Let's talk about their basic nature or function first: proforma invoice has two basic functions. 1. As a firm offer or proposed contract, the proforma invoice is mainly used by importers when applying for import licenses or importing foreign exchange or opening letters of credit. Second, the proforma invoice is used as a proof of advance payment or partial settlement after delivery. Commercial invoice is the proof of international settlement, and it is also one of the proof of export and import declaration. As a firm offer or suggested contract, proforma invoice is quite different from commercial invoice in format and content, mainly because proforma invoice has the relevant contents of firm offer and simple contract. Proforma invoice, as a proof of advance payment or pre-settlement, is not different from commercial invoice in format and content, but in name.

When will the commercial invoice be issued?

Commercial invoices are issued in the month of export or business.

Commercial invoice is a list of delivery prices listed by exporters to importers, which is the basis for accounting by buyers and sellers, and also a general explanation for import and export customs declaration and tax payment. Commercial invoice is a comprehensive reflection of a business, including name, specification, price, quantity, amount, packaging, etc. It is also an essential document for importers to apply for import declaration. Therefore, the commercial invoice is the core of the whole set of export documents. In the process of document preparation, other documents must be prepared with reference to commercial invoices.

Proforma invoice is an informal invoice, which is a form of seller's quotation to potential buyers. Buyers often need proforma invoices to apply for import and approve foreign exchange.

CI has the shipping mark, but PI doesn't. PI has the seller's bank account information, but CI doesn't. In many cases, if the buyer signs PI, it can also be used as a contract.

Proforma invoice main functions:

1, as a quantitative quotation.

2. As a sales confirmation.

3. Let the buyer apply accordingly:

A. enter the license. Foreign exchange license. Open a letter of credit.

The role of commercial invoice:

1. Commercial invoice is the center of the whole set of freight documents, that is, it is the basis for the preparation of other documents such as customs declaration, certificate of origin, inspection and insurance. By knowing the contents of the invoice. Can grasp the whole picture of goods.

2. Commercial invoice is convenient for the importer to check whether the goods shipped by the exporter conform to the provisions of the contract or letter of credit.

3. Commercial invoice is the basis for both importers and exporters to handle settlement, customs declaration, tax payment and export tax refund.

4. The commercial invoice can be used as the original voucher for the bookkeeping of the buyer and the seller. It can also be used as evidence for claims and settlements.

In the absence of draft, commercial invoice can replace draft as the basis for exporters to collect money from importers. It is also the basis for exporters to prepare other relevant export documents.