A Credit Note is a formal written document issued by the seller (exporter) to the buyer (importer) in international trade, used to offset the original invoice amount or confirm amounts refundable to the buyer. Its core function is to adjust confirmed accounts receivable, commonly seen in scenarios such as returns, price allowances, short shipment compensation, commission refunds, and advance payment refunds. It serves as both the basis for accounting treatment by both buyer and seller and an important attachment for customs, tax, and foreign exchange management authorities to review the authenticity and compliance of transactions. A credit note is not a payment document but a debt/credit adjustment voucher, and must be used in conjunction with the original invoice, contract, return agreement, etc., to ensure the trade chain is complete and traceable.
A Credit Note is a formal written document issued by the seller (exporter) to the buyer (importer) in international trade, used to offset the original invoice amount or confirm amounts refundable to the buyer. Its core function is to adjust confirmed accounts receivable, commonly seen in scenarios such as returns, price allowances, short shipment compensation, commission refunds, and advance payment refunds. It serves as both the basis for accounting treatment by both buyer and seller and an important attachment for customs, tax, and foreign exchange management authorities to review the authenticity and compliance of transactions. A credit note is not a payment document but a debt/credit adjustment voucher, and must be used in conjunction with the original invoice, contract, return agreement, etc., to ensure the trade chain is complete and traceable.
🎯 Purpose
The core value of a credit note lies in providing a legitimate, auditable basis for amount reduction. For the seller, it is a voucher for writing off accounts receivable and avoiding overpayment of VAT or customs duties; for the buyer, it is an essential document for offsetting accounts payable, processing import tax refunds, or foreign exchange write-offs. In practice, it is used by multiple departments including finance, customs, tax, and foreign exchange management: finance uses it for bookkeeping, customs uses it in some countries (such as the EU and China) to apply for refunds of overpaid duties, tax authorities use it for input tax transfer-out or refund adjustments, and foreign exchange bureaus use it for writing off differences. The absence of a compliant credit note may lead to discrepancies between the buyer's and seller's books, failed tax refunds, or blocked foreign exchange write-offs.
The core value of a credit note lies in providing a legitimate, auditable basis for amount reduction. For the seller, it is a voucher for writing off accounts receivable and avoiding overpayment of VAT or customs duties; for the buyer, it is an essential document for offsetting accounts payable, processing import tax refunds, or foreign exchange write-offs. In practice, it is used by multiple departments including finance, customs, tax, and foreign exchange management: finance uses it for bookkeeping, customs uses it in some countries (such as the EU and China) to apply for refunds of overpaid duties, tax authorities use it for input tax transfer-out or refund adjustments, and foreign exchange bureaus use it for writing off differences. The absence of a compliant credit note may lead to discrepancies between the buyer's and seller's books, failed tax refunds, or blocked foreign exchange write-offs.
