Invoices and ISF · CBP rule
Commercial invoice requirements for U.S. customs
CBP has no official invoice form. 19 CFR 141.86 lists what every commercial invoice must show. A complete invoice is the fastest way to a correct entry.
At a glance
- Rules
- 19 CFR 141.83 to 141.89
- Language
- English, or with an accurate English translation
- Official form
- None. Use your own format.
- No invoice?
- A pro forma invoice (19 CFR 141.85)
Commercial invoice
What is a commercial invoice for U.S. customs?
The commercial invoice is the seller's bill for the goods. CBP uses it to check the value, classification, origin and quantity of each item.
A commercial invoice is required for each shipment, except for the goods listed in 19 CFR 141.83(d). It is prepared in the manner customary in the trade.
Some goods need more data on the invoice, for example certain textiles and aluminum (19 CFR 141.89).
Who and when
Who needs it and when?
- The seller or shipper issues it. The importer gives it to the broker for the entry.
- If you do not have the commercial invoice, the broker can file a pro forma invoice with the value information you have (19 CFR 141.85).
Roles
Who signs it and who files it?
- The seller issues it, or the shipper when there is no sale. It must name a responsible employee of the exporter who knows the transaction (19 CFR 141.86(j)).
- Your broker attaches it to the entry, or transmits the invoice data electronically.
- Keep it for 5 years from the date of entry (19 CFR 163.4).
Commercial invoice
What must the invoice show?
| Item | What to show | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Port of entry | The U.S. port the goods are going to | 141.86(a)(1) |
| Sale details | When, where, by whom and to whom the goods were sold. For goods not sold: when, where, by whom and to whom shipped. | 141.86(a)(2) |
| Description | Name of each item, grade or quality, and the marks, numbers and symbols it is sold under. Also the marks and numbers of the packages. | 141.86(a)(3) |
| Quantities | In the weights and measures of the country of shipment or of the United States | 141.86(a)(4) |
| Price | The purchase price of each item in the currency of the purchase | 141.86(a)(5) |
| Value of goods not sold | The value of each item in the usual currency of such transactions | 141.86(a)(6) |
| Currency | The kind of currency | 141.86(a)(7) |
| Charges | Freight, insurance, commission, containers, coverings and packing, itemized by name and amount | 141.86(a)(8) |
| Rebates and bounties | All rebates, drawbacks and bounties allowed on export, itemized | 141.86(a)(9) |
| Country of origin | The country of origin of the goods | 141.86(a)(10) |
| Assists | Goods or services supplied for production and not in the price, such as dies, molds, tools or engineering work | 141.86(a)(11) |
| Language | English, or an attached accurate English translation | 141.86(d) |
| Contents of packages | What each package contains, in adequate detail | 141.86(e) |
| Discounts | Every discount from list or base price, for each class of goods | 141.86(g) |
| Responsible person | The name of a responsible employee of the exporter who knows the transaction | 141.86(j) |
Commercial invoice
What does a plain invoice layout look like?
| Part | Fields |
|---|---|
| Header | Invoice number and date. Seller name and address. Buyer name and address. Ship-to party, if different. U.S. port of entry. Currency. |
| Terms (recommended) | Terms of sale, for example FOB or CIF, and the date and place of sale |
| Each line | Item number. Full description with grade, model and marks. Country of origin. Quantity and unit. Unit price. Line total. HTS number (recommended). |
| Charges | Freight, insurance, packing and commissions, each with its amount, or a note that they are included in the price |
| Adjustments | Discounts, rebates and assists, each with its amount |
| Packages | Number and kind of packages, marks and numbers, and what each package contains |
| Footer | Invoice total. Name, title and contact of the responsible employee of the exporter. |
Avoid delays
What mistakes delay it?
Vague descriptions
Words such as "parts" or "samples" are not enough. Give the name of the item, its grade or quality, and its marks and numbers.Charges not itemized
Show freight, insurance, commissions and packing by name and amount, or say that they are included in the price.No country of origin
Show the origin of each item. Origin decides the duty rate, including Section 301 and Section 232 duties.Assists left out
Molds, tools, dies or engineering supplied to the maker for free or at reduced cost must be reported.Discounts not explained
Show each discount from the list or base price in detail (19 CFR 141.86(g)).
Official source
Where do I get the official form?
There is no official invoice form to download. The official source is the regulation.
- Official page19 CFR 141.86 (opens in a new tab)
- Also official19 CFR 141.83 (opens in a new tab)
- Also official19 CFR 141.85 (opens in a new tab)
Allied CHB
How can Allied help with a commercial invoice?
Send us a draft invoice before the goods ship. We tell you what is missing for the entry.
Allied CHB is a licensed U.S. customs broker in Rahway, New Jersey, CBP filer code 9AJ. We file at all U.S. ports of entry.
Our customs entry services We review invoices before the goods ship, at all U.S. ports.
Request: Help with a commercial invoice
Quote on request
Questions
What else do people ask about a commercial invoice for U.S. customs?
Does the invoice have to be in English?
Yes, or it must have an accurate English translation attached (19 CFR 141.86(d)).
Can I use a pro forma invoice?
Yes, when the commercial invoice is not available. It must follow 19 CFR 141.85 and give enough information to examine the goods and set the duty.
Is a packing list required?
The invoice must show what each package contains (19 CFR 141.86(e)). CBP also lists a packing list, where appropriate, in the entry documents (19 CFR 142.3(a)(4)).
Must the invoice show the HTS number?
No, 19 CFR 141.86 does not require it. It helps, but the importer and broker are responsible for the classification on the entry.
Need help with a commercial invoice?
Call (908) 291-8001 or email info@alliedchb.com
Last reviewed September 26, 2026. This page explains customs rules in general terms. It is not legal advice. Duty rates and CBP procedures change often, and we confirm the figures for your shipment in writing before you commit.