Import and Export Document Translation
Translation of invoices, certificates, packing lists and permits for importers, exporters, brokers and forwarders, following US customs language rules.
The short answer
US customs requires commercial invoices in English or with an accurate English translation (19 CFR 141.86(d)), and imported goods must be marked with the English name of their country of origin, with Spanish or French allowed for goods of USMCA countries (19 CFR 134.45). Exports need documents in the destination's language, often apostilled or legalised.
Rules that apply
Each rule links to its source. Checked 4 November 2026. Rules change, so confirm with the office that will receive your documents.
| Rule | Source |
|---|---|
| Commercial invoices and attachments must be in English or accompanied by an accurate English translation. | 19 CFR 141.86(d) |
| Country-of-origin marking must include the full English name of the country, unless another marking is authorised; USMCA-country goods may use English, French or Spanish. | 19 CFR 134.45(a) |
| Foreign-language forms and documents in air commerce must have an English translation attached. | 19 CFR 122.4 |
| FDA-regulated food labels must carry required information in English; if a foreign language is used, all required information must also appear in it. | 21 CFR 101.15(c) |
| US public documents used abroad, such as certificates of free sale issued by states, can be authenticated with an apostille in Convention countries. | Hague Apostille Convention (1961) |
Importing into the US
The commercial invoice is the core customs document, and it must be in English or come with an accurate English translation, including its attachments. Exporters in Asia and Latin America often issue invoices in their own language with English headings. If goods descriptions, terms of sale or the seller's details are only in the foreign language, translate them. Other documents that often need English versions when CBP or a partner agency asks questions:
- Certificates of origin and supplier declarations for preferential duty claims.
- Packing lists and bills of lading with foreign-language descriptions.
- Test reports, certificates of analysis and conformity certificates.
- Phytosanitary and health certificates for plants, food and animal products.
- Contracts and purchase orders when valuation is questioned.
Country-of-origin marking
Goods must show the English name of the country of origin ("Made in Germany", not only "Hergestellt in Deutschland"). Variant spellings that clearly indicate the English name, such as "Brasil", are accepted. For goods of Canada, Mexico or the US, French or Spanish country names are allowed. Foreign phrases like "Hecho en" before the English name are fine.
Translating trade documents accurately
Goods descriptions are translated as written, not improved: a translation that describes the goods more precisely than the original invoice can misstate what was declared. Quantities, weights, values, HS codes, Incoterms and lot numbers are copied exactly. Units stay as written; currencies are not converted.
Exporting from the US
Buyers and authorities abroad ask for invoices, certificates of origin, certificates of free sale, product registrations and labels in their language. Many also want state-issued certificates apostilled (for Convention countries) or legalised (for others). We translate and process state apostilles for New Jersey and other state documents; federal certificates are authenticated by the US Department of State, which we do not handle.
Holds and requests for information
When CBP or a partner agency holds a shipment or sends a request for information, the clock is running on storage charges. The documents requested are usually short: an invoice page, a certificate, a test report. Send them as soon as the request arrives; short documents can be translated within hours on expedited service, with a certificate of accuracy your broker can file.
Agricultural and food imports
Plant and animal products need phytosanitary or veterinary certificates, and food facilities abroad send registration and process documents. These are often bilingual already; where they are not, the English translation must match the certificate field by field.
What we don't do
We translate and process state apostilles. We do not classify goods, act as a customs broker, file entries, process federal apostilles or consular legalisation, or advise on trade compliance.
Documents we translate for this
Contract translation
Certified translation of contracts and leases: supply, distribution, employment, rental and sale agreements, for signing, courts, lenders and USCIS.
Business Registration translation
Certified translation of foreign company register extracts, articles, licences and tax registrations for US banks, USCIS, state filings and partners.
User Manual translation
Translation of user manuals, instructions and quick-start guides for products sold in the US, the EU, Canada and elsewhere, following each market's …
Price
$39 for the first page (up to 250 words) into English, $49 into any other language, then $0.116 per additional word. Each file is priced on its own. The signed certificate of accuracy is included.
Full pricingTurnaround
24 hours standard for most documents. Expedited service is +50% for 6–8 hours and +100% for 1–3 hours. Large files are quoted with a delivery date before you pay.
Questions
Do you translate packing lists?
Yes. Descriptions are translated as written; quantities, weights and marks are copied exactly.
Can you translate documents for a CBP request for information quickly?
Yes. Short documents in hours with expedited service. Tell us the response deadline.
Does CBP accept invoices in Chinese or Spanish?
Only with an accurate English translation attached, under 19 CFR 141.86(d).
Can country of origin be marked only in Spanish?
For goods of a USMCA country (Canada, Mexico, the US), yes. Other goods need the English name, though clear variant spellings are accepted.
Do you translate certificates of origin?
Yes, with a certificate of accuracy. Most fit within the first-page price.
Related
Prepared by Global Certified Translations, Edgewater, NJ. Translations are signed by a State Court Certified Translator. This page explains translation requirements; it is not legal advice.
Ready to send your documents?
Upload them for an instant word count and price.
Get an Instant Quote