Commercial Invoice Requirements
Requirements of a commercial invoice, bill of sale, receipt that must be provided when filing entry documents for Customs clearance
A commercial invoice should contain enough information for a Customs Officer to determine if the goods being imported are admissible, and if so, the correct classification and valuation of goods. For further guidance, see the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS).
For commercial shipments, the invoice accompanying the importation should include a statement certifying that the goods qualify as originating goods.
There is no specific format for an invoice (see 19 CFR 141.85). However, regulations do provide what information should be included on an invoice.
At a minimum, an invoice should include the following:
- Detailed description of each item, in English (for US entry)
- Quantity of each item, along with weight and measure
- Purchase price of each item, in the currency of the purchase (Ideally, provide the value in origin and destination currency)
- If the items are shipped otherwise than in pursuance of a purchase, then the Value of each item
- Terms of sale
- Country of Origin (where the item was made) of each item
- Where each item was purchased
- Name and address of the business or person selling the merchandise
- Name and address of the business or person buying the merchandise (note if different from the importer)
- The complete name and address of the business or person the goods are being shipped to
The importer will need to present the commercial invoice to Customs when clearing their goods.
For further guidance on US requirements, see 19 CFR 141.86, contents of invoices and general requirements.
NOTE: Every country has their own specific requirements for commercial invoices
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Hong Kong Normalization – Transition Period Extended through November 9, 2020. Executive Order 13936
This notice is to inform the trade that the 45-day transition period for compliance with the President’s Executive Order (EO) on Hong Kong Normalization has been extended for an additional 45 days through November 9, 2020. Additionally, this notice updates the guidance provided in CSMS# 43633412, issued August 11, 2020.
Background
On July 14, 2020, the President issued Executive Order 13936 dealing with Hong Kong Normalization, and suspended, among other things, the application of section 201(a) of the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 to certain statutes, including 19 U.S.C. 1304. On August 11, 2020, CBP issued a notice in the Federal Register (85 FR 48551) notifying the public that, unless excepted from marking, goods produced in Hong Kong must be marked to indicate that their origin is “China” for purposes of 19 U.S.C. 1304. The position set forth in the notice became applicable as of July 29, 2020; however, CBP granted a transition period until September 25, 2020 for importers to implement marking consistent with the notice.
Additional 45 days for informed compliance
In an effort to allow importers ample time to comply with EO requirements for goods produced in Hong Kong to be appropriately marked with the origin of “China”, CBP is extending the transition period for an additional 45 days, through November 9, 2020. During this period, CBP personnel from the Ports of Entry and Centers of Excellence and Expertise (Centers) should not take any enforcement actions (i.e., marking notices, marking penalties, etc.) on goods produced in Hong Kong for purposes of 19 U.S.C. 1304. Centers and Ports of Entry should take measures to inform accounts and importers of these new marking rules for Hong Kong set forth in the EO.
This change in marking requirements does not affect country of origin determinations for purposes of assessing ordinary duties under Chapters 1-97 of the HTSUS or temporary or additional duties under Chapter 99 of the HTSUS. Entry summary procedures also have not changed. Given that this new rule only applies to marking requirements under 19 U.S.C. 1304, filers should continue to file their entry summaries and submit payments for applicable duties, taxes and fees in accordance with current regulations and policies.
Should you have any questions regarding this notice, please contact the Trade Agreement Branch at fta@dhs.gov
Related documents:
- GUIDANCE: New Marking Rules for Goods Made in Hong Kong – Executive Order 13936 (CSMS #43633412, August 11, 2020)
- FAQ – Guidance of Marking of Goods of Hong Kong – EO 13936
- Country of Origin Marking of Products of Hong Kong (85 FR 48551, August 11, 2020)
- The President’s Executive Order on Hong Kong Normalization (85 FR 43413, July 14, 2020)
- 1997 FR Hong Kong Customs 97-14662 (62 FR 30927, June 5, 1997)
US CBP: Country of Origin Marking of Products, Hong Kong
Full Federal Register Notice: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-08-11/pdf/2020-17599.pdf?utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list&utm_source=federalregister.gov&utm_medium=email
CSMS #43511668 – Information on COBRA User Fee Changes Effective October 1, 2020
Pursuant to the General Notice (85 FR 45646) published July 29, 2020, various changes to user fees within the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) of 1985 will take effect on October 1, 2020. The General Notice may be accessed at the link below:https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-07-29/pdf/2020-16450.pdf
The Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) ad valorem rate of 0.3464% will NOT change. The MPF minimum and maximum for formal entries (class code 499) will change. The minimum will change from $26.79 to $27.23; and the maximum will change from $519.76 to $528.33.