📋 Key Fields
Document Name and Number: Clearly marked with 'CREDIT NOTE' and a unique number; the numbering rule should be linked to the original invoice number (e.g., CN-original invoice number-sequence number) for easy tracing.. 常见错误: Only writing 'Credit Note' without a number, or the number is not linked to the original invoice, causing reconciliation difficulties. Date of Issue: Fill in the actual date of issuance, which should typically be after the original invoice date and after the effective date of the relevant return or allowance agreement, and no later than the financial closing date.. 常见错误: The date is earlier than the original invoice or earlier than the occurrence of the return, raising suspicion of fabricated transactions. Seller (Exporter) Information: Complete the seller's name, address, tax ID/registration number, and contact details, which must be consistent with the original invoice and contract.. 常见错误: Using abbreviations or an address that has not been updated after changes, causing customs comparison failure. Buyer (Importer) Information: Complete the buyer's name, address, tax ID/importer code, which must be consistent with the original invoice and customs declaration.. 常见错误: Misspelling the buyer's name or omitting the tax ID, affecting import country tax refund or write-off. Original Invoice Reference: List the original invoice number, issue date, amount, and currency being offset, ensuring one-to-one correspondence.. 常见错误: Failing to reference the original invoice number, or referencing multiple invoices without listing amounts item by item. Reason for Credit: Specifically explain the reason for the offset, such as return, quality deduction, short shipment, price adjustment, commission refund, etc., and attach the relevant agreement number.. 常见错误: Only writing 'adjustment' or 'discount', which is too vague to pass tax or customs review. Goods/Services Description: Briefly describe the name, specifications, quantity, and corresponding line items of the original invoice for the goods involved in the offset, for easy verification.. 常见错误: The description is completely unrelated to the original invoice or omits key specifications, making correspondence impossible. Credit Amount and Currency: Fill in the offset amount (a positive number indicates a reduction in receivables); the currency must be consistent with the original invoice. If exchange rate conversion is involved, indicate the exchange rate source.. 常见错误: Inconsistency between the amount in figures and words, or mixed currencies without indicating the conversion basis. Original Invoice Amount and Net Amount: Show the original invoice total amount, the current credit amount, and the net receivable/payable after the credit, for direct financial entry.. 常见错误: Failing to show the net amount, causing the other party to calculate it themselves, which easily leads to disputes. Tax Treatment Statement: Indicate the tax treatment method, such as 'VAT/customs duty adjustment corresponding to the original invoice', and cite local tax regulations if necessary.. 常见错误: Omitting the tax statement, causing the import country's tax authority to not recognize the tax refund or input tax transfer-out. List of Related Documents: List the names and numbers of supporting documents attached, such as return agreements, quality inspection reports, short shipment certificates, email confirmations, etc.. 常见错误: No supporting documents attached or the list does not match the actual attachments, raising authenticity concerns. Payment/Offset Method: Explain how the credit amount is handled: directly offset against future invoices, bank refund, offset against other payables, etc.. 常见错误: The handling method is not specified, leading to inconsistent accounting treatment by both parties. Seller Signature and Seal: Signed by the seller's authorized signatory and stamped with the company seal or financial seal; electronic documents must comply with local electronic signature regulations.. 常见错误: Only printing the name without a handwritten signature, or using an unauthorized person's signature, resulting in invalidity. Buyer Confirmation Section: Some countries or contracts require the buyer's signature and seal for confirmation to prove that both parties have no objection to the credit matter.. 常见错误: A confirmation section is required but not provided, or the buyer does not sign back, leading to subsequent disputes. Remarks and Legal Statement: Include disclaimers or explanatory clauses such as 'This credit note is only used to adjust the original invoice amount and does not constitute a new payment obligation'.. 常见错误: Omitting the legal statement, causing it to be mistaken as an independent payment request and creating a risk of duplicate payment.
Document Name and Number
Clearly marked with 'CREDIT NOTE' and a unique number; the numbering rule should be linked to the original invoice number (e.g., CN-original invoice number-sequence number) for easy tracing.
⚠️ Only writing 'Credit Note' without a number, or the number is not linked to the original invoice, causing reconciliation difficulties.
Date of Issue
Fill in the actual date of issuance, which should typically be after the original invoice date and after the effective date of the relevant return or allowance agreement, and no later than the financial closing date.
⚠️ The date is earlier than the original invoice or earlier than the occurrence of the return, raising suspicion of fabricated transactions.
Seller (Exporter) Information
Complete the seller's name, address, tax ID/registration number, and contact details, which must be consistent with the original invoice and contract.
⚠️ Using abbreviations or an address that has not been updated after changes, causing customs comparison failure.
Buyer (Importer) Information
Complete the buyer's name, address, tax ID/importer code, which must be consistent with the original invoice and customs declaration.
⚠️ Misspelling the buyer's name or omitting the tax ID, affecting import country tax refund or write-off.
Original Invoice Reference
List the original invoice number, issue date, amount, and currency being offset, ensuring one-to-one correspondence.
