Template Scenario

Commercial Invoice for E-commerce Orders

How online sellers should prepare commercial invoices for international orders from Shopify, Amazon, marketplaces, and independent stores.

Last reviewed: June 10, 2026

Quick Answer

E-commerce invoices should match the order record, show each product line clearly, include HS codes and origin where possible, and reflect the tax and duty setup used by the marketplace or carrier.

Best for

Shopify, Amazon, Etsy, WooCommerce, marketplace, and DTC sellers shipping internationally.

Key risk

Mismatch between marketplace order data, carrier label, and invoice can trigger customs or buyer issues.

Recommended invoice type

Commercial Invoice for paid orders; Pro Forma Invoice for unpaid samples or replacements.

Priority fields

SKU-level descriptions, sale values, currency, origin, HS code, Incoterms, and tax identifiers.

Start from the order record

The invoice should reflect what the customer actually bought. Product names, quantities, prices, discounts, currency, and order number should match the order record and marketplace data.

If the platform collects VAT, GST, IOSS, or other tax data, keep that record consistent with the invoice and carrier shipment.

List products at SKU level

Do not combine all order items into one line called 'merchandise'. Customs classification and value review work better when each SKU has its own line.

Include material, use, model, and size where they affect classification. For apparel, fabric composition and gender or age category can matter. For electronics, model and function matter.

Marketplace tax and delivery terms

If a marketplace or seller handles import tax, make sure the invoice and carrier setup reflect that arrangement. If the buyer pays duties and taxes on delivery, use terms that match the shipping service.

Do not promise DDP on the invoice unless the carrier and tax process are actually set up for delivered-duty-paid shipping.

Invoice Checklist

Use the order number and invoice number consistently.
List every SKU with description, quantity, unit value, total value, currency, origin, and HS code if known.
Match customer name and address with the carrier label.
Reflect discounts, tax collection, and shipping terms accurately.
Include marketplace tax identifiers such as IOSS only when they apply.
Keep packing list, order record, and commercial invoice aligned.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using product titles that are optimized for shoppers but unclear for customs.
Combining multiple SKUs into one generic merchandise line.
Forgetting origin country for private-label or imported inventory.
Using DDP language without a DDP shipping setup.
Including marketplace tax IDs on shipments where they do not apply.

Before You Ship

This guide is educational and not customs, tax, legal, or brokerage advice. Carrier policies and customs rules can change. Verify current requirements with your carrier, destination customs authority, or licensed customs broker before shipping.

Official Sources Checked

Create the invoice after you check the requirements

Use DocInvo to create a commercial or pro forma invoice PDF in your browser. No sign-up is required, and invoice data is not stored on our server.

Create Invoice Now