The primary customs document for all international shipments — required for every parcel, pallet or freight consignment crossing a border.
A commercial invoice is the official document that describes the goods being shipped internationally, their value, and the terms of sale between buyer and seller. Customs authorities in the destination country use it to calculate import duties and taxes, verify the shipment contents, and ensure the goods are permitted for import. Without a complete and accurate commercial invoice, your shipment will be held at customs. Cargosender automatically generates a commercial invoice when you book your shipment.
A unique reference number and the date the invoice was issued. Customs uses this to match documents across the shipment.
Full legal name, address, and EORI number (Economic Operator Registration and Identification) of the exporter.
Full name and address of the recipient. Must match the delivery address on the parcel label exactly.
A detailed, specific description of the item (e.g. 'Men's cotton t-shirts' not 'clothing'). Vague descriptions cause customs delays.
The 6–10 digit Harmonised System code that classifies the goods for customs and duty calculation. Using the wrong HS code can lead to incorrect duty charges.
Where the goods were manufactured — not necessarily where they are being shipped from. Critical for duty calculation and trade agreement eligibility.
Number of units and the value per unit in the transaction currency. Total value must equal quantity × unit value.
The actual transaction value of the goods. Do not under-declare — this is fraud and can lead to seizure of the shipment.
The agreed trade term (e.g. DAP, DDP, EXW, FOB) that determines who is responsible for freight costs, insurance, and customs duties.
Write a clear, specific description of what you are shipping. Find the correct HS code using the EU Customs Tariff or a classification tool. Vague terms like 'gift' or 'sample' are not accepted.
Include full legal names and addresses for both parties. If you have an EORI number, include it on the exporter line. Non-EU buyers should include their import tax ID if available.
Enter the actual commercial value of the goods — the price the buyer paid, or the fair market value for gifts. Currency must be specified. Never under-declare to save on duty.
Look up the 8–10 digit EU HS code for your goods and enter it. State where the goods were manufactured (country of origin), which may differ from your location.
If the buyer is responsible for import duties, use DAP (Delivered at Place). If you are covering duties, use DDP (Delivered Duty Paid). Agree this with your buyer before shipping.
The commercial invoice must be signed and dated by the exporter. Cargosender generates a pre-filled invoice automatically — you just verify, sign, and attach it to the outside of the parcel.
Writing 'clothes', 'electronics', or 'personal items' instead of the specific product name will trigger a customs hold. Always be specific: 'cotton polo shirt, 3 units'.
Declaring a lower value to reduce import duties is customs fraud. Customs can seize the goods and the sender may face fines. Always declare the actual transaction value.
An incorrect HS code means the wrong duty rate is applied. This can result in extra charges, delays, or even a refusal of import. Use the EU customs tariff database to verify your code.
The quantities, descriptions, and values on your commercial invoice must match your packing list exactly. Discrepancies are flagged by customs and cause delays.
Yes — any parcel, pallet or freight shipment crossing an international border (including from Portugal to the UK or outside the EU) requires a commercial invoice. Shipments within the EU do not need one as there are no customs checks between EU member states.
Customs will hold the shipment until the correct documents are provided. This can cause delays of days or weeks. In serious cases (under-declaration, prohibited goods), the shipment may be seized.
Yes. When you book through Cargosender, we generate a compliant commercial invoice automatically based on the shipment details you enter. You download it, print it, and attach it to the parcel.
Typically 3 copies: one inside the parcel, one attached to the outside in a clear document wallet, and one retained for your records. Some couriers require the invoice to be attached to every box in a multi-piece shipment.
An HS (Harmonised System) code is a standardised numerical code that classifies every type of product for customs purposes. In the EU, codes are 8–10 digits. Find yours at ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs or ask Cargosender's support team.
Yes, one invoice can cover multiple boxes in the same shipment, but it must list each item separately with quantities and values. Each box should reference the invoice number, and the total values must add up correctly.
Cargosender generates your shipping documents automatically when you book. Compare DHL, UPS, FedEx, DPD and GLS rates — all paperwork included.