⚠️ Failing to reference the original invoice number, or referencing multiple invoices without listing amounts item by item.
Reason for Credit
Specifically explain the reason for the offset, such as return, quality deduction, short shipment, price adjustment, commission refund, etc., and attach the relevant agreement number.
⚠️ Only writing 'adjustment' or 'discount', which is too vague to pass tax or customs review.
Goods/Services Description
Briefly describe the name, specifications, quantity, and corresponding line items of the original invoice for the goods involved in the offset, for easy verification.
⚠️ The description is completely unrelated to the original invoice or omits key specifications, making correspondence impossible.
Credit Amount and Currency
Fill in the offset amount (a positive number indicates a reduction in receivables); the currency must be consistent with the original invoice. If exchange rate conversion is involved, indicate the exchange rate source.
⚠️ Inconsistency between the amount in figures and words, or mixed currencies without indicating the conversion basis.
Original Invoice Amount and Net Amount
Show the original invoice total amount, the current credit amount, and the net receivable/payable after the credit, for direct financial entry.
⚠️ Failing to show the net amount, causing the other party to calculate it themselves, which easily leads to disputes.
Tax Treatment Statement
Indicate the tax treatment method, such as 'VAT/customs duty adjustment corresponding to the original invoice', and cite local tax regulations if necessary.
⚠️ Omitting the tax statement, causing the import country's tax authority to not recognize the tax refund or input tax transfer-out.
List of Related Documents
List the names and numbers of supporting documents attached, such as return agreements, quality inspection reports, short shipment certificates, email confirmations, etc.
⚠️ No supporting documents attached or the list does not match the actual attachments, raising authenticity concerns.
Payment/Offset Method
Explain how the credit amount is handled: directly offset against future invoices, bank refund, offset against other payables, etc.
⚠️ The handling method is not specified, leading to inconsistent accounting treatment by both parties.
Seller Signature and Seal
Signed by the seller's authorized signatory and stamped with the company seal or financial seal; electronic documents must comply with local electronic signature regulations.
⚠️ Only printing the name without a handwritten signature, or using an unauthorized person's signature, resulting in invalidity.
Buyer Confirmation Section
Some countries or contracts require the buyer's signature and seal for confirmation to prove that both parties have no objection to the credit matter.
⚠️ A confirmation section is required but not provided, or the buyer does not sign back, leading to subsequent disputes.
Remarks and Legal Statement
Include disclaimers or explanatory clauses such as 'This credit note is only used to adjust the original invoice amount and does not constitute a new payment obligation'.
⚠️ Omitting the legal statement, causing it to be mistaken as an independent payment request and creating a risk of duplicate payment.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
Failure to link to the original invoice: A credit note must clearly reference the original invoice number, date, and amount; otherwise, finance and customs cannot write it off, and it may be deemed an invalid voucher. Vague reason for credit: Only writing 'discount' or 'adjustment' without specifying return, short shipment, quality deduction, etc., leading tax or customs authorities to question the authenticity of the transaction. Incorrect amount and currency: Inconsistency between figures and words, currency not matching the original invoice, or failure to indicate the exchange rate conversion basis, causing accounting discrepancies and exchange losses. Non-compliant signature and seal: Lack of authorized signature or company seal, or electronic signature not complying with local law, resulting in insufficient legal effect of the document. Missing tax statement: Failure to indicate the VAT/customs duty adjustment corresponding to the original invoice; the import country's tax authority may refuse the refund or require additional tax payment. No supporting documents attached: Return agreements, quality inspection reports, etc., not attached, making it impossible to prove the credit matter actually occurred, and easily subject to foreign exchange bureau or customs inspection. Reuse of the same number: Different credit matters sharing the same number, causing audit trail confusion and even suspicion of duplicate offsets. Ignoring buyer confirmation: In countries requiring buyer sign-back confirmation or in letter of credit transactions, entering the credit into accounts without obtaining confirmation, which may later be denied by the buyer.
