A Commercial Invoice is a critical legal document used in international shipping that details the goods being exported, their value, origin, and description, acting as both a bill of sale and a mandatory declaration for Australian and foreign customs authorities.
You will need to switch to a laptop, tablet, or desktop to use this template.
Use this free commercial invoice template to streamline your international trade documentation, help support the smooth clearance of your goods through Australian Border Force (ABF) and foreign customs, and accurately calculate duties. This template acts as a professional commercial invoice generator for cross-border shipments.
Docusign’s commercial invoice sample template is easily customisable and includes specialised fields applicable for international shipments, such as Harmonized System (HS) Codes and Incoterms. Once you have completed the invoice with your shipment details, you can securely share the document via a Docusign envelope to all relevant recipients who need a record. After the invoice is sent, you’ll be able to securely access the completed record in your Docusign account, and you can still download and print out multiple hard copies, which are often required for the physical shipment.
Unlike a standard Australian Tax Invoice, which is primarily used for domestic GST compliance, a Commercial Invoice is the foundational document for international shipments of non-document goods. It serves as the primary instrument used by customs authorities—including the Australian Border Force (ABF)—for import control, valuation, and duty determination in the destination country.
Accuracy on this document is paramount; vague descriptions, incorrect values, or missing codes are common mistakes that can lead to significant customs delays, fines, or rejection of the shipment. This template is structured to help you provide the detailed information required for goods to move smoothly across borders.
This commercial invoice template is essential for any Australian business or individual involved in the cross-border movement of goods:
Australian Exporters/Shippers: To provide documentation required by the destination country's customs for the shipment of goods, whether they are a sale, sample, gift, or repair.
Importers/Consignees: To verify the shipment contents, value, and terms to ensure they align with the agreed purchase and to use for their own internal import compliance and duty assessment.
Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders: As the primary document they rely on to complete the Export Declaration and the Import Declaration in the destination country.
The primary purpose of the commercial invoice is to serve as the official declaration of a sale for international trade purposes. By clearly documenting the transaction for customs, the agreement aims to:
Facilitate Customs Clearance: Provide important details to the customs authorities in the importing country to support the smooth clearance of goods through border control without delays.
Assess Duties and Taxes: Enable customs officers to accurately calculate any applicable tariffs, duties, and taxes (like VAT or GST) based on the declared value, classification (HS Code), and Country of Origin.
Serve as a Legal Record: Document the terms of the sale between the exporter and importer, including the agreed price and Terms of Sale (Incoterms), which define the transfer of risk and responsibility.
To function as a valid international trade document, the commercial invoice must include the following specific and detailed information:
Parties and Reference: Clear details of the Seller/Exporter (Consignor) and the Buyer/Recipient (Consignee), including names, addresses, and the Seller’s ABN. It must also include a unique Invoice Number and a Purchase Order Number (if applicable).
Shipping and Terms: Details on the Reason for Export (e.g., Sale, Sample, Gift) and the Terms of Sale (Incoterms® 2020), which define responsibilities for freight and insurance (e.g., EXW, FOB, DAP).
Product Details (Crucial for Customs):
Detailed Description of Goods: A specific explanation of the item, what it is made of, and its intended use.
HS Tariff Code: The Harmonized System (HS) Code for each item, which is the international classification standard used to determine tariffs.
Country of Origin: Where the goods were manufactured or produced.
Financial Summary: Itemised Unit Price, Total Price (in AUD), and a final summary showing Subtotal, Freight/Shipping Charges, Insurance, Taxes, and the Total Invoice Amount.
Declaration and Signature: A formal Declaration certifying that the information is true and correct, signed by the Exporter/Seller.
Disclaimer: These templates are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. They should not be construed as regulatory, legal, or privacy law compliant. The templates are not a substitute for professional legal advice and should not be relied upon for any specific situation or circumstance. Users are strongly advised to consult with a qualified attorney licensed in their jurisdiction before using or adapting these templates.
The templates are provided on an "as is", "with all faults" and "as available" basis. To the extent permitted by law, the provider expressly disclaims all warranties of any kind, whether express, implied, statutory, or otherwise, including but not limited to any warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement. Docusign does not warrant or make any representations concerning the accuracy, likely results, or reliability of the use of the materials in these templates or otherwise relating to such materials or on any sites linked to these templates. Notwithstanding the above, nothing in this disclaimer is intended to exclude or limit any rights that cannot be excluded under Australian law, including the Australian Consumer Law.
A Statement of Work (SOW) is a detailed project document that defines the specific services, deliverables, timeline, and commercial terms for a single engagement between a client and a contractor or service provider.
A Construction quote is a formal, detailed document that sets out a fixed price offer to perform specific building works.
A Service agreement template is a formal contract between a Service Provider and a Client that clearly defines the scope of work, fees, and responsibilities for the provision of services.
A Statement of Work (SOW) is a detailed project document that defines the specific services, deliverables, timeline, and commercial terms for a single engagement between a client and a contractor or service provider.
A Construction quote is a formal, detailed document that sets out a fixed price offer to perform specific building works.
A Service agreement template is a formal contract between a Service Provider and a Client that clearly defines the scope of work, fees, and responsibilities for the provision of services.
