Invoice For Customs Purposes Only Template for the United States
Generate a bespoke document
What is a Invoice For Customs Purposes Only?
The Invoice For Customs Purposes Only serves as a crucial document in U.S. international trade, particularly when standard commercial invoices don't meet customs requirements or when goods are being transferred without sale (such as intra-company transfers). This document must comply with U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations and include specific information about the goods' value, origin, and classification. It's essential for customs valuation, duty assessment, and statistical purposes, though it doesn't represent an actual financial transaction. The document is particularly important for temporary imports, returns, repairs, and other non-sale scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an Invoice For Customs Purposes Only legally binding in the United States?
Yes, an Invoice For Customs Purposes Only is legally binding under U.S. customs law and must comply with 19 CFR §§ 141.86 requirements. Filing false or misleading information on this document can result in civil penalties, criminal charges, and seizure of goods. CBP relies on this document for duty assessment and trade statistics, making accuracy crucial for legal compliance.
How long does penalties take if my Invoice For Customs Purposes Only is missing or incomplete?
CBP can assess penalties ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 per violation for missing or incomplete customs invoices under 19 U.S.C. § 1481. Goods may be detained, refused entry, or seized until proper documentation is provided. Additionally, CBP may require extensive examinations and impose liquidated damages, significantly delaying shipment release and increasing costs.
Does my Invoice For Customs Purposes Only need to include transaction value under 19 CFR 141.86?
Yes, 19 CFR § 141.86 requires detailed value information even when no sale occurs. You must provide the cost or value of goods, including materials, labor, and overhead costs for production. For temporary imports or repairs, specify the value for customs purposes, insurance coverage, and any applicable lease or rental fees to ensure proper duty assessment.
How is an Invoice For Customs Purposes Only different from a commercial invoice?
An Invoice For Customs Purposes Only is used when no sale occurs (intra-company transfers, temporary imports, repairs) while a commercial invoice documents actual sales transactions. The customs-only invoice focuses on declared value for duty purposes rather than sale price, and must explicitly state it's for customs purposes only to avoid confusion about the transaction's commercial nature.
How long does it typically take to create an Invoice For Customs Purposes Only?
Creating an Invoice For Customs Purposes Only typically takes 1-3 business days for standard transactions, depending on the complexity of goods and required documentation. Complex items requiring detailed cost breakdowns, multiple classifications, or special permits may take 5-10 business days. Having accurate product descriptions, HTS codes, and valuation data prepared in advance significantly reduces preparation time.
Can I use the same Invoice For Customs Purposes Only template for all types of imports?
No, different merchandise classes require specific information under 19 CFR § 141.89, making one template insufficient for all imports. Textiles need fiber content and country of origin, while food products require FDA compliance information. Electronics may need FCC certifications, and certain goods require additional permits or licenses to be referenced on the invoice.
Why do customs brokers reject my Invoice For Customs Purposes Only for missing manufacturer information?
CBP requires manufacturer identification under 19 CFR § 141.86(a) for duty assessment, trade remedy enforcement, and statistical purposes. Missing manufacturer names, addresses, or production facility details can trigger entry rejections, examinations, or penalties. This information helps CBP verify country of origin, apply appropriate duty rates, and enforce antidumping or countervailing duties when applicable.
About the Invoice For Customs Purposes Only
An Invoice For Customs Purposes Only is a specialized customs document you need when importing goods into the United States without a standard commercial transaction. Unlike regular invoices, this document serves purely administrative purposes to satisfy U.S. Customs and Border Protection requirements under federal regulations, particularly when goods are transferred between related companies, returned for repair, or imported temporarily.
When do you need this document?
You'll need this invoice when your shipment doesn't involve a traditional sale but still requires customs clearance. Common scenarios include transferring inventory between your company's international locations, sending products for warranty repairs, importing goods for temporary exhibitions or demonstrations, or returning previously exported merchandise. The document is also required when the actual commercial invoice doesn't contain sufficient information to meet CBP's documentation standards under 19 CFR regulations.
Key legal considerations
Your customs invoice must accurately reflect the true value of goods for duty assessment purposes, even without a sale transaction. The merchandise description section requires detailed information including quantities, unit values, and proper classification codes to prevent delays or penalties. You must include complete seller and buyer information with full legal names and addresses, as incomplete party details can trigger customs holds. The country of origin declaration is critical for determining applicable tariff rates and trade agreement benefits. Your invoice should include standard compliance statements confirming the accuracy of provided information, as false declarations can result in significant penalties under the Tariff Act of 1930.
Legal requirements in United States
Under 19 CFR § 141.86, your customs invoice must contain specific mandatory elements including invoice date and number, complete party information, detailed merchandise descriptions, and accurate valuation data. The regulation requires you to provide country of origin information and any applicable manufacturer details for proper classification purposes. 19 CFR § 141.89 mandates additional information for certain merchandise classes, including textiles, steel products, and agricultural goods. The Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act enhanced CBP's authority to verify invoice accuracy and impose penalties for non-compliance. Your document must comply with WTO Valuation Agreement standards for determining customs value, particularly when establishing fair market value for non-sale transactions. CBP may request supporting documentation to verify the declared values, so maintain comprehensive records including cost breakdowns, manufacturing details, and transfer pricing documentation.
GOVERNING LAW
Applicable law
This Invoice For Customs Purposes Only is drafted to comply with United States law. Key legislation includes:
Explore 208,390+ legal templates
Explore 208,390+ legal templates
Genie's Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here's how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your data is private:
We do not train on your data; Genie's AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security:
You retain IP ownership of your documents and their information
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it