The fee for informal entry or release (class code 311) will change to $2.18.
The surcharge for manual entry or release will change to $3.27.
The dutiable mail fee (class code 496) will change to $5.99.
Another CSMS will be sent when the changes are in the ACE Certification environment for trade testing.
Update to United States Mexico Canada Agreement
After 25 year, the old North American Trade Agreement will be replaced tomorrow July 1, 2020. Each participating country has its own name, yet all three names refer to the same trade agreement. Please see the name for each country listed below.
- United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), in the United States
- Tratado entre Mexico, Estados Unidos y Canada (T-MEC), in Mexico.
- Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), in Canada.
US Customs and Border Patrol issued a cargo systems messaging service with the final instructions. Please see CMSM# 43215543 US-Mexico-Canada Agreements (USMCA) Implementing Instructions (Final) – July 30, 2020. The CSMA published by Customs lists the website were you can find specific information for importing under USMCA. BOC will provide a Certificate of Origin that contains all the data elements that are required for USMCA, T-MEC and CUMA with instructions, to any party requesting it.
Cargo Systems Messaging Service CSMS #43215543
US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) Implementing Instructions (Final) – June 30, 2020
This message is to inform the Trade Community of the release of the USMCA Implementing Instructions (Final) on June 30, 2020. The link to this document is available below.
These USMCA Implementing Instructions replace the Updated USMCA Interim Implementing Instructions issued on June 16, 2020, and provide guidance on the new requirements under the USMCA, including information on USMCA entry, compliance, rules-of-origin, origin certifications, new auto requirements, textile requirements, and other requirements for claiming USMCA preferential treatment for goods.
The supporting USMCA regulations, the new Part 182 of Title 19, Code of Federal Regulations (19 CFR 182) that includes the USMCA Uniform Regulations, will be issued on July 1, 2020. Additionally, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States will be amended effective, July1, 2020 to include General Note 11 (GN11) with information on the USMCA rules of origin, product specific rules, and other requirements.
Effective July1, 2020, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) terminates and the USMCA enters into force.
Questions regarding this guidance can be directed to Maya Kamar, Director, Textiles and Trade Agreements Division at (202) 945-7228 or email FTA@CBP.DHS.GOV.
Questions regarding the USMCA automotive certification submission process for Labor Value Content certification, Steel certification, and Aluminum certification can be directed to the USMCA Center email at USMCA@CBP.DHS.GOV.
The USMCA Implementing Instructions – June 30, 2020
https://www.cbp.gov/document/guidance/usmca-implementation-instructions
The USMCA Implementation Act (Public Law No: 116-113)
https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/5430/text
The USMCA Agreement, Final Text
USTR Federal Register Notice on USMCA Alternative Staging Regimes for Automotive Imports – 85 FRN 22238, April 21, 2020
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-04-21/pdf/2020-08405.pdf
CSMS #43197567 – USMCA Post-Importation Claims and MPF Processing
https://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USDHSCBP-293247f?wgt_ref=USDHSCBP_WIDGET_2
Capacity Cut by Blank Sailings
The international trading industry continues to face challenges. It is reported that the shipping companies suspended a large volume in May and June, leading to container freight rates rising. Ports and the container shipping industry will continue to be under pressure in the coming months.
Due to the impact of the pandemic on global trade, according to data provided by Alphaliner, as at May 11, the number of global container ships standing idle has reached 524, with a total idle standing capacity of 2.65 million TEU. It is equivalent to 11.3% of the global container shipping capacity. It has become the highest in history.
The shipping companies have announced the cancellation of a total of 478 voyages, of which 350 voyages are mainly on deep ocean routes.
TRANSATLANTIC NETWORK SEASONAL BLANK SAILING PROGRAMME UPDATE
MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company would like to inform you that in order to respond to lower demand due to the increased impact of COVID-19 across Europe and the USA, we will continue our seasonal blanking programme.
The temporary suspension of our NEUATL4 service will be extended till week 28.
(NOTE: Rotation affected by MSC NEUATL service is: Antwerp – Rotterdam – Bremerhaven – Felixstowe – New York – Savannah – Port Everglades – Charleston)
The programme will continue with the followed omissions:
- Week 24 omission – Blanking vessel voyage 024W – ETD Antwerp 08.06.2020
- Week 25 omission – Blanking vessel voyage 025W – ETD Antwerp 15.06.2020
- Week 26 omission – Blanking vessel voyage 026W – ETD Antwerp 22.06.2020
- Week 27 omission – Blanking vessel voyage 027W – ETD Antwerp 29.06.2020
- Week 28 omission – Blanking vessel voyage 028W – ETD Antwerp 06.07.2020
You may continue to place bookings with limited disruption as we are arranging a contingency plan with alternative services.
