How to Write a Commercial Invoice for Export from Saudi Arabia — Complete Guide

If you export goods from Saudi Arabia, your commercial invoice is the most important document in your shipment. It's used for customs clearance, determining duties, and completing the sale. A incorrectly prepared commercial invoice can delay your shipment for days or weeks.

This complete guide explains how to write a commercial invoice for export from Saudi Arabia, including all required information and common mistakes to avoid.

What is a Commercial Invoice for Export?

A commercial invoice is a document used in international trade that describes the goods being shipped. Unlike a standard VAT invoice, a commercial invoice includes additional information needed for customs purposes.

Key Differences from a Standard Saudi Invoice

| Element | Standard Invoice | Export Commercial Invoice | |---------|-----------------|--------------------------| | VAT | 15% included | 0% (zero-rated for exports) | | Customs Info | Not needed | Required | | HS Codes | Optional | Required | | Incoterms | Not needed | Required | | Country of Origin | Optional | Required | | Weight/Dimensions | Not needed | Often required |

Required Information on an Export Commercial Invoice

1. Exporter (Seller) Information - Your company name, address, CR number, VAT number - Contact person and phone number

2. Importer (Buyer) Information - Full buyer name and address - Contact details - Tax ID or registration number (if applicable)

3. Invoice Number and Date - Unique invoice number - Date of issue

4. Shipping Information - Port of loading (e.g., King Abdulaziz Port, Dammam) - Port of discharge - Vessel or flight number (if known) - Shipping date - Incoterms (FOB, CIF, EXW, etc.)

5. Item Description For each item: - Complete description of goods - HS (Harmonized System) code - Quantity - Unit of measure - Unit price (in USD or SAR) - Total value - Country of origin

6. Financial Information - Total value of goods - Currency (USD recommended for international trade) - Payment terms - Any discounts or deductions

7. Certification - Signature of authorized person - Company stamp - Certificate of origin (if required)

VAT Treatment for Saudi Exports

Goods exported from Saudi Arabia are zero-rated for VAT purposes. This means: - You charge 0% VAT on the invoice - You can still claim input VAT on your costs related to the export - The invoice must clearly state "Zero Rated Export" or "0% VAT" - You must keep proof of export (bill of lading, air waybill, etc.)

Common Commercial Invoice Mistakes

Incorrect HS Code Using the wrong HS code can result in incorrect duty calculations and customs delays. Verify your HS codes on the Saudi Customs website.

Missing Incoterms Incoterms determine who pays for shipping, insurance, and customs. Always state the agreed Incoterm (FOB, CIF, EXW, etc.).

Incorrect Value Declaration Customs authorities can hold shipments if the declared value seems unusually low. Declare the actual transaction value.

Incomplete Description "Spare parts" is insufficient. "Steel bolts, Grade 8.8, M12 × 50mm, 500 pieces" is proper.

Create Export Commercial Invoices with InvoicePlus

While InvoicePlus is primarily designed for domestic Saudi invoices, you can use it to create professional zero-rated export invoices by: - Setting VAT to 0% for export transactions - Including all required exporter and importer information - Generating clean PDF invoices for customs submission - Adding sequential invoice numbers for tracking

InvoicePlus helps you create professional invoices for any purpose — domestic or export.

Create Your Free Invoice Now →