Quote an export or advance-payment order the professional way. Enter the seller and buyer, the goods, Incoterms, payment terms and how long the offer is valid, and a clean proforma invoice is built live. Add your logo and download a PDF, all in your browser.
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How to use the Proforma Invoice Generator
Enter the seller and buyer, with tax or VAT numbers, and a ship-to address if it is different.
Set the proforma details: number, date, validity, Incoterm with the named place, ports and payment terms.
List the goods with HS codes, quantities and unit prices, then add freight, insurance or other charges.
Add bank details and terms, and your logo if you like.
Check the preview and press Download PDF to send it to your buyer.
Incoterms 2020 at a glance
Rule
Name
Seller pays main transport?
Seller insures?
Transport
EXW
Ex Works
No
No
Any
FCA
Free Carrier
No
No
Any
CPT
Carriage Paid To
Yes
No
Any
CIP
Carriage and Insurance Paid To
Yes
Yes (all-risks cover)
Any
DAP
Delivered at Place
Yes
No
Any
DPU
Delivered at Place Unloaded
Yes
No
Any
DDP
Delivered Duty Paid
Yes, plus import duties
No
Any
FAS
Free Alongside Ship
No
No
Sea / inland waterway
FOB
Free On Board
No
No
Sea / inland waterway
CFR
Cost and Freight
Yes
No
Sea / inland waterway
CIF
Cost, Insurance and Freight
Yes
Yes (minimum cover)
Sea / inland waterway
Always add the named place or port after the rule, for example "FOB Port of Seattle" or "DAP Hamburg warehouse", and write "Incoterms 2020" so everyone uses the same version.
What to include on a proforma invoice
Seller and buyer with full addresses and tax, VAT or import numbers.
A unique number, date and validity date, because prices and freight rates change.
Exact descriptions of the goods with HS codes, quantities, units and prices.
Delivery terms: Incoterm, ports, transport mode, estimated shipment date, weight and packages.
Payment terms such as advance bank transfer, a letter of credit or payment against documents, plus your bank details.
A clear statement that the document is a proforma and not a tax invoice.
How the total is calculated
Total = (goods subtotal − discount + freight + insurance + other charges) × (1 + tax %). Advance payment = total × advance %. With the example goods (240 × $38.50 + 360 × $14.20 + 500 × $4.75 = $16,727.00) plus $120 export packing, the total is $16,847.00 and a 30% advance is $5,054.10.
Frequently asked questions
What is a proforma invoice?
A proforma invoice is a preliminary invoice that a seller sends before goods are shipped or services delivered. It lists the goods, prices, shipping terms and payment terms so the buyer can confirm the order, arrange payment or a letter of credit, or apply for an import license. It is not a demand for payment and not a tax invoice.
What is the difference between a proforma invoice and a commercial invoice?
A proforma invoice is issued before shipment as a quotation or request for advance payment, and its figures can still change. A commercial invoice is issued at shipment for the goods actually sent; customs uses it to assess duties and it is the final bill for the sale.
Is a proforma invoice legally binding?
Generally it is an offer, not a binding contract. Once the buyer accepts it in writing, for example by signing the acceptance line or placing a matching purchase order, it can become part of a binding sales agreement. The terms of the contract and local law decide.
Do I need HS codes on a proforma invoice?
They are not always required, but adding the Harmonized System code for each product helps the buyer estimate import duties and apply for permits. The first six digits are international; countries add more digits for their own tariff, such as the 10-digit US HTS code.
Which Incoterm should I use?
It depends on who handles transport, insurance and customs. EXW and FCA leave most costs to the buyer, CIF, CIP and CPT include main carriage paid by the seller, and DAP, DPU and DDP have the seller deliver to the destination. FOB, FAS, CFR and CIF are for sea and inland waterway transport only.
How is the proforma total calculated?
Goods subtotal = sum of quantity x unit price. The discount is taken off the goods, then freight, insurance and other charges are added, and tax or VAT is applied to that amount. The advance payment is the chosen percentage of the total.
Is my data uploaded?
No. The preview and PDF are created in your browser. Your draft, numbering and logo are saved only in this browser's local storage.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.