Invoices and Proof of Purchase (When You Need Them)

Customs authorities may require an invoice or proof of purchase to confirm the item description, value, and currency before they clear your shipment. Uploading correct documents early helps prevent customs holds, delays, and extra requests.

What Counts as an Invoice or Proof of Purchase?

Any document that clearly shows what you bought and how much you paid can work. The best options are:

Accepted examples

• Retailer invoice (PDF or order confirmation document)
• Order confirmation page (screenshot or PDF)
• Receipt email showing item names + prices
• Retailer account “Orders” page showing the order details
• Payment confirmation (only if it clearly matches the order and shows amount/currency)

Best practice

Use a document that includes:

• Retailer name
• Order number
• Purchase date
• Item names/descriptions
• Quantity
• Price per item and total
• Currency
• Shipping cost (if shown)

When Do You Need to Provide an Invoice?

You may be asked for an invoice when:

1. Customs requires value verificationThis is common for branded products, electronics, or higher-value shipments.




2. Your declaration is incomplete or unclearIf your customs description is too generic (e.g., “clothes”) or the value looks inconsistent, customs may request proof.




3. Your shipment is selected for inspectionRandom checks happen. Clear paperwork reduces follow-up questions.




4. The destination country requires stricter documentationSome destinations routinely request invoices for specific product categories.

How Invoices Help Prevent Customs Delays

Invoices reduce delays because they:

• Confirm the declared value matches what you paid
• Support accurate duties and taxes assessment
• Provide detailed item descriptions for classification
• Reduce the chance of customs requesting additional documents mid-shipment

How to Upload Your Invoice (Recommended Workflow)

Use this process to keep your shipment moving:

Step 1: Save your invoice or order confirmation

Download the invoice as a PDF, or take a clear screenshot of the order details page.

Step 2: Ensure the document is readable

Make sure item names, prices, and currency are visible. Avoid cropped images.

Step 3: Upload it to your shipment/order (where available)

Attach the invoice to the relevant package or shipment in your Boxit4me dashboard.

Step 4: Match documents to the correct package

If you have multiple orders, upload the right invoice for each order to avoid confusion and delays.

Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Mistake 1: Uploading a payment screenshot only

A bank transaction alone often does not show item details. Prefer the retailer invoice or order page.

Mistake 2: Generic item descriptions

“Shoes” is better than “items,” but “Men’s running shoes” is best. Align your invoice and declaration terms.

Mistake 3: Missing currency or totals

Customs must see amount + currency. If currency is missing, provide an additional screenshot showing it.

Mistake 4: Editing invoices or changing values

Do not modify documents. Customs may reject altered documents and request additional verification.

What If You Don’t Have an Invoice?

If the retailer doesn’t provide invoices, use:

• Order confirmation screenshot (with item list + prices)
• Retailer account order summary page
• Email receipt showing itemized totals

If the order page doesn’t show item prices (rare), combine:

Order details screenshot + payment confirmation screenshot

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need invoices for every shipment?

Not always. But customs can request it at any time, especially for higher-value or inspected shipments.

Can I upload multiple invoices for one shipment?

Yes, if your shipment contains items from multiple orders, provide all relevant invoices.

Do invoices affect duties and taxes?

They help customs calculate duties accurately based on declared value and classification.

What happens if I don’t provide invoices when requested?

Your shipment may be placed on customs hold, delaying clearance until documents are provided.