|
 |
 |
What are the requirements, criteria, or format of a commercial invoice, bill of sale, receipt that must be provided when clearing or filing entry documents with Customs and Border Protection?
In general, a commercial invoice should contain enough information for a CBP Officer to determine if the goods being imported are admissible, and if so, what the correct HTS classification and rate of duty should be. There is no specific format for an invoice, although CBP regulations do provide an example of what should be on an invoice in 19 CFR, Section 141.85. At a minimum, an invoice should: 1. Describe the item clearly 2. Give the quantity 3. State the value (either price paid, or estimated value based on other considerations.) Give both the value in foreign currency and U.S. dollars. 4. Country of Origin (where the item was made) 5. Where it was purchased 6. Name of the business or person selling the merchandise 7. Location of the business or person selling the merchandise 8. Name and address of business or person buying the merchandise, and if different from the importer, 9. The U.S. address of the person or business the goods are being shipped to. The U.S. importer will need to present the invoice to CBP when clearing their goods.The above information will usually suffice for goods that are donated or bought and sold in informal settings such as flea markets, over internet auction sites, in retail stores, etc. More formalized commercial transactions may need to have additional information on the invoice. For further guidance see 19 CFR, Section 141.86
Customs & Border Protection (CBP), Department of Homeland Security
http://www.cbp.gov/
|
|
|
|
|
