Yes—use a separate invoice line for each Pokémon slab that states the card, grader and grade, certification number, and actual sale price. A slab is a trading card sealed in a grading company's holder, and these details identify exactly what was sold.
No universal consumer-invoice rule requires all four fields in every transaction. Still, this format matches verifiable grading-label information and helps satisfy the stricter documentation needed for U.S. imports.
Table of Contents
- What should each invoice line include?
- Why the card name alone is insufficient
- Match the invoice to the grading label
- Which price belongs on the invoice?
- Extra requirements for U.S. imports
What should each invoice line include?
Record enough information to distinguish the slab from similar cards and copies of the same card. A useful line includes: A compact description might read: "Penny, Scarlet & Violet #239, psa 10, cert #12345678 — $175." Keep the certification number as digits or text so the buyer can search it easily.
- Card or character name
- Set name and card number
- Grading company and numerical grade
- Certification number
- Quantity, unit price, and extended price
Why the card name alone is insufficient
Names may repeat within one set. The Pokémon Company's official Scarlet & Violet checklist lists Penny cards numbered 183, 239, and 252. "Penny card" therefore leaves the invoice open to confusion.
"Penny, Scarlet & Violet #239" identifies the specific card, while the grader, grade, and certification number identify the individual slab. Include any meaningful variant information shown on the card or holder. Do not replace the set and card number with vague terms such as "rare," "premium," or "graded Pokémon card.".
Match the invoice to the grading label
Copy the description, grade, and certification number directly from the holder. PSA says its label displays the grade and certification number, while CGC says its holders receive a card description, grade, certification number, and QR code after grading (PSA, CGC). Before paying, compare the invoice against the physical slab and the grader's verification record.
Check the card identity, grade, certification number, and available holder images. A matching lookup is useful but not conclusive. PSA's Cert Verification warning says counterfeiters may copy legitimate certification numbers onto fake inserts. Buyers should treat verification as one check, not proof by itself.
Which price belongs on the invoice?
Use the actual transaction price for that slab. If an invoice covers several slabs, give each one its own unit price and extended price instead of recording only a bundle total. Record discounts clearly.
For example, if a slab listed at $200 sells for $175, the invoice should show the $175 transaction price rather than the asking price. Do not substitute an estimated market value, insurance value, or hoped-for resale price for the amount paid. Those figures answer different questions and can make the transaction record misleading.
Extra requirements for U.S. imports
Import documentation deserves particular care. Under 19 CFR 141.86, a merchandise invoice must provide a detailed description, known name, grade or quality, relevant marks or numbers, and each item's purchase price.
For a graded Pokémon card, the set, card number, grade, and certification number give customs officials concrete identifying details. The declared amount should be the price the U.S. buyer paid, not the intended resale price, and CBP warns that undervaluation may lead to penalties.