Should you have any questions regarding these blanking, please contact your MSC local office.
| Week# | Alliance | Carrier (Service String) | Gateway | Blank Sailing Details | Alterative | Update |
| 22 | Ocean Alliance | *Cosco (AWE2), OOCL (ECX2), APL (AW1), CMA (Manhattan Bridge), EMC (NUE2) | EC – (P) | M/V CMA CGM J.Madison ETD TAO 05/25 ETD NBO 05/28 ETD SHA 05/31 ETD BUS 06/01 ETA NYC 06/25 | Added 04/24 2020 | |
| 22 | Ocean Alliance | *Cosco (CPNW), OOCL (PNW4), APL (NP2),CMA (TPX), EMC (PE2), | PNW | M/V XIN HONGKONG ETD HKG 05/27 ETD YTN 05/29 ETD NBO 06/01 ETD SHA 06/03 ETA PRR 06/14 | Resume to Normal | Revised 05/08 2020 |
| 22 | The Alliance | *YML, Hapag, ONE, HMM (PS4) | PSW | M/V TBA ETD XMN 05/30 ETD YTN 06/01 ETD KAO 06/02 ETD KEE 06/03 ETA LAX 06/16 | Resume to Normal | Revised 05/15 2020 |
| 23 | 2M+Zim | *ZIM (ZCP), MSK (TP10),MSC (Amber Jack) Hamburg (ASUS1), | EC – (P) | M/V CAPE TAINARO ETD XNG 06/05 ETD TAO 06/07 ETD NBO 06/09 ETD SHA 006/11 ETD BUS 06/14 ETA SAV 07/08 | Added 04/24 2020 | |
| 23 | Ocean Alliance | *Cosco (AWE2), OOCL (ECX2), APL (AW1), CMA (Manhattan Bridge), EMC (NUE2) | EC – (P) | M/V ETD TAO 06/01 ETD NBO 06/04 ETD SHA 06/06 ETD BUS 06/08 ETA NYC 07/02 | Added 04/24 2020 | |
| 23 | Ocean Alliance | *Cosco (GME) CMA (GMX), EMC (GME), OOCL (GCC2) | EC – (P) | M/V Cosco Auckland ETD SHA 06/01 ETD NBO 06/02 ETD XMN 06/04 ETD YTN 06/05 ETA HOU 07/03 | Resume to Normal | Revised 05/14 2020 |
| 23 | Ocean Alliance | *EMC (NUE), APL (AW4), CMA (Vespucci), OOCL (ECC2), Cosco (AWE1), | EC – (P) | M/V TBA ETD TAO 06/04 ETD NBO 06/06 ETD SHA 06/08 ETD BUS 06/10 ETT SAV 07/03 | Added 04/28 2020 | |
| 23 | The Alliance | *Hapag , ONE, YML, HMM (EC5) | EC – (S) | M/V MOL Maneuver 052E ETD LCB 006/06 ETD Caimep 06/08 ETD SG 06/10 ETD PKL 06/11 ETD Colomno 06/15 ETA NYC 07/06 | Added 05/07 2020 | |
| 23 | Ocean Alliance | *Cosco (CPNW), OOCL (PNW4), APL (NP2),CMA (TPX), EMC (PE2), | PNW | M/V TBA ETD HKG 06/03 ETD YTN 06/05 ETD NBO 06/08 ETD SHA 06/10 ETA PRR 06/21 | Added 05/08 2020 | |
| 23 | The Alliance | *Hapag,* YML, *HMM, ONE , (PN3) Blank on WK17/19/21/23/25 | PNW | M/V TBA ETD HKG 06/01 ETD YTN 06/02 ETD SHA 06/06 ETD BUS 06/08 ETA YVR 06/19 | Added 04/24 2020 | |
| 23 | The Alliance | *ONE, Hapag , YML, HMM (PN4) Blank on WK 17/19/21/23/25 | PNW | M/V TBA ETD TAO 06/06 ETD NBO 06/08 ETD SHA 06/09 ETD BUS 06/13 ETA PRR 06/22 | Added 04/24 2020 | |
| 23 | Ocean Alliance | *OOCL (PCC1), Cosco (AAC4) APL (CC9), CMA (HIX), EMC (PCC1) | PSW | M/V TBA ETD NBO 06/07 ETD SHA 06/09 ETD BUS 06/11 ETA LGB 06/22 | Added 05/08 2020 | |
