HOW TO COMPLETE AN INTERNATIONAL INVOICE

WHAT IS AN INVOICE FOR INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING?

If you’ve packaged up products and they’re ready to send to your latest international customer, you just need to decide on how to ship the parcel. Whether you’re sending it across air or land, you’ll need to produce an international invoice.

But what is an international shipping invoice? It is a document that contains important information on the contents and more – helping to calculate tariffs and confirm the shipment is legal – as well as assisting in the creation of a customs declaration.

WHY ARE INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING INVOICES IMPORTANT?

Ensuring you get your international invoice correct is essential, as it can prevent any hold-ups with your shipment. They ensure that the shipping process runs smoothly for you, the customs authorities and also the buyer.

When filled in correctly, there is a greater chance that the package arrives on time to the destination country. Our online forms will do a lot of the work for you – you just need to fill in the gaps.

 KEY THINGS TO NOTE ON INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING INVOICES

There are a number of things to note when creating an international shipping invoice, which we’ve listed below:

• Invoices must be typed and not written. Five copies will print out with your label. If you experience difficulties, please contact us.
• Invoices must state the full name of the person shipping, and their full address. In most cases, this will be your own details.
• Including a full breakdown of what is being sent and the value per item, and a total parcel value is required.
• Including good quality invoice images will ensure an excellent image for the destination customs to use.
• All copies of the invoice must be securely fixed to the parcel.

Other key things to consider include:

• All sections of the invoice must be completed.
• All details on the label and invoice must match.
• If you are VAT registered and are sending the parcel outside of the EU, it must be EORI registered with HMRC. Contacting the HMRC Helpline will help you with the registration process.
• If you are not VAT registered or a business, you will need to enter GBUNREG on the invoice as the VAT number.

And if you are creating an international shipping invoice for a specific country that require additional information:

• For parcels being sent to Norway or Switzerland, the invoice must state a buyer with a Norwegian or Swiss address and a full name - initials will not be accepted.
• For parcels being sent to Brazil, Argentina or South Africa, the Cadastro Pessoa Fisica (CPF) or Tax ID must be typed on the invoice in the consignee/recipient details section.

Failure to comply with any of the above requirements may result in unnecessary delays or even the return of the consignment at an extra cost – which is beyond our control.
 

INTERNATIONAL INVOICE ADVICE

If you require further assistance in creating an international invoice, there is a range of content created by DHL eCommerce UK to help you on your way. 

Wondering how to complete a commercial invoice? Perhaps you need to understand a bit more about shipping abroad since Brexit? Find the answers to your questions, or get in touch  with us today. 

Ready to send a parcel abroad? Get a quick quote.