# Product Upload Guidance

Written by [Bonita Fowlersmith](https://help.shippabo.com/authors/1290282)  
Updated at January 16th, 2026

This guide will cover the timing of when you should upload your commercial documents, a link to our document template, as well as guides on how to upload your commercial documents, how to update your PO and reference number, and further information regarding what details are required on a commercial document.

### Timing of Uploading your Documents

**When** should your documents be uploaded?

Documents should be uploaded within **2 days from departure.**

**Where** should your product data be entered?

You can enter your data into our excel template, or have your shippers create their CI/PL following the format of our template.

The template can be found [linked here,](https://shippabo-my.sharepoint.com/:x:/p/virginia/IQCILM6PgMZ_QqpnLIV7o_U9AfaCqmswI6OyuFv0kK8wCDw?e=uMkaAe) or directly in your shipment as shown in the steps below.

### How to Download the Template from your Shipment:

Navigate to the **Products** tab of your shipment.

Press on **Customs Clearance Cargo List**.

Now, Select **Download Template**.

The template will now download to your browser.

### How to Upload your Commercial Invoice & Packing List

Navigate to the specific shipment you'd like to upload your CIPL for. Press on the Documents tab.

Next, you can press **Upload Documents** to select a document from your computer files, or you can drag your document directly into the box.

### How to Update your PO and Reference Numbers

Navigate to the shipment that you need to add a PO# to.

Once the shipment has opened, on the left side, click on **Overview**.

Hovering over the Shipment Information will bring up an **edit icon**, on the right side. Click on this to add the PO#.

Within the POs # field, click on the bar to start typing in any PO#s that are relevant to the shipment. Once the PO#s have been added, click **save** on the bottom.

This is also where you have the ability to edit the Reference number for your shipment.

Once added, your PO number will be displayed on your individual shipment header and can also be populated in your reports. This visibility enhances shipment tracking and organization while streamlining your reporting process.

### What Information Should be on a Commercial Invoice

A Commercial Invoice (CI) is a document utilized for customs declaration that specifies the value and quantity of the items being shipped.

The information Often Needed on the Commercial Invoice is as follows:

- Country of origin (where the products were made)
- Full name and address of the supplier/manufacturer
- Full name and address of the importer of record (the business or person purchasing the products)
- Quantity of units for each product
- Unit value for each product
- Complete description of the product, including:
  - What the product is
  - What the product is used for
  - What the product is made of
- 8 digit HTS codes for your products

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