How to Design an Export Invoice

The most important part of an export business is the export invoice. The need to collect what is owed to your company is vital, as that is what floats your company. Collection is not easy so make sure your export invoice is designed to comply with your customer's home country. Business practices are not universal.

Instructions

1. Obtain all the information you can about multiple and single manifests. Many times multiple manifests for one country are cheaper than a single manifest.

2. Investigate the paperwork standards for exporting in the countries you do business. Credit managers can help you with the challenges in the design of a foreign export invoice.

3. Coordinate the resources available to you in your company. The best information you can obtain is from the people who work in the areas of export in your company.

4. Translate the language on your export invoice to match the language of the country involved in the import of your product.

5. Create the declaration in the exact words that match the criteria of the import country. There will be a sample that can be used. The customs broker, the government's internal trades department and the foreign government trade office most probably will check the declaration.

6. Prepare to provide the import country with your certification papers. This is a letter of credit from countries who import your goods.

7. Describe the goods to be imported exactly as it is written on the letter of credit. Make sure you sign the export invoice in the same manner you signed the letter of credit.

Tips & Warnings

• Hire people who have an expertise in creating export invoices.

• Know what the duty regulations are in the countries with which you are doing business.

Resources

• This website provides you with template choices for creating export invoices.
• Discusses all aspects of global business including the importance of export invoicing.