⚠️ Failure to link to the original invoice: A credit note must clearly reference the original invoice number, date, and amount; otherwise, finance and customs cannot write it off, and it may be deemed an invalid voucher.
⚠️ Vague reason for credit: Only writing 'discount' or 'adjustment' without specifying return, short shipment, quality deduction, etc., leading tax or customs authorities to question the authenticity of the transaction.
⚠️ Incorrect amount and currency: Inconsistency between figures and words, currency not matching the original invoice, or failure to indicate the exchange rate conversion basis, causing accounting discrepancies and exchange losses.
⚠️ Non-compliant signature and seal: Lack of authorized signature or company seal, or electronic signature not complying with local law, resulting in insufficient legal effect of the document.
⚠️ Missing tax statement: Failure to indicate the VAT/customs duty adjustment corresponding to the original invoice; the import country's tax authority may refuse the refund or require additional tax payment.
⚠️ No supporting documents attached: Return agreements, quality inspection reports, etc., not attached, making it impossible to prove the credit matter actually occurred, and easily subject to foreign exchange bureau or customs inspection.
⚠️ Reuse of the same number: Different credit matters sharing the same number, causing audit trail confusion and even suspicion of duplicate offsets.
⚠️ Ignoring buyer confirmation: In countries requiring buyer sign-back confirmation or in letter of credit transactions, entering the credit into accounts without obtaining confirmation, which may later be denied by the buyer.
🌍 Country Requirements
United States: U.S. Customs (CBP) requires that when a credit note is used as proof for import duty refund or price adjustment, it must be linked to the original invoice and Entry Summary, and state the reason for the refund (such as short shipment or quality discrepancy). If anti-dumping/countervailing duty adjustments are involved, an additional CBP Form 7501 amendment application is required. State sales tax treatment varies greatly and must be indicated according to state tax law. Subject to the latest CBP announcements. European Union: EU member states require credit notes to comply with the VAT Directive (2006/112/EC), and must indicate the words 'Credit Note', the original invoice number, both parties' VAT numbers, the reason for credit, and the amount. When used for import VAT refund, it must be submitted to customs within the time limit specified by the member state, along with the original customs declaration. Some countries require translation into the local language. Subject to the latest EU and member state regulations. Japan: Japanese customs and the National Tax Agency require credit notes (クレジットノート) to have clear Japanese or English records, indicating the original invoice number, reason for return or allowance, amount, and both parties' registration numbers (corporate number). When used for consumption tax adjustment, it must comply with the provisions of the Consumption Tax Act regarding refund invoices. Import tax refunds must be submitted within the statutory time limit of the Customs Act. Subject to the latest Japan Customs announcements. South Korea: South Korea requires credit notes to include the original invoice number, both parties' business registration numbers, reason for credit, and amount, and to be stamped with the company seal. When used for VAT adjustment, it must comply with the provisions of the Value Added Tax Act regarding amended invoices. Import tax refunds must be submitted to Korea Customs, along with the original import declaration. Subject to the latest Korea Customs Service announcements. Middle East (Saudi Arabia/UAE): Saudi Arabia requires credit notes to be authenticated by Saudi embassies/consulates abroad or certified through the chamber of commerce, indicating the original invoice number, both parties' tax numbers (VAT), and attached Arabic translation. The UAE requires certification through the local chamber of commerce and submission under free trade zone regulations. When used for customs duty adjustment, the original customs declaration must be submitted to customs. Subject to the latest announcements from Saudi ZATCA and UAE FCA. Brazil: Brazil requires credit notes (Nota de Crédito) to comply with the Federal Revenue Service (RFB) electronic invoice system regulations, indicating the original NF-e number, both parties' CNPJ, reason for credit, and amount. When used for import tax refund, it must be submitted through the SISCOMEX system, along with the original DI (import declaration). Subject to the latest RFB announcements. India: India requires credit notes to comply with the Central Goods and Services Tax Act (CGST Act), indicating the original invoice number, both parties' GSTIN, reason for credit, and amount, and to be declared in GSTR-1 within the prescribed time limit. When used for import tax refund, it must be submitted to Indian Customs, along with the original Bill of Entry. Subject to the latest CBIC announcements. Russia: Russia requires credit notes (Кредит-нота) to be prepared in Russian or bilingual, indicating the original invoice number, both parties' INN/KPP, reason for credit, and amount, and stamped with the company seal. When used for VAT adjustment, it must comply with Article 168 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation. Import tax refunds must be submitted to Russian Customs, along with the original customs declaration. Subject to the latest announcements from the Federal Customs Service of Russia.
