Is a proforma invoice the same as a commercial invoice?
No. A proforma invoice is usually a pre-shipment or quotation document, while a commercial invoice is used for the actual shipment and customs paperwork.
Free proforma invoice generator for export orders.
Prepare a proforma invoice with buyer, seller, item, HS code, price, currency, and incoterms before the final shipment documents are ready.
Best for: Sellers confirming an order, payment request, or pre-shipment quotation with an overseas buyer.
When to use this page
Use it before production, sample orders, buyer payment confirmation, or a forwarder document pre-check.
- Keep buyer, seller, shipment, and line-item details consistent across every document.
- Use the browser print dialog when you need a PDF copy for review.
- Confirm final customs, logistics, tax, and marketplace requirements with the responsible party.
Questions before shipment
What should a proforma invoice include?
Include seller, buyer, item descriptions, quantity, unit price, currency, incoterms, origin, destination, and estimated total value.
Before you send the document
TradePaper catches common structure problems, but export requirements change by country, product, broker, and shipping method.
- Confirm product descriptions and HS codes with your broker or compliance team.
- Match invoice quantities and values with the packing list and purchase order.
- Confirm incoterms, named place, origin, and destination before booking freight.