What is a proforma invoice?

A proforma invoice is a preliminary bill of sale sent to buyers before a shipment is delivered. It details the goods being shipped, their value, and terms of sale. Unlike a commercial invoice, it is not a demand for payment but rather a declaration of intent. Proforma invoices are used for customs declarations, import licensing, and foreign exchange purposes.

What is the difference between proforma and commercial invoice?

A proforma invoice is issued before the sale is finalized and is not a demand for payment. A commercial invoice is issued after the sale and serves as the official bill of sale. Both contain similar information (shipper, consignee, goods description, value, Incoterms), but the commercial invoice is legally binding and used for customs clearance and payment processing.

Proforma Invoice Generator

Create professional proforma and commercial invoices for international shipments. Fill in the details below and print or save as PDF.

Invoice Details

Invoice Type

Invoice Number

Date

Currency

Incoterms

Payment Terms

Shipper / Exporter

Company Name

Address

Phone

Tax ID / VAT

Consignee / Importer

Company Name

Address

Phone

Tax ID / VAT

Line Items

Add products with quantity, unit price, and optional HS code.

When Do You Need a Proforma Invoice?

Customs declaration: Required for import/export at most borders
Import licensing: Some countries require proforma invoice to issue import permits
Foreign exchange: Banks may require proforma invoice to process international payments
Pre-shipment inspection: Many countries require inspection based on proforma invoice
Letter of Credit: L/C applications require a proforma invoice