commercial invoice template united states

#COMMERCIAL INVOICE TEMPLATE UNITED STATES HOW TO#
#COMMERCIAL INVOICE TEMPLATE UNITED STATES CODE#

In the case of an Import coming to the U.S., the shipper is to use the correct H.T.S.U.S. then the shipper should use the proper HTS code, also known as the Schedule “B” number. If the shipment will be Exported from the U.S. (Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States).Īgain, we illustrate that export and import shipment paperwork cannot be prepared the exact same way. Imports are cleared using a special addition to the HTS codes called the H.T.S.U.S. Various countries around the world may add variations to the HTS codes from time to time, but only for their specific country.

is also referred to as the Schedule “B” number.

#COMMERCIAL INVOICE TEMPLATE UNITED STATES CODE#

The HTS code for shipments exported from the U.S. The HTS code, put simply, is an internationally accepted system of numbers that match up to a specific commodity description, so that customs officials around the world can know what the commodity is regardless of the language spoken. It’s extremely important for the type of shipment we’re discussing. The proper HTS code should be provided by the shipper on all shipments. HTS CODE USED - which HTS code you use is incredibly important! For many shippers, they’re not concerned much about the HTS codes unless they also had to file an EEI with AES. On one end, “it’s a return, so the value is zero, isn’t it?” While on the opposite end, “We paid $X amount when we bought the thing, so I guess that’s the value?” Both of these extremes are incorrect for this type of shipment.Ĥ. Many shippers gravitate toward either end of the spectrum. VALUE OF THE COMMODITY - More often than not, there is confusion about the value of the commodity. Part numbers don’t mean anything to Customs agents the space they take up is better served with an accurate description.ģ. Stay away from general terms when describing your commodity. ACCURATE DESCRIPTION OF THE COMMODITY - an accurate description is very important. The more the customs officials can ascertain from your paperwork the better.Ģ. REASON FOR IMPORT / INTENDED USE - this is often one of the most overlooked considerations, and it can have a huge impact on the outcome. To prepare shipment paperwork correctly one must always take into consideration the FIVE KEY ELEMENTS that Customs officials use to determine if they will allow a shipment to enter their country, and at what rates of duty and tax. Export and Import shipment paperwork are not the same! This behavior is at the root of the problem. It’s important to do this in order to bring attention to the first mistake many companies make - the paperwork (which includes the air waybill, and commercial or Performa invoice) are being completed in the same way regardless of the reasons the shipment exist. We need to separate the shipments in to two types: those that are exported out of the U.S., and those that are imported into the U.S.

To begin, lets deconstructing the essential elements. It’s important to state here, that it is a common misconception that all shipments involving returns are always duty and tax free. In this article, we discuss the key mistakes leading to this issue, and explain how you can correct these mistakes with the proper knowledge.

All it takes is the knowledge to correctly prepare your shipment’s paperwork. What may be surprising to hear is that most of these situations are preventable. Hundreds of companies around the world are faced with this dilemma each day. You thought the shipments were items in need of repair or calibration, or maybe they were warranty items, or just being returned because they were the wrong parts. Have you or your customers ever been surprised by an unexpected bill for customs duties and taxes? Confusion sets in.

#COMMERCIAL INVOICE TEMPLATE UNITED STATES HOW TO#

Do you know how to correctly prepare your shipment paperwork to avoid customs duties and taxes when, and where possible when making a repair and replace or warranty replacement shipment?

Commercial invoice template united states