| 23 | The Alliance | *ONE, Hapag , YML , HMM (PS3) | PSW | M/V TBA ETD NHV 06/06 ETD PIP 06/07 ETD COL 06/10 ETD PKL 06/14 ETD SG 06/17 ETD Caimep 06/20 ETD HPH 06/23 ETA LAX 07/08 | Added 04/24 2020 | |
| 23 | Ocean Alliance | *CMA (Columbus PNW), APL (WAX), OOCL (PNW2), Cosco (MPNW), EMC (NP1), | PNW | M/V : ETD SG 06/03 ETD YTN 06/09 ETD XMN 06/11 ETD NBO 06/12 ETD SHA 06/15 ETD BUS 06/18 ETA SEA 06/28 | Added 05/14 2020 | |
| 24 | Ocean Alliance | *CMA (PRX), APL (SC1), OOCL (PCS1), Cosco (AAS2) EMC (PRX), Wanhai (CP3) -Wef ETD FUQ May 13 – New Route | PSW | M/V TBA ETD FUQ 06/10 ETD NSA 06/12 ETD YTN 06/13 ETD XMN 06/15 ETA LAX 06/29 | Resume to Normal | Revised 05/25 2020 |
| 24 | The Alliance | *YML, Hapag, ONE, HMM (PS4) | PSW | M/V TBA ETD XMN 06/13 ETD YTN 06/15 ETD KAO 06/16 ETD KEE 06/17 ETA LAX 06/30 | Resume to Normal | Revised 05/19 2020 |
| 24 | Ocean Alliance | *Cosco (GME) CMA (GMX), EMC (GME), OOCL (GCC2) | EC – (P) | M/V Cosco Auckland ETD SHA 06/08 ETD NBO 06/09 ETD XMN 06/11 ETD YTN 06/12 ETA HOU 07/10 | Added 05/14 2020 | |
| 25 | The Alliance | *Hapag , ONE, YML, HMM (EC5) | EC – (S) | M/V MOL MIssion ETD LCB 06/20 ETD Caimep 06/22 ETD SG 06/24 ETD PKL 06/25 ETD Colomno 06/29 ETA NYC 07/20 | Added 05/07 2020 | |
| 25 | The Alliance | *Hapag,* YML, *HMM, ONE , (PN3) Blank on WK17/19/21/23/25 | PNW | M/V TBA ETD HKG 06/15 ETD YTN 06/16 ETD SHA 06/20 ETD BUS 06/22 ETA YVR 07/03 | Added 04/24 2020 | |
| 25 | The Alliance | *ONE, Hapag , YML, HMM (PN4) Blank on WK 17/19/21/23/25 | PNW | M/V TBA ETD TAO 06/20 ETD NBO 06/22 ETD SHA 06/23 ETD BUS 06/27 ETA PRR 07/06 | Added 04/24 2020 | |
| 25 | Ocean Alliance | *EMC (TPA) APL (SC8), CMA (JDX), OOCL(PSW8), Cosco (AAS4) -Wef ETD HKG 05/03 – New Route | PSW | M/V TBA ETD HKG 06/21 ETD KAO 06/24 ETD TAIPEI 06/25 ETA LAX 07/08 | Added 04/24 2020 | |
| 25 | Ocean Alliance | *CMA (PRX), APL (SC1), OOCL (PCS1), Cosco (AAS2) EMC (PRX), Wanhai (CP3) -Wef ETD FUQ May 13 – New Route | PSW | M/V TBA ETD FUQ 06/17 ETD NSA 06/19 ETD YTN 06/20 ETD XMN 06/22 ETA LAX 07/06 | Added 04/24 2020 | |
| 26 | Ocean Alliance | *EMC (NUE), APL (AW4), CMA (Vespucci), OOCL (ECC2), Cosco (AWE1), | EC – (P) | M/V TBA ETD TAO 06/25 ETD NBO 06/27 ETD SHA 06/29 ETD BUS 07/01 ETT SAV 07/24 | Added 04/24 2020 | |
| 26 | The Alliance | *YML, Hapag, ONE, HMM (PS4) | PSW | M/V TBA ETD XMN 06/27 ETD YTN 06/28 ETD KAO 06/30 ETD KEE 07/01 ETA LAX 07/14 | Added 04/24 2020 | |
| 27 | Ocean Alliance | *Cosco (GME) CMA (GMX), EMC (GME), OOCL (GCC2) | EC – (P) | M/V TBA ETD SHA 06/29 ETD NBO 06/30 ETD XMN 07/02 ETD YTN 07/03 ETA HOU 07/31 | Resume to Normal | Revised 05/25 2020 |
We thank you for your understanding and continued support
