What is a Pro Forma invoice? What is a commercial invoice?
Although they may look identical, a pro forma invoice and a commercial invoice serve different purposes. A pro forma invoice is provided by the seller prior to the shipment of merchandise, informing the buyer of the kinds and quantities of goods to be sent, their value, and important specifications including weight and size. It is the document that spells out your terms of sale. It can be used by the importer to reserve foreign exchange, apply for a letter of credit, or to obtain pre-import clearance. A commercial invoice is a document representing a complete record of the business transaction (itemized list of goods shipped) between the exporter and the importer. It is issued usually at the time of shipment.
