Proforma Invoice (PI) vs Commercial Invoice (CI): key differences
New export staff often ask if PI and CI are the same file. In short: PI usually confirms the deal and supports payment before shipment; CI supports customs and formal buyer accounting at shipment. Different numbers, titles, and use cases — not interchangeable.
Side-by-side: PI vs CI
Purpose: PI confirms terms and payment; CI serves customs, import clearance, accounting. Timing: PI before deposit/full payment; CI at or after shipment. Titles: Proforma Invoice vs Commercial Invoice. Prefixes: PI vs CI. Legal weight: PI confirms intent; CI records the sale.
When amounts differ
If shipped quantity differs from PI, CI should reflect actual shipment — inform buyer and forwarder early. Never leave PI quantities on CI. Updating lines once on a TradeDocs deal, then exporting PI and CI separately, reduces mismatch risk.
Still need quotation and packing list?
Yes. Quotation comes before PI; packing list accompanies or follows CI for physical packing. Full set: QT → PI → SC → CI + PL. TradeDocs: enter once, download each type.