United States
U.S. Customs (CBP) requires that when a credit note is used as proof for import duty refund or price adjustment, it must be linked to the original invoice and Entry Summary, and state the reason for the refund (such as short shipment or quality discrepancy). If anti-dumping/countervailing duty adjustments are involved, an additional CBP Form 7501 amendment application is required. State sales tax treatment varies greatly and must be indicated according to state tax law. Subject to the latest CBP announcements.
European Union
EU member states require credit notes to comply with the VAT Directive (2006/112/EC), and must indicate the words 'Credit Note', the original invoice number, both parties' VAT numbers, the reason for credit, and the amount. When used for import VAT refund, it must be submitted to customs within the time limit specified by the member state, along with the original customs declaration. Some countries require translation into the local language. Subject to the latest EU and member state regulations.
Japan
Japanese customs and the National Tax Agency require credit notes (クレジットノート) to have clear Japanese or English records, indicating the original invoice number, reason for return or allowance, amount, and both parties' registration numbers (corporate number). When used for consumption tax adjustment, it must comply with the provisions of the Consumption Tax Act regarding refund invoices. Import tax refunds must be submitted within the statutory time limit of the Customs Act. Subject to the latest Japan Customs announcements.
South Korea
South Korea requires credit notes to include the original invoice number, both parties' business registration numbers, reason for credit, and amount, and to be stamped with the company seal. When used for VAT adjustment, it must comply with the provisions of the Value Added Tax Act regarding amended invoices. Import tax refunds must be submitted to Korea Customs, along with the original import declaration. Subject to the latest Korea Customs Service announcements.
Middle East (Saudi Arabia/UAE)
Saudi Arabia requires credit notes to be authenticated by Saudi embassies/consulates abroad or certified through the chamber of commerce, indicating the original invoice number, both parties' tax numbers (VAT), and attached Arabic translation. The UAE requires certification through the local chamber of commerce and submission under free trade zone regulations. When used for customs duty adjustment, the original customs declaration must be submitted to customs. Subject to the latest announcements from Saudi ZATCA and UAE FCA.
Brazil
Brazil requires credit notes (Nota de Crédito) to comply with the Federal Revenue Service (RFB) electronic invoice system regulations, indicating the original NF-e number, both parties' CNPJ, reason for credit, and amount. When used for import tax refund, it must be submitted through the SISCOMEX system, along with the original DI (import declaration). Subject to the latest RFB announcements.
India
India requires credit notes to comply with the Central Goods and Services Tax Act (CGST Act), indicating the original invoice number, both parties' GSTIN, reason for credit, and amount, and to be declared in GSTR-1 within the prescribed time limit. When used for import tax refund, it must be submitted to Indian Customs, along with the original Bill of Entry. Subject to the latest CBIC announcements.
Russia
Russia requires credit notes (Кредит-нота) to be prepared in Russian or bilingual, indicating the original invoice number, both parties' INN/KPP, reason for credit, and amount, and stamped with the company seal. When used for VAT adjustment, it must comply with Article 168 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation. Import tax refunds must be submitted to Russian Customs, along with the original customs declaration. Subject to the latest announcements from the Federal Customs Service of Russia.
