What is a pro forma invoice?
A pro forma invoice is a detailed quotation issued before a sale or shipment. It helps a prospective buyer review the goods, estimated prices, delivery term, payment terms, and expected shipment details.
Is a pro forma invoice a final or commercial invoice?
No. A final commercial invoice records the actual seller-buyer transaction and may be used for customs valuation. A pro forma invoice describes a proposed transaction and must stay clearly labelled as a quotation.
Is a pro forma invoice a tax or VAT invoice?
No. It is not evidence of a completed taxable supply and should not be entered or described as a tax or VAT invoice. Issue the document required by the applicable tax rules after the transaction reaches the relevant stage.
Can I use this pro forma invoice for customs clearance?
Do not assume so. Customs, carriers, and importing countries can require a final commercial invoice, official declaration, licence, proof of origin, or other documents. Confirm the exact requirements with the buyer, carrier, broker, or customs authority.
Does a pro forma invoice need an HS code?
An HS code can help the buyer plan an import, but it is not universally required at quotation stage. Enter one only after verifying the classification; Speedy Invoices does not choose or validate tariff codes.
Which Incoterm should I use?
Use only the rule, edition, and named place agreed by the buyer and seller. The tool does not recommend or select an Incoterm because each rule changes delivery responsibilities, costs, and risk.
Does the quoted total include import duty or tax?
Only amounts explicitly entered by the seller appear in the quoted total. The tool does not calculate import duty, import VAT or GST, brokerage, currency conversion, or landed cost.
Does a pro forma invoice prove that the buyer paid?
No. Payment terms or a requested deposit are part of the quotation. A receipt or other payment record is needed to confirm that money was actually received.
