Illustrative situation
A broker tells a brand its shipment is delayed because the invoice describes the goods as garments and gives no fibre content, while the packing list shows different carton counts from the bill of lading.
Main answer
A commercial invoice should name the seller and buyer, describe each product clearly with fibre content and construction, give quantity, unit price, total value, currency, terms of sale and country of origin, and the packing list should show carton counts, quantities per size, and weights that match the goods. Make the documents consistent so customs can clear the shipment without questions.
What the invoice shows
CBP’s guide for importers lists the information expected on an invoice, including a description of the goods in detail, quantities, values, the country of origin and the parties involved. For apparel, add the style number, the fibre content, whether the garment is knitted or woven and the gender, since these help classification.
What the packing list shows
The packing list should show each carton number, the style and colour, size breakdown, pieces per carton, and net and gross weights and carton dimensions. This helps the broker, the forwarder and the warehouse receive goods and check counts.
Keep documents consistent
Descriptions, quantities and values should agree between the invoice, the packing list, the bill of lading and the ISF. Differences are a common reason for questions. If a sample or free item is shipped, show it with a value or mark it as no commercial value as your broker advises.
Free samples and returns
Samples, replacement goods and returned goods also need documents. Show a clear description and value even if no payment is made, and ask your broker how to describe them. Mixing samples into a commercial shipment without paperwork can cause delays.
Related reading
See the products page for the products behind this topic, and read packing list next. Both are general guides, not a quotation.
Practical habits
Send your supplier a template before the order and ask for a draft before shipping. Check it against your purchase order, and ask for corrections early. Save final versions with the entry records.
Fact, recommendation, uncertainty
- Established fact
- CBP’s importer guide describes the information expected on a commercial invoice, including a detailed description, quantities, values, origin and the parties to the sale.
- Recommendation
- Send the supplier an invoice and packing list template and check the draft against your order before the goods ship.
- Uncertainty
- Requirements vary by country and shipment type, and your broker will know what is needed at entry.
Sources and further reading
Sources checked on 24 October 2026. Standards bodies sell the full texts; we cite what their public pages state. General information, not legal or technical certification advice.
More perspectives from the team
Three further views on the same question, each by function. They add conditions and limits to the main answer; they are editorial notes, not customer reviews.
Sino Finetex Editorial Team Sourcing
Ask the factory to include style, fibre content and carton breakdown in the first draft, not only after a query. Limit: factories that ship to many markets may use a simple template. Share a document checklist with the factory before the order.
Sino Finetex Editorial Team Product selection
Use clear style names and numbers that match your product listings. Limit: renaming styles later makes records harder to match. Use consistent size codes and colour names across all documents so a clerk can match goods to lines at a glance.
Sino Finetex Editorial Team Quality & care
Count a few cartons on arrival against the packing list and note differences immediately. Limit: counting a sample may miss errors in other cartons, so report any difference quickly. Compare the carton count against the bill of lading on arrival, and report any difference to the forwarder on the same day.
Related products
- Products
Sino Finetex product page
- Capabilities
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- how-does-it-work
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- FAQs
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