Use a proforma before the transaction is final
Choose it to present preliminary goods, pricing, validity and trade terms to a prospective buyer.
Open Proforma Invoice GeneratorProforma vs commercial invoice: preliminary and final trade documents
Both documents can describe goods, parties, prices and trade terms, but they serve different stages. A proforma presents a proposed transaction; a commercial invoice records the priced trade transaction when it proceeds.
At a glance
Clear practical differences
| Difference | Proforma invoice | Commercial invoice |
|---|---|---|
| Stage | Preliminary or pre-sale. | Final priced trade transaction. |
| Main purpose | Communicates proposed goods, prices, validity and terms. | Documents the commercial value and shipment transaction. |
| Common details | Exporter, buyer, validity, Incoterm, proposed items, freight and payment terms. | Exporter, consignee, HS codes, origin, destination, Incoterm, weights, charges and total. |
| Payment meaning | May support an advance-payment discussion but is not proof of payment. | States the transaction value but is not itself a payment receipt. |
Choose the document
When to use each document
Use a commercial invoice for the priced shipment
Choose it when documenting the final goods transaction and its trade and value details.
Open Commercial Invoice GeneratorCreate the document