how does a commercial invoice differ from a pro forma invoice 
a traditional commercial invoice for international shipments must list substantial information such as the buyer and the seller a description of the goods the quantity the value for all the shipped items the location of the purchase currency mode of transport payment terms and method of payment a pro forma invoice requires only enough information to allow customs to determine the duties on the shipment from a general examination of the included goods can a seller cancel a pro forma invoice it doesn t need to be a pro forma invoice is simply a description of an impending transaction based on an order placed by the buyer it isn t an actual request for payment it confirms certain details and makes it clear that others are yet to be confirmed the bottom linea pro forma invoice is a preliminary document that outlines the terms of sale when an order is placed although it is not final a pro forma invoice should give the buyer a clear understanding of the terms of sale including the price date of delivery and any additional fees it is less official than a formal final invoice which is typically issued at the time of delivery 