A proforma invoice for export businesses with Incoterms, HS codes, country of origin, and customs documentation fields.
Export proforma invoices serve a different purpose than domestic proformas. In international trade, the proforma invoice is the document that initiates the entire export process. Banks require it for opening letters of credit (LC), customs authorities use it for pre-clearance documentation, and buyers use it for obtaining import licences in their countries. This template includes all fields required by Indian customs and international trade conventions. It features HS (Harmonized System) codes for each product, which are the international standard for classifying traded goods. The template supports all major Incoterms 2020 (FOB, CIF, EXW, DDP, etc.) which define the responsibilities of buyer and seller regarding delivery, insurance, and freight. Currency fields support all major trading currencies with exchange rate reference. The template includes fields for letter of credit number, pre-shipment inspection certificate, and insurance details. For Indian exporters, it references the IEC (Import-Export Code) which is mandatory for all export activities. The template clearly states "THIS IS A PROFORMA INVOICE - NOT A COMMERCIAL INVOICE" to avoid customs confusion.
Indian exporters, international trading companies, manufacturers who export, commodity traders, garment and textile exporters, handicraft exporters, pharmaceutical exporters, and any business that sends goods across international borders. Essential for exporters who deal with LC-based transactions where the bank requires a proforma before releasing credit.
Step 1: Add your company details including IEC number. Step 2: Add the buyer (importer) details including their country and import licence number. Step 3: Select the Incoterm (FOB is most common for Indian exports). Step 4: Enter products with HS codes, quantities, unit prices in the agreed currency. Step 5: Add shipping details: port of loading, port of discharge, mode of transport. Step 6: Reference the LC number if applicable. Step 7: Add validity period and payment terms. Step 8: Include a clear disclaimer that this is a proforma, not a final commercial invoice.
A proforma invoice is required by customs for goods valuation before shipment. It must include HS codes (minimum 8 digits for Indian customs), correct Incoterm, and accurate pricing. The IEC (Import-Export Code) issued by DGFT is mandatory for all exporters. The proforma should match the final commercial invoice in all material aspects. For LC transactions, the proforma must comply with UCP 600 (Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits) requirements. Indian exports are zero-rated under GST.
A professional proforma invoice for providing pre-sale estimates to buyers before the actual supply of goods or services.
A GST-compliant export invoice for Indian businesses shipping goods or services internationally with zero-rated IGST.
An export invoice template for FOB (Free on Board) shipments where the seller is responsible for goods until they are loaded onto the vessel at the port of shipment.