International Trade & Customs

Free Proforma Invoice Generator

Create professioneller proforma invoices for international trade, customs clearance, and advance payments. Perfect for exporters and importers worldwide.

International

Trade Ready

Customs

Compliant

150+

Currencies

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Proforma Invoices Explained

What is a Proforma Invoice?

A proforma invoice is a preliminary bill of sale sent to buyers before goods or services are delivered. It's not a demand for payment but a quotation in invoice format, commonly used for customs declarations, advance payments, and international trade.

Customs Clearance

Required by customs authorities for import/export documentation and duty calculation.

Advance Payment

Used to request deposits or advance payments before work begins or goods ship.

International Trade

Essential for cross-border transactions, showing product details, quantities, and values.

PROFORMA INVOICE #PI-2025-001
Not a Tax Invoice – For customs/advance payment only
Product A (100 units) $2,500.00
Product B (50 units) $1,800.00
Shipping (FOB) $350.00
Total Value $4,650.00

For customs purposes • 50% deposit required • Valid 30 days

When to Use a Proforma Invoice

Common scenarios where proforma invoices are essential for business operations

Export/Import

Customs authorities require proforma invoices for duty calculation

  • Border customs clearance
  • Import duty calculation
  • Trade documentation
  • Freight forwarding

Deposits

Request advance payments before starting work

  • 50% upfront deposits
  • Pre-production payments
  • Large order commitments
  • Material procurement

Approvals

Client budget approval before commitment

  • Finance department approval
  • Purchase order matching
  • Internal procurement process
  • Corporate governance

Banking

Letter of credit and trade finance applications

  • L/C documentation
  • Trade finance applications
  • Export financing
  • Bank guarantees

Logistics

Freight forwarders and shipping companies

  • Bill of lading preparation
  • Cargo manifests
  • Shipping documentation
  • Insurance claims

Samples

Sample orders and trial shipments

  • Product samples
  • Test shipments
  • Quality evaluation
  • Market testing

Proforma Invoice Features

Everything you need for international trade documentation

Multi-Currency

Support for 150+ currencies with automatic conversion and formatting for international trade.

Customs Format

Formatted specifically for customs authorities with all required fields and declarations.

PDF Export

professioneller PDF format ready for customs, freight forwarders, and financial institutions.

Convert to Invoice

One-click conversion to final invoice once goods are shipped or services delivered.

Custom Branding

Add company logo, colors, and business details for professioneller international presence.

Multi-Language

Interface available in 7 languages for international business communication.

Start Creating Proforma Invoices Today

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Free • No credit card required • Customs ready

Proforma Invoice FAQs

What's the difference between a proforma invoice and a commercial invoice?

A proforma invoice is a preliminary quotation sent before goods are shipped – it's not a demand for payment. A commercial invoice is a final bill sent after delivery that requests payment. Proforma invoices are used for customs clearance, advance payments, and budget approval, while commercial invoices are for payment collection.

Is a proforma invoice legally binding?

No, a proforma invoice is not legally binding. It's an estimate or quotation in invoice format. Final prices may change based on actual quantities, shipping costs, or other factors. Once goods are shipped, you issue a final commercial invoice that supersedes the proforma.

Do I need a proforma invoice for exports?

Yes, most customs authorities require proforma invoices for import/export documentation. They use it to calculate duties and taxes, verify goods description, and process shipments. Even if not strictly required, it's considered best practice for international trade.

Can I request payment based on a proforma invoice?

Yes, proforma invoices are commonly used to request advance payments or deposits (typically 50%) before production or shipping. However, you should issue a final commercial invoice once goods are delivered for the balance payment and proper accounting.

What information must be on a proforma invoice?

Essential information includes: Seller and buyer details, description of goods/services, quantities, unit prices, total value, currency, payment terms, shipping terms (FOB, CIF, etc.), country of origin, HS codes (if known), and a clear statement that it's a "Proforma Invoice" and not a tax invoice.