?
In international trading, the custom invoice is a very important component. Before it is taken to the shipping company, the sender should print the customs invoice and the shipping label on the parcel. The best way to do this is by printing a few copies of the invoice because the customs agent will take away a copy during transit before the parcel is shipped. the best practice is to attach an extra copy inside the package in case of damage to the invoice in transit. The custom invoice should be attached to the outer part of the parcel.
What rules are involved in customs?
Customs rules and regulations are peculiar to each region and country. Visit the customs office to make enquiries.
What is the invoice value for customs?
The invoice value for customs is peculiar to each country. Let’s take for example the United States, the value placed on the invoice should be the price the buyer residing in the States paid to acquire the goods and not the amount at which the goods will be sold for.
What is the information needed for shipping?
The shipping details include the address and phone number of the recipient, freight charges, export route, the day and date the parcel was shipped, the number of packages, contents of the package, gross weight, insurance charges, and pricing details.
What are the general rules of customs invoices?
- The invoice should be available at the time of entry.
- The invoice should be written in English or should alternatively include an accurate English translation
- The importer of record should keep the invoice and all other related shipments for at least five years from the date that it was entered.
What are the benefits of a customs invoice?
The benefits of a customs invoice include the following:
- It serves as proof of sale.
- It guarantees payment.
- It assists in the verification of packages.
Frequently asked questions
These are the frequently asked questions on custom invoices :
- Is a customs invoice required for documents?
An invoice is not required. When you ship packages to another country, you just need to complete the shipping document. An invoice is not particularly needed.
- Is a customs invoice required for personal belongings?
Yes. Oftentimes, a customs invoice is needed for personal belongings. It is needed to not only ensure the insured value of the personal belongings but also the contents of the parcel
- Is a customs invoice required for returns?
Yes. For returns, a customs invoice is needed. It will aid in the successful return of your shipment.
- Who pays customs duties?
The seller or the buyer of the shipment is required to pay duties. Most often, the person expected to pay is stated in the shipper and receiver’s terms of payment.
- Is a commercial invoice different from a customs invoice?
Yes. However, they are similar. However, a custom is created and designed by the custom of the importing country while a commercial invoice is created and designed by the exporter. A customs invoice sometimes works as a substitute for a commercial invoice.
- How are custom invoices used?
Several parties use custom invoices. They are involved in both import and export processes.
- Do countries require other documents aside from customs clearance documents?
Yes. In some cases, a customs invoice is usually required alongside the commercial invoice.
- What is the major difference between a customs invoice and a commercial invoice?
A commercial invoice is often required by smaller traders to clear customs while a commercial invoice is often needed by large-scale freight importers and exporters.
- Do all countries require a commercial invoice?
Yes. It is a customs declaration required to clear the shipment.
