Proforma Invoice: What It Is and When to Use One

A proforma invoice is a preliminary bill of sale sent before goods are shipped or services delivered. It's not a demand for payment — it's a quote in invoice format.

Proforma vs Commercial Invoice

Proforma Invoice Commercial Invoice
Sent before shipment Sent with or after delivery
Used for customs and approval Used for payment and accounting
Not a tax document Official tax and payment record

When to Use a Proforma Invoice

Required Proforma Invoice Fields

Include seller and buyer details, item descriptions, quantities, unit prices, total value, currency, shipping terms (Incoterms), and validity period.

Create a Proforma Invoice

Use our invoice generator and label it "Proforma Invoice" in the notes field. Download PDF and send for client approval.