Ask the supplier for draft documents before dispatch. The commercial invoice records the transaction and value; the packing list shows what is physically packed in each package. Check both against the purchase order and the actual cargo. Product-specific permits, classification and other documents may still be needed for import into Israel.
Commercial invoice: what to check
- Seller and buyer details, invoice number and date, and purchase order reference where available.
- A clear item-by-item description, model, material and function where relevant, quantity and unit of measure.
- Unit price, line totals, total value and currency; discounts, freight, insurance and other charges shown according to the actual transaction.
- Agreed Incoterm and named place, payment terms, and country of manufacture per item where relevant. Shipping origin is not necessarily manufacturing origin.
A supplier’s suggested HS code is useful context, not a final Israeli classification. Do not understate value or label a commercial sale a gift. A pro forma invoice can support planning; confirm which final documents the importer and customs broker need.
Fictional commercial invoice example
Every name, item, date and amount below is invented. This is an educational layout, not a document for a real shipment.
COMMERCIAL INVOICE — SAMPLE ONLY
Seller: Sample Export Co. (fictional) · Buyer: Example Import Co. (fictional)
Invoice No: DEMO-CI-001 · Date: 01 Jan 20XX · Order ref: DEMO-PO-001
Ship from: Example City, Example Country · Ship to: Example City, Israel
Terms: FCA Example City, Incoterms® 2020 (illustrative only) · Currency: USD
| Item | Clear description | Qty | Unit price | Line total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-01 | Reusable stainless-steel water bottles, model DEMO-500, 500 ml | 40 pcs | 10.00 | 400.00 |
| B-02 | Replacement silicone lids for model DEMO-500 | 20 pcs | 2.00 | 40.00 |
Goods total: USD 440.00. Freight, insurance, discounts and other charges: specify actual treatment where applicable. Country of manufacture: verify and state per item when relevant. No bank account, signature or real company number appears in this example.
Packing list: what to check
- Final package count and type, with a distinct number or mark for each carton, crate or pallet.
- Contents and item quantity in each package, matched to the invoice lines.
- Net and gross weight and packed outer dimensions per package. For a pallet, include its final dimensions and gross weight.
- Totals and any handling constraints relevant to the movement.
Fictional packing list for the same shipment
The example totals 40 bottles and 20 replacement lids, matching the invoice above.
PACKING LIST — SAMPLE ONLY
Reference: DEMO-CI-001 · Seller and buyer: as on sample invoice · Total: 2 cartons · 60 pieces
| Package | Contents | Quantity | Gross / net weight | Outer size (L×W×H) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CTN 1/2 | A-01 reusable bottles, model DEMO-500 | 40 pcs | 14 / 12 kg | 60×40×40 cm |
| CTN 2/2 | B-02 replacement silicone lids | 20 pcs | 4 / 3 kg | 40×30×25 cm |
Total gross 18 kg; total net 15 kg. If packed on a pallet, record the final pallet count, full outer dimensions and total gross weight as shipped. Figures here are invented for illustration.
Five checks before collection
- Match seller, buyer, purchase order and item models.
- Add the item quantities across packages and compare with invoice quantities.
- Compare final package count, weights and dimensions with the booking instructions.
- Check that the stated value and terms reflect the actual transaction.
- If quantity or packing changes, request corrected final versions before dispatch.
If the invoice lists 40 units but only 36 appear on the packing list, ask for an explanation and correction. Never adjust a document merely to conceal a discrepancy.
Frequently asked questions
Does a supplier’s HS code settle classification in Israel?
No. The responsible importer and customs professional must check classification for the actual product under the applicable Israeli tariff.
Are these two documents always enough?
No. Transport documents, origin evidence, permits, specifications or other records may be needed depending on the product and route.
When should I request them?
Review drafts before dispatch and retain final documents that describe the goods actually shipped.
See how to match the shipment documents before customs clearance, our Israel customs preparation guide, and contact Rani with the cargo and route details to agree on a suitable channel for confidential documents.
For official customs context, consult the Israel Tax Authority customs glossary. This checklist is general preparation guidance, not a guarantee of release or a universal legal document list.
