Ready to ship goods from the USA overseas? Just select your destination country above to calculate your international shipping cost in seconds. Once you’ve booked, there’s another critical step: paperwork.

Valued Packing List (VPL) and Commercial Invoice for International Shipping from the USA

When shipping from the USA, you’ll need to submit documents that help Customs understand what’s being shipped. The most common document is the commercial invoice. However, in some cases, a Valued Packing List (VPL) may be used instead.

What Is a Commercial Invoice?

A commercial invoice is one of the most essential documents in international cargo transportation. It’s required for nearly all cargo shipments, unless a VPL is accepted as a substitute. Without it, your goods can’t clear customs and won’t be released at the destination. Most international shipping companies require a commercial invoice for freight release, customs clearance, and to assess international shipping costs accurately.

This invoice is used to:

• Calculate customs duties and taxes
• Assist with marine cargo insurance
• Prove the nature of the transaction for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

To meet U.S. regulations (specifically Section 141.86), your commercial invoice must be in English and include:

• The U.S. port where your goods will depart
• Full contact info for both the shipper (seller) and the recipient (buyer)
• A clear description of the items
• Quantity, weight, and size of each package
• Declared value in U.S. dollars, using the export date exchange rate
• Country of origin for the goods
• Any added value not listed in the sale price, such as outside services or components

In most cases, your original seller’s invoice or a detailed buyer's purchase receipt will suffice. If you both buy and ship items from the U.S., it’s a good idea to include a copy with your cargo to avoid delays.

When Can You Use a Valued Packing List?

If you ship commercial goods but don’t have a receipt or sales invoice, you can often use a valued packing list in the format of a pro forma invoice. While this is usually the case, be aware that customs officers may ask additional questions to verify the contents and declared value. Submitting a complete and accurate VPL streamlines the process for your international shipping company and helps avoid unexpected costs in your final international transportation expenses.

Valued Packing Lists for Household Goods or Personal Effects

If you're sending household goods or personal items overseas, especially when shipping from the U.S., a Valued Packing List is typically accepted in place of a commercial invoice. It's one of the simplest ways to comply with documentation rules during international shipping.

You can download the Valued Packing List form on our website and use it to submit a self-made VPL. This helps your international shipping company verify the declared value of your items, which may affect customs duties and international shipping costs.

To help you avoid confusion, especially if it’s your first time preparing one, here are some tips for filling out a valued packing list:

Be clear and simple: Describe what’s in the shipment in a way that’s easy to understand.
Use HS code 4016.99.05 for general household items if you're unsure of the correct entry.
Group similar boxes: If you have multiple boxes with similar items and values, combine them into a single entry.

• Estimate weights: Exact numbers aren’t necessary. A close estimate is fine.
• Assign fair values: For used items, think of yard sale pricing. You don’t need receipts, but try to be realistic. Customs may compare your list with typical market values.

How Detailed Should You Be?

A common question we hear: "Do I have to list every item in every box?"

No, you don't need to go overboard. For example, stating that you have three boxes of used clothes, toys, and dishes, each weighing 60 pounds and valued at $600, should be acceptable.

What you want to avoid are vague, unhelpful descriptions. Something like "12 boxes with household goods", totaling 360 lbs and valued at $2,499, will likely raise red flags and delay your shipment.

For smooth and affordable international shipping, being honest and specific (without overdoing it) helps keep everything moving and ensures compliance with customs rules. A detailed VPL also enables the international cargo transportation company to calculate any necessary adjustments to international shipping costs resulting from special handling or documentation requirements.