In a foreign trade, a commercial invoice records a transaction between the seller and the buyer. It is an export document that serves as legal evidence of the sale transaction between the purchaser and the merchant. It may contain the full description, quantity and value of goods sold, information regarding the seller (exporter) and the buyer (importer) and shipping related information.
A commercial invoice is a proof of sale used for custom clearance, assessment and determination of duties and taxes payable. The exporter is required to get the document signed and sealed by either a notary public or the secretary of state.