❓ FAQ
What is the difference between a credit note and a red-letter invoice?: A credit note is a common offset voucher in international trade, focusing on adjusting receivables and payables; a red-letter invoice is a specific voucher under the tax systems of some countries such as China, used for VAT offset. In the EU, a credit note is often regarded as a form of red-letter invoice. In practice, if the importing country requires a red-letter invoice, it must be issued in the local format, but the core content is consistent with a credit note. Does a credit note require the buyer's signature for confirmation?: It depends on the contract terms and the importing country's requirements. In letter of credit transactions or in some Middle Eastern and South American countries, the buyer's signature for confirmation is a necessary step to prove that both parties have no objection to the credit matter. If the contract does not require it, the seller's unilateral signature and seal are sufficient, but it is advisable to retain the buyer's written confirmation (such as email) to prevent subsequent disputes. Can a credit note be used for import duty refund?: Yes, but it must meet the importing country's customs conditions. Usually, the credit note must be submitted together with the original invoice, customs declaration, return certificate, etc., within the prescribed time limit. The EU, Japan, South Korea, etc., all allow it, but require complete document linkage and clear reasons. The specific process and time limit are subject to the latest local customs announcements. Can the amount on a credit note be negative?: Typically, a credit note uses a positive number to indicate the offset amount and states 'offset against original invoice' in the description. If a negative number is used, it may cause financial system recognition errors. It is recommended to follow the convention of 'positive number indicates reduction in receivables' and clarify the direction in the remarks to avoid ambiguity. How should a credit note be filled out for a partial return?: List the name, specifications, quantity, unit price, and corresponding original invoice line items of the returned goods item by item, and only offset the amount of the returned portion. At the same time, indicate the original invoice total amount, the current credit amount, and the net amount. If freight, insurance, etc., are involved, they should be apportioned and offset according to the contract ratio. Does a credit note require notarization or embassy authentication?: Some Middle Eastern countries (such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE) require commercial documents to be authenticated by the local embassy or chamber of commerce, and credit notes may also be required. If used for customs refund or legal litigation, it is advisable to confirm the importing country's requirements in advance. The authentication process takes a long time, so sufficient time should be reserved. Does an electronic credit note have legal effect?: In most countries, electronic credit notes that comply with local electronic signature regulations have legal effect, such as the EU's eIDAS and the U.S. ESIGN Act. However, some Middle Eastern and African countries still require paper originals with signatures and seals. It is advisable to confirm the acceptable format with the buyer and retain transmission records. How should a credit note be voided or modified if issued incorrectly?: A new credit note should be issued to offset the original erroneous document, and 'Void original CN number' should be noted. Do not directly alter the original. If it has already been used for customs declaration or tax refund, a correction application must be submitted to the relevant authorities, along with an explanation. Keep all versions for audit purposes.
Q: What is the difference between a credit note and a red-letter invoice?
A: A credit note is a common offset voucher in international trade, focusing on adjusting receivables and payables; a red-letter invoice is a specific voucher under the tax systems of some countries such as China, used for VAT offset. In the EU, a credit note is often regarded as a form of red-letter invoice. In practice, if the importing country requires a red-letter invoice, it must be issued in the local format, but the core content is consistent with a credit note.
Q: Does a credit note require the buyer's signature for confirmation?
A: It depends on the contract terms and the importing country's requirements. In letter of credit transactions or in some Middle Eastern and South American countries, the buyer's signature for confirmation is a necessary step to prove that both parties have no objection to the credit matter. If the contract does not require it, the seller's unilateral signature and seal are sufficient, but it is advisable to retain the buyer's written confirmation (such as email) to prevent subsequent disputes.
Q: Can a credit note be used for import duty refund?
A: Yes, but it must meet the importing country's customs conditions. Usually, the credit note must be submitted together with the original invoice, customs declaration, return certificate, etc., within the prescribed time limit. The EU, Japan, South Korea, etc., all allow it, but require complete document linkage and clear reasons. The specific process and time limit are subject to the latest local customs announcements.
