Commercial invoice vs. packing list
differences explained.
The invoice explains the sale. The packing list explains the packages. See how to keep both consistent without putting the same information in every column.
Open the document workspace ↗How the documents differ
These documents complement each other: one records transaction value, while the other describes the packed cargo. The packing list does not replace the invoice.
What to compare
- Prices and currency
- Review unit prices and amounts on the commercial invoice. Packing views focus on physical cargo instead.
- Packages and measurements
- Check carton counts, marks, dimensions and measured net and gross weights on the packing list.
- References and parties
- Cross-check shipment and invoice references and the relevant exporter and consignee.
- Product quantity versus cartons
- A carton can hold several products or units. Do not treat the number of pieces as the number of cartons.
A worked example
| Document | Entry | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | 200 bottles × USD 12.50 | USD 2,500 goods subtotal |
| Packing list | 10 cartons × 20 bottles | 200 bottles total |
| Packing list | 10 cartons, each 60 × 40 × 50 cm | 1.200 m³ |
Assume a measured gross weight of 10 kg per carton: total gross weight is 100 kg. Net weight must be measured separately. Freight, taxes and extra charges are omitted from this example.
A workflow in Tradocket
- Open a shipment in the workspace and enter the parties and goods once.
- Select Commercial Invoice to check prices and totals. Select Packing List to check package counts, weights, marks and dimensions.
- Preview both documents and reconcile product quantities with actual packing. Export each PDF, or use the document-set print option.
The free trial works in your browser. You can edit shared shipment data, review the live preview and use your browser’s print dialog to save a PDF. Save a JSON backup before changing computers or clearing browser data.
Before you send it
For this example, 10 cartons containing 20 bottles each must reconcile to the 200 bottles invoiced. If the shipped quantity changes, check both views again. Never infer a missing weight from a price or carton count.
Check destination and transaction requirements with your buyer or freight forwarder. For an official overview of document purposes, see Common Export Documents from the U.S. International Trade Administration.
Related documents and tools
Use the commercial invoice and packing list guides for their individual fields. The CBM calculator handles mixed carton sizes and can create a new packing-list shipment.