Consular Invoice

A Consular Invoice is an official invoice issued by the consulate of the exporting country (or an institution authorized by the consulate) at the request of the importing country. It is mainly used to certify information such as the origin, value, and quantity of goods, so that the customs of the importing country can levy tariffs and conduct trade statistics accordingly. It is commonly required in some developing countries (such as certain Middle Eastern and Latin American countries) for purposes of import control, anti-dumping, or foreign exchange control. Precautions: 1) A consular invoice usually requires payment of a consular visa fee, which may be relatively high; 2) If required by the importing country but not provided, the goods may be delayed at the port or a fine may be imposed; 3) Its contents must be strictly consistent with the commercial invoice, bill of lading, and other documents, otherwise it may be rejected; 4) Unlike an ordinary commercial invoice, a consular invoice has an official certification nature and cannot be issued by the exporter itself. The difference from a Customs Invoice is that a consular invoice is issued by the consulate of the importing country stationed in the exporting country, while a customs invoice is filled out by the exporter according to the format of the importing country.