What is a proforma invoice?

A proforma invoice shows price, quantity, and terms before the tax invoice. Banks and customs teams ask for it because it looks like a bill without being one yet.

Published 27 Oct 2026 · ~8 min

Meaning

“Pro forma” means “as a matter of form.” The seller says: these are the conditions I am ready to sell under. Accounting still waits for the real invoice.

What to include

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FAQ

What is a proforma invoice?

A proforma invoice is a preliminary document that states prices and terms in an invoice layout. It is not a tax invoice and usually does not create VAT by itself.

What does proforma mean?

From Latin “pro forma” — “as a matter of form”. The document looks like an invoice but is informational until the sale is billed.

When is a proforma used?

Import/export, letters of credit, and corporate purchase approvals often require a proforma before the commercial invoice.

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