How should charger samples be invoiced so customs does not question their value?

Main answer · Wecent Editorial Team

Short answer: Use an accurate commercial invoice that clearly describes the goods, the quantity, a fair value and the country of origin, and identify the shipment as samples. Avoid zero values and vague descriptions, which attract questions. Ask your customs broker for the right treatment of samples before the supplier ships.

Why samples are held

Customs officers review the description and value of every shipment. A box of electronics with a zero value or a vague description such as ‘gift’ or ‘sample’ looks like a mis-declared shipment, and it may be held for inspection or questions.

What the invoice should contain

US customs rules for invoices set out the information expected, including a detailed description of the goods, the quantity, the value, the country of origin and the identity of the parties. Ask your broker for the current requirements.

A practical checklist

1. Description. State what the item is, for example ‘USB-C wall charger, 65W, sample’, not just ‘electronics’.
2. Quantity. The number of pieces.
3. Value. A fair, honest value. Do not declare zero or a token value to avoid duty.
4. Country of origin. Where the goods were made.
5. Reason. Mark the shipment as samples for evaluation, and say if they are not for sale.
6. Parties. Correct names and addresses for sender and receiver.
7. Contact. A telephone number or email for questions.

Special treatment for samples

US rules contain special provisions for certain commercial samples, such as duty-free treatment for samples of negligible value or samples that have been marked to prevent sale. These have conditions, so ask your broker rather than trying to apply them yourself.

What to avoid

• A zero-value invoice.
• Calling samples ‘gifts’ unless they truly are.
• Different values on the invoice and the packing list.
• Hiding the product type.

Keep the paperwork

Save the invoice, tracking and customs documents with the sample record. They help if the same issue arises on a later shipment.

Quick summary

Be honest, specific and consistent, and ask your broker how samples are treated.

Working with your forwarder

Tell the courier or forwarder that the parcel contains samples and ask whether they need extra documents, such as a copy of the invoice inside the package and one attached outside. Express couriers often have their own rules for electronics and lithium products, so ask early. A short email at the start saves days of delay later.

Sources checked on 24 Oct 2026: eCFR: 19 CFR 141.86 Contents of invoices; U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Importation of commercial samples.

Where this answer says to confirm with Wecent, the detail is not published on the product page and has to come from the datasheet or the factory. General facts come from the regulators, standards bodies or device makers named in the text.