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Commercial Invoice
I need a commercial invoice for exporting goods from Denmark to Germany, detailing product descriptions, quantities, unit prices, and total value in euros, including Incoterms and the Danish VAT number. The document should also include the buyer's and seller's contact information and a declaration statement for customs purposes.
What is a Commercial Invoice?
A Commercial Invoice is the key sales document businesses use when shipping goods internationally from Denmark. It acts as proof of sale and helps customs officials determine import duties and taxes. Unlike a regular invoice, it must include specific details about the goods' origin, value, and shipping terms following EU and Danish customs requirements.
The document plays a vital role in international trade compliance and needs to show exact product descriptions, quantities, prices in Danish Kroner (DKK), Incoterms, and both buyer and seller details. Danish exporters must keep copies for at least 5 years to comply with bookkeeping laws and VAT documentation requirements.
When should you use a Commercial Invoice?
You need a Commercial Invoice anytime your business ships goods outside of Denmark. This applies to all exports beyond EU borders and even some intra-EU transactions where specific documentation requirements exist. The document becomes essential when clearing customs, securing payment through banks, or applying for export licenses.
Use it to protect your business interests during international sales. Danish companies must issue Commercial Invoices for shipments above 7,500 DKK to meet customs requirements. It's particularly important when dealing with regulated products, claiming preferential trade agreements, or managing VAT-exempt transactions with non-EU trading partners.
What are the different types of Commercial Invoice?
- Commercial Invoice Pro Forma Invoice: Used for preliminary price quotes and customs valuation before final sale
- International Invoice: Standard version for completed international sales, including all required Danish and EU export details
- Commercial Invoice Gift: Specifically for personal gifts shipped internationally, declaring non-commercial purpose
- Custom Clearance Invoice: Detailed version with extra customs documentation for complex shipments
- Customs Purposes Only Invoice: Used for shipments without commercial value, like samples or returns
Who should typically use a Commercial Invoice?
- Exporting Companies: Create and issue Commercial Invoices for all international shipments, ensuring compliance with Danish trade regulations
- Customs Officials: Review invoices to determine import duties, verify product classifications, and ensure trade compliance
- Freight Forwarders: Handle documentation for clients and ensure Commercial Invoices meet shipping requirements
- Bank Officers: Process international payments and letters of credit based on Commercial Invoice details
- Tax Authorities: Use these documents to verify VAT calculations and export declarations
- Import Brokers: Facilitate customs clearance in destination countries using information from Danish Commercial Invoices
How do you write a Commercial Invoice?
- Basic Details: Gather complete company information for both seller and buyer, including VAT numbers and addresses
- Product Information: List exact descriptions, quantities, unit prices, and total value in DKK
- Shipping Terms: Specify Incoterms, delivery conditions, and payment terms
- Export Codes: Look up correct HS codes for all products using the Danish Customs tariff database
- Country Details: Note country of origin for goods and final destination
- Documentation: Attach any required certificates of origin or special permits
- Compliance Check: Verify all details match your export declaration and shipping documents
What should be included in a Commercial Invoice?
- Company Information: Full legal names, addresses, and VAT numbers of both seller and buyer
- Invoice Details: Unique invoice number, date of issue, and payment terms per Danish bookkeeping law
- Product Description: Detailed item descriptions, quantities, unit prices, and total amount in DKK
- Trade Terms: Applicable Incoterms, delivery conditions, and shipping method
- Export Details: HS codes, country of origin, and destination country
- Tax Information: VAT status and any applicable exemptions under Danish law
- Declaration: Statement confirming accuracy of information for customs purposes
- Authorized Signature: Legal representative's signature and company stamp
What's the difference between a Commercial Invoice and an Invoice Form?
A Commercial Invoice differs significantly from a standard Invoice Form in several key ways, particularly for international trade in Denmark. While both documents record sales transactions, their purposes and legal requirements vary considerably.
- Legal Requirements: Commercial Invoices must meet strict customs regulations and EU export documentation standards, while regular Invoice Forms only need to satisfy basic Danish accounting rules
- Content Detail: Commercial Invoices require specific export details like HS codes, country of origin, and Incoterms; standard invoices don't need these international trade elements
- Purpose: Commercial Invoices serve as customs declaration documents and help determine import duties; regular invoices simply record domestic business transactions
- Official Status: Commercial Invoices are legal documents for international customs clearance; standard invoices have no customs authority
- Verification Requirements: Commercial Invoices often need additional stamps or certificates; regular invoices rarely require extra verification
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