Commercial Invoices legalization

The commercial invoice is the major document, a special form of the document used for product importation control, valuation, and duty determination. The document confirms that the products have been shipped. The form usually includes complete name and address information for both company – shipper and consignee. The commercial invoices are required by customs to determine true value of the imported goods, for assessment of duties and taxes on products shipped to a foreign country. The consular invoices must be “legalized” by the embassy/consulate/mission of the country to which you are shipping.
Whether you are a new exporter or a seasoned importer, you may sometimes face a need to apostille or legalize certain import/export documents because of either contractual requirements or specific instructions from your clients or partners overseas. You may have heard about so called “consular invoices” that should be properly “legalized” or federal certificates of free sale that need to be “apostilled.”

Certificate of Free Sale Apostille

As for certificates of free sale, these documents are common with regard to foods, beverages, pharmaceutical products and medical equipment and devices. By requiring such certificate of free sale, foreign clients look for proof that the products are in compliance with the U.S. Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act (i.e., can be sold in the States).

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special procedures for issuing a Certificate for Products for Export certifying that the exported product is registered with the FDA in the United States and is in compliance with U.S. law. Because the FDA is a federal agency, such certificates of free sale often need to be either apostilled or authenticated at the federal level, at the U.S. Department of State.

Canada and other foreign countries have similar procedures for their medical and pharmaceutical documents such as Certificates of Pharmaceutical Product from Health Products and Food Branch Inspectorate (HPFBI).
Depending on every individual country, apostilled or legalized packing lists, commercial invoices, certificates of origin, etc. may also be required.
In order to prepare the documents correctly and avoid complications overseas, corporations are advised to contact a local chamber of commerce, freight forwarder or customs broker to find out more information about requirements. You can also determine country-specific document requirements by going to www.export.gov.
Once the documents are obtained they are ready for apostille or Embassy legalization.

Commercial invoices apostille and translation

Apoling Solutions is your reliable partner when it comes to documents preparation for international use.

We’ll legalize the commercial invoices or obtain an Apostille on your documents if the destination country is a party of the Hague Treaty.
We’ll provide you with the certified translation of commercial invoices into a language of the country where they are meant to be presented.
With us you are ensured that your corporate documents will be prepared the way your partner overseas would like them to be presented.

If you have any questions that we left apart, please, contact us via phone or by sending us an email.