Definition
A commercial invoice is the seller-issued document describing the goods sold, their value, currency, payment terms and, in foreign trade, the agreed Incoterm. It is the basis for customs, taxes, insurance, and commercial reconciliation — not to be confused with the freight invoice or Mexico’s transport CFDI.
If the invoice Incoterm is FOB and someone paid ocean freight “because we always do”, the error started on the value document — not at the port yard.
What it means on Mexico corridors
On an import/export shipment, the commercial invoice anchors value. The broker uses it with the packing list and transport document to build the pedimento.
It does not replace the transport income CFDI or Carta Porte.
Why it matters (roles)
The same invoice moves trade, finance, and claims.
| Role | What they decide with it | If it is wrong |
|---|---|---|
| Procurement / trade | Value, Incoterm, payment terms | Wrong duty or supplier dispute |
| Customs broker | Basis for pedimento and customs value | Value observation / delay |
| Insurance | Insured goods amount | Under/over insurance |
| Goods AP | Match vs PO and receipt | Paying wrong SKU/price |
Minimum fields
Before clearance or paying for goods, check:
| Field | What it should say | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Parties | Seller and buyer with tax IDs | Commercial identity and customs |
| Lines | Description, quantity, unit price | Value basis and packing match |
| Currency and total | Clear currency and totals | FX and pedimento |
| Incoterm | Incoterms® 2020 rule + place | Who pays freight/insurance/risk |
| References | PO, invoice #, country of origin | Ties the file and preferences |
| Payment terms | Terms and timing | Goods accounts payable |
What it is not
Three different invoices; three different questions.
Commercial invoice
- Goods value
- Goods Incoterm
- Customs basis
Freight invoice / CFDI
- Carriage price
- CFDI + Carta Porte in MX
- Match to rate and POD
1.≠ Freight invoice
The freight invoice bills carriage; the commercial invoice values goods.
2.≠ Packing list
Packing describes physicals; the invoice states value.
3.≠ Certificate of origin
A certificate of origin supports tariff preference; the invoice alone is not enough.
Mexico, customs value, and Incoterms
On Mexico imports, customs value starts from the invoice and may add incrementables (freight, insurance, commissions) — see also MVE.
Write the Incoterm precisely (FOB, CIF, DDP, etc.).
Context: SAT/AGA for customs value; ICC for Incoterms® 2020 — educational, not a ruling.
Trade / goods AP checklist
Incoterm
Rule + place
Lines
vs packing list
Totals
Clear currency
File
Shipment ID
Common mistakes
1.Missing or vague Incoterm
Nobody knows who pays freight/insurance until money is already spent.
2.Generic description
“Assorted parts” complicates classification and origin preference.
3.Under-declared value
Serious customs risk; not “creative savings”.
4.Confusing with freight CFDI
Paying or holding transport while staring only at the goods invoice.
Relation to the document set
The commercial invoice is the value anchor of the set.
OCL and the file
OCL does not issue commercial invoices or stamp CFDI. It helps the invoice live on the same shipment ID as packing, transport, and evidence, and flags obvious mismatches before trade or AP pays blind.
Sources and further reading
- Hub: what is a shipment.
- Incoterms: Incoterms® pillar.
- Siblings: packing list · pedimento · certificate of origin.
Key takeaways5 points
- The commercial invoice sets merchandise value, parties, currency, and Incoterm for an international shipment.
- It is not the freight invoice or Mexico transport CFDI: one values goods; the others document carriage.
- In Mexico it feeds the pedimento, customs value / MVE, and preferences when paired with a certificate of origin.
- It must match the packing list (physical) and transport document (B/L/AWB).
- OCL can stamp invoices and Carta Porte; it helps match commercial invoices on the shipment file.
Does the commercial invoice live outside the shipment?
Frequently asked questions
It is the seller document that sets description, value, currency, and Incoterm for goods on an international shipment. It is the basis for customs, insurance, and goods payment.
No. The commercial invoice values goods; the freight invoice (and in Mexico the transport CFDI) documents carriage.
Yes in foreign trade. Without a clear Incoterm (rule + place), who pays freight, insurance, and risk is undefined.
The pedimento uses the invoice (and other value elements) as a basis. Value or description mismatches create observations and delays.
No. Tariff preferences (e.g. USMCA) need the origin certification/certificate required by the agreement.
No. It helps file and match them on the shipment record.