Q: Can the amount on a credit note be negative?
A: Typically, a credit note uses a positive number to indicate the offset amount and states 'offset against original invoice' in the description. If a negative number is used, it may cause financial system recognition errors. It is recommended to follow the convention of 'positive number indicates reduction in receivables' and clarify the direction in the remarks to avoid ambiguity.
Q: How should a credit note be filled out for a partial return?
A: List the name, specifications, quantity, unit price, and corresponding original invoice line items of the returned goods item by item, and only offset the amount of the returned portion. At the same time, indicate the original invoice total amount, the current credit amount, and the net amount. If freight, insurance, etc., are involved, they should be apportioned and offset according to the contract ratio.
Q: Does a credit note require notarization or embassy authentication?
A: Some Middle Eastern countries (such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE) require commercial documents to be authenticated by the local embassy or chamber of commerce, and credit notes may also be required. If used for customs refund or legal litigation, it is advisable to confirm the importing country's requirements in advance. The authentication process takes a long time, so sufficient time should be reserved.
Q: Does an electronic credit note have legal effect?
A: In most countries, electronic credit notes that comply with local electronic signature regulations have legal effect, such as the EU's eIDAS and the U.S. ESIGN Act. However, some Middle Eastern and African countries still require paper originals with signatures and seals. It is advisable to confirm the acceptable format with the buyer and retain transmission records.
Q: How should a credit note be voided or modified if issued incorrectly?
A: A new credit note should be issued to offset the original erroneous document, and 'Void original CN number' should be noted. Do not directly alter the original. If it has already been used for customs declaration or tax refund, a correction application must be submitted to the relevant authorities, along with an explanation. Keep all versions for audit purposes.
📝 Sample
[Credit Note - Complete Filling Sample]
Document Name and Number: CREDIT NOTE, Number CN-INV20260812-01
Date of Issue: 2026-09-15
Seller (Exporter) Information: Shenzhen Sunrise Electronics Co., Ltd., No. 88 Chuangye Road, Xin'an Street, Bao'an District, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, Unified Social Credit Code 91440300MA5F8XYZ2Q, Tax ID CN91440300MA5F8XYZ2Q, Tel +86-755-8823-6677, Email finance@sunrise-elec.com
Buyer (Importer) Information: Northstar Trading LLC, 1201 Market Street, Suite 800, Wilmington, DE 19801, USA, EIN 88-1234567, Importer Code IMP-USA-447190, Tel +1-302-555-0188, Email ap@northstartrading.com
Original Invoice Reference: Invoice No. INV20260812, Invoice Date 2026-08-12, Invoice Amount USD 48,600.00, Currency USD
Reason for Credit: Due to appearance scratches and failed functional testing of Item 2, both parties signed the Return and Allowance Agreement RA-2026-0910 on 2026-09-10, agreeing to grant a quality deduction of 12% of the original invoice amount
Goods/Services Description: LED Industrial Lighting Module, Model SLX-240W, Line Item 2 of the original invoice, Quantity 300 pieces, Unit Price USD 120.00, this transaction involves the return of 60 pieces and an allowance of USD 5,832.00
Credit Amount and Currency: USD 5,832.00 (positive amount indicates reduction of receivables)
Original Invoice Amount and Net Amount: Original Invoice Total Amount USD 48,600.00; Credit Amount USD 5,832.00; Net Receivable Amount after Credit USD 42,768.00
Tax Treatment Statement: This credit corresponds to the VAT/customs duty adjustment of the original invoice INV20260812, handled as a U.S. importer sales tax adjustment, referencing the original customs entry number ENTRY-2026-08-8891, and the seller shall not separately declare output tax
List of Related Documents: Return and Allowance Agreement RA-2026-0910; Quality Inspection Report QC-2026-0908-02; Short Shipment/Return Certificate RT-2026-0911; Email Confirmation from Both Parties EM-2026-09-09
Payment/Offset Method: The credit amount of USD 5,832.00 shall be directly offset against the buyer's future order invoices; no bank refund shall be arranged
Seller's Signature and Seal: Shenzhen Sunrise Electronics Co., Ltd., Authorized Signatory Li Ming, Finance Special Seal affixed, electronic signature complies with ESIGN Act requirements
Buyer's Confirmation Section: Northstar Trading LLC, Authorized Signatory Emily Carter, Confirmation Date 2026-09-15
Remarks and Legal Statement: This Credit Note is solely for the purpose of adjusting the original invoice amount and does not constitute a new payment obligation; if there is any objection to the amount, please raise it in writing within 7 days of receipt
The above is a sample. Actual completion shall be subject to the L/C/contract/importing country requirements.
