Should be prepared in the manner customary to trade. Most countries require that a commercial invoice must be filed for each shipment. It must be original although some countries accept photo copies with a declaration by foreign suppliers, shippers or importers verifying that it is a true copy. When an invoice is not available some countries accept a pro forma invoice with information adequate to assess duty, examine goods and collect statistics.

Some countries may require a special Customs Invoice - US for example, waived Customs Invoices in March 1, 1982.

Common Invoicing Mistakes by Exporters

The following are a few of the many common invoicing mistakes that are often made by exporters. Any of the following mistakes may cause delay, crippling penalties or total seizure of products by Customs officials.

� Under invoicing, declaring less than the actual value of goods.
� Vague descriptions.
� Several distinct articles lumped as one.
� Supplier does not show the discounted invoice at the net price.
� Omission of royalties, commissions, packaging and other dutiable additions that make up market value.
� Transportation and insurance charges not itemized separately (some countries do not assess duty on transportation and insurance charges).
� Pertinent information missing and lines left blank.
� Missing country of origin.
� Invoices not signed by supplier or supplier's agent.
� Calculation mistakes in words and figures.

Remember, at a minimum, an invoice must always clearly show the total invoice value, non dutiable charges, add to make market value (if dutiable), and net entered value of the merchandise imported.

By carefully preparing a pro forma invoice, the exporter can increase the chances of the offer to sell to be accepted by the buyer and eventually increase the exporter's sales and profit. Because the pro forma invoice is the first document the buyer receives from the exporter, there is a psychological advantage in laying everything out, since the easiest thing for the buyer to do is to accept the proposed offer. Help your buyer to accept your offer by providing a thoroughly prepared pro forma invoice.

Happy Exporting!!!

About the author:

Compiled by Shalish Kumar -- International Business Consultant www.worldtradeconnections.co.in

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