International invoices

I was surprised to realize that a huge number of US companies are not able to generate international invoices. BTW, I'm not speaking right now about a standardized invoice format - only about an invoice that should clearly identify the parties involved, the goodies and their prices.

So, what is mandatory to write on any invoice:

• Company name</strong> (not necessary the business name)</li>
• Address</strong> including
  • Country</strong>, yes even if you are from US !</li>
  • State, street, number, zip code, ...</strong>. Formatting rule: in format used in the company's country</li>
    </ul>
    </li>
  • Company registration number</strong> and company VAT ID</strong> - if you have only one, it could</strong> be enough.</li>
  • Phone/fax numbers </strong>- including the international prefix - specific problem in US</li>
  • Email </strong>- optional but recommended.</li>
  • Currency </strong>used using 3-letter ISO-4217</a> currency code (USD for US dollars). You'll be amazed how many invoices are generated without specifying the currency.</li>
  • Document title</strong> - it has to include INVOICE in it</li>
  • Document number</strong></li>
  • Date of the document</strong></li>
    </ul>
    The list in not complete, so if you know additional requirements please send them - I'm quite sure that there are additional requirements in many countries.

    BTW: if you are looking for a layout for international invoices you can study this document</a>.