[Credit Note - Complete Filling Sample]
Document Name and Number: CREDIT NOTE, Number CN-INV20260812-01
Date of Issue: 2026-09-15
Seller (Exporter) Information: Shenzhen Sunrise Electronics Co., Ltd., No. 88 Chuangye Road, Xin'an Street, Bao'an District, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, Unified Social Credit Code 91440300MA5F8XYZ2Q, Tax ID CN91440300MA5F8XYZ2Q, Tel +86-755-8823-6677, Email finance@sunrise-elec.com
Buyer (Importer) Information: Northstar Trading LLC, 1201 Market Street, Suite 800, Wilmington, DE 19801, USA, EIN 88-1234567, Importer Code IMP-USA-447190, Tel +1-302-555-0188, Email ap@northstartrading.com
Original Invoice Reference: Invoice No. INV20260812, Invoice Date 2026-08-12, Invoice Amount USD 48,600.00, Currency USD
Reason for Credit: Due to appearance scratches and failed functional testing of Item 2, both parties signed the Return and Allowance Agreement RA-2026-0910 on 2026-09-10, agreeing to grant a quality deduction of 12% of the original invoice amount
Goods/Services Description: LED Industrial Lighting Module, Model SLX-240W, Line Item 2 of the original invoice, Quantity 300 pieces, Unit Price USD 120.00, this transaction involves the return of 60 pieces and an allowance of USD 5,832.00
Credit Amount and Currency: USD 5,832.00 (positive amount indicates reduction of receivables)
Original Invoice Amount and Net Amount: Original Invoice Total Amount USD 48,600.00; Credit Amount USD 5,832.00; Net Receivable Amount after Credit USD 42,768.00
Tax Treatment Statement: This credit corresponds to the VAT/customs duty adjustment of the original invoice INV20260812, handled as a U.S. importer sales tax adjustment, referencing the original customs entry number ENTRY-2026-08-8891, and the seller shall not separately declare output tax
List of Related Documents: Return and Allowance Agreement RA-2026-0910; Quality Inspection Report QC-2026-0908-02; Short Shipment/Return Certificate RT-2026-0911; Email Confirmation from Both Parties EM-2026-09-09
Payment/Offset Method: The credit amount of USD 5,832.00 shall be directly offset against the buyer's future order invoices; no bank refund shall be arranged
Seller's Signature and Seal: Shenzhen Sunrise Electronics Co., Ltd., Authorized Signatory Li Ming, Finance Special Seal affixed, electronic signature complies with ESIGN Act requirements
Buyer's Confirmation Section: Northstar Trading LLC, Authorized Signatory Emily Carter, Confirmation Date 2026-09-15
Remarks and Legal Statement: This Credit Note is solely for the purpose of adjusting the original invoice amount and does not constitute a new payment obligation; if there is any objection to the amount, please raise it in writing within 7 days of receipt
The above is a sample. Actual completion shall be subject to the L/C/contract/importing country requirements.
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⚠️ This page is for reference only. Customs regulations may change; please refer to the latest announcement of local customs brokers or customs authorities.