Advance invoice without a request for payment — it serves as a binding offer and for customs/permit purposes before delivery.
The pro forma invoice is an advance invoice without a request for payment. It serves as a binding offer and for customs or permit purposes before the actual delivery.
The pro forma invoice looks like a commercial invoice but is not a request for payment. It serves as a binding offer, for internal approval and for customs or permit procedures before delivery.
Why this matters for your import.
Before an order the pro forma gives you clarity on goods, quantity, price and delivery term — a clean basis for your approval before anything becomes binding.
How you'll come across the term.
Before ordering you receive a pro forma with goods, quantity and terms — the basis for your internal approval before anything becomes binding.
Confusing the pro forma with the final commercial invoice. For customs value determination on import the real commercial invoice counts.