Commercial Invoice Template for Switzerland

A Commercial Invoice is your key export document when shipping goods internationally from Switzerland. It details what you're selling, how much it costs, and who's involved in the transaction. Swiss customs authorities require this document to track international trade and calculate import duties and VAT correctly.

Beyond basic sales information, the invoice must include your company details, HS codes for goods classification, delivery terms (like Incoterms), and country of origin declarations. Swiss exporters often use it alongside other customs documents like the EUR.1 movement certificate for preferential trade agreements. For high-value shipments, you might need to get it certified by a Chamber of Commerce.

Use a Commercial Invoice any time you're exporting goods from Switzerland to international buyers. This document becomes essential the moment your shipment needs to cross borders, especially when dealing with non-EU countries. Swiss customs officials require it for all commercial exports above CHF 1,000 in value.

For high-value industrial equipment, pharmaceutical products, or precision instruments leaving Switzerland, you need this invoice ready before your goods can clear customs. It's particularly important when shipping to countries with strict import requirements like the US, China, or Japan, as it helps prevent costly delays and ensures compliance with both Swiss export laws and destination country regulations.

• Commercial Invoice Pro Forma Invoice: Used for customs clearance before final sale, showing estimated values and terms
• Commercial Invoice And Packing List: Combines detailed cargo information with invoice data for efficient customs processing
• International Invoice: Standard format for cross-border transactions, meeting Swiss export requirements
• International Commercial Invoice: Enhanced version with additional customs declarations and trade agreement details
• Commercial Invoice And Tax Invoice: Includes VAT information for both export documentation and tax compliance

• Swiss Exporters: Create and issue Commercial Invoices when shipping goods internationally, ensuring accurate product descriptions and values
• Customs Officials: Review these documents to calculate duties, verify trade compliance, and process international shipments
• Freight Forwarders: Handle documentation on behalf of exporters, ensuring proper completion for customs clearance
• Chambers of Commerce: Certify invoices for certain destinations, particularly for high-value shipments requiring additional verification
• Import Authorities: Use these documents to assess duties and taxes in destination countries, verify trade agreement eligibility
• Financial Institutions: Process international payments based on invoice details, especially in letter of credit transactions

• Company Details: Gather complete information for both seller and buyer, including tax/VAT numbers and contact details
• Product Information: List exact descriptions, quantities, unit prices, and total values in Swiss Francs and destination currency
• HS Codes: Look up correct customs classification numbers for each product in your shipment
• Origin Documentation: Confirm country of origin for goods and collect any required certificates
• Shipping Terms: Specify Incoterms, delivery conditions, and payment terms clearly
• Compliance Check: Verify export restrictions and destination country requirements before finalizing
• Quality Control: Review all details against actual shipment contents and supporting documents

• Header Information: Invoice number, date, and clear 'Commercial Invoice' designation at the top
• Party Details: Full legal names, addresses, and VAT numbers of both exporter and importer
• Product Description: Detailed item list with HS codes, quantities, unit prices, and total value in CHF
• Trade Terms: Applicable Incoterms, payment conditions, and delivery terms
• Origin Declaration: Statement of goods' origin and any preferential treatment claims
• Compliance Statements: Export control declarations and customs-specific certifications
• Authentication: Authorized signature, company stamp, and any required Chamber of Commerce certification

Let's compare a Commercial Invoice with an Invoice Form. While both documents record sales transactions, they serve different purposes in Swiss business operations.

• Legal Requirements: Commercial Invoices must meet strict customs regulations and include specific export details like HS codes and origin declarations. Standard Invoice Forms only need to satisfy basic Swiss accounting rules.
• Geographic Scope: Commercial Invoices are specifically designed for international trade, while Invoice Forms are typically used for domestic transactions within Switzerland.
• Content Detail: Commercial Invoices require comprehensive product descriptions, customs values, and trade terms. Invoice Forms can be simpler, focusing on basic transaction details and VAT.
• Official Use: Commercial Invoices serve as legal customs declarations and may need chamber of commerce certification. Invoice Forms primarily document domestic sales for accounting and tax purposes.