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All cargo exported from the United States must be accompanied by documentation that describes the commodity and its value in US dollars. In international trade, exporters are required to provide a Commercial Invoice or a Purchase Receipt that shows this information.
To ship trade-related cargo from the U.S., you need a Commercial Invoice (CI). Customs uses this document to check if the community is legal and to define duties. Without it, you cannot ship internationally.
In some cases, a properly completed Valued Packing List (VPL) may substitute for a Commercial Invoice. This is acceptable if:
Keep in mind that Customs may review and adjust the declared value on packing lists or proforma invoices to reflect fair market value.
Sometimes, customs authorities may request additional documents beyond a CI or VPL to release your shipment. In such cases, you or your customs broker can assist in preparing compliant export documentation.
If you’re abroad and buying goods from the U.S., request a Commercial Invoice from the seller at the time of purchase. Ensure it’s formatted for international shipping.
If you are the seller, always provide the buyer with an invoice suitable for export. The invoice should include:
If the declared value exceeds $2,499, the exporter must also provide a U.S. Tax ID (EIN) or a copy of non-U.S. passport to submit the Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED).
For international transportation of household goods or personal effects, a Valued Packing List must be submitted, even if no invoice is involved.
According to U.S. Customs regulations (Section 141.86), a Commercial Invoice must be in English and include:
The CI is evaluated alongside the bill of lading. Missing information on one document may be supplemented by details on the other.
If you are shipping internationally with AMID Logistics:
As of January 1, 2011, all international shipments from the United States require at least the first six digits of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule Code listed on the invoice or VPL.
You can search for US HS Codes on the official website of the United States International Trade Commission at hts.usitc.gov.
In cases where household goods or mixed personal effects are shipped without a clearly defined commodity, we may suggest HS Code 4016.99.05 – "Household articles not elsewhere specified or included."
Before submitting your invoice or VPL:
Once documents are handed over to the ocean freight carrier:
 
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