In this article you will learn which details must be included in the commercial invoice and which options are available for import customs clearance.
What should the commercial invoice look like?
Make sure that your commercial invoice contains the following information:
- Customs tariff number (11 digits): (information directly from customs)
- Delivery term (e.g. DAP)
- Origin of goods
- GB EORI number of the shipper
- VAT number of the shipper
- GER-EORI number and VAT ID of the consignee/importer in GER
- Description of goods for the individual customs tariff numbers from German customs authorities
- Reason for export (e.g. sale, return, repair, processing procedure)
How do I deal with preferential goods and declarations of origin?
If your goods are preferential goods, add a declaration of origin to your invoice:
"The exporter of the products covered by this document declares that, except where otherwise clearly indicated, these products are of EU (please enter country of Origin) preferential origin."
Indicate the country of origin within the EU, either at item level or as a bracket addition to "European Union". The mention of "EU" is no longer sufficient as of 01.01.2022.
If your goods are not preferential goods, please note on your invoice:
"These are not preferential goods".
In this case, DAP will be used as the delivery term.
For more information on Incoterm DAP, please visit our Help-Center:
You can find more information on preferential goods in our Help-Center:
➡ What are originating goods and preferential goods?
What options do I have for import customs clearance?
Please let us know which of the following options you would like to choose for import customs clearance:
- Import customs clearance by Cargoboard: Send us a completed customs power of attorney. The cost is 40€ net.
- Forwarding with the T-procedure: Inform us of your customs office of destination and ensure that the consignee is approved. The cost is 65€ net.
- Independent customs clearance: Give us your ATC number in exchange for our ATB number. The cost is 20€ net.
We recommend that customers with little customs experience choose import customs clearance through Cargoboard.
We know that the customs clearance process can be challenging, especially for new customers. Our customs team will be happy to answer any further questions or uncertainties you may have.