Proforma Invoice

Free Proforma Invoice Generator — Export, Advance Payment & Pre-Billing

DocGen Pro's Proforma Invoice Generator by AiseraLab lets you create professional proforma invoices for free — with full support for Incoterms, international buyer details, GST, and multi-currency. No account needed, no data stored, print-ready PDF in seconds.

What Is a Proforma Invoice?

A proforma invoice is a preliminary document sent to a buyer before the actual delivery of goods or services. It confirms the agreed price, quantity, and terms of sale — but is not a demand for payment like a tax invoice. Proforma invoices are widely used for:

• Advance payment requests — collect payment before starting work or dispatching goods
• Export and import — customs authorities often require a proforma invoice for import clearance and duty estimation
• Letter of Credit (LC) applications — banks require a proforma invoice when opening an LC
• Purchase order confirmation — confirms agreed terms before a formal tax invoice is raised
• Quotation conversion — upgrade an accepted quotation into a formal pre-billing document

Incoterms Explained — FOB, CIF, EXW, DDP & More

Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) define the responsibilities of buyer and seller in an international trade transaction — who pays for shipping, insurance, and customs.

• EXW (Ex Works) — buyer bears all costs and risks from the seller's premises onward
• FOB (Free on Board) — seller is responsible until goods are loaded onto the ship; buyer takes over from there
• CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight) — seller pays shipping and insurance to the destination port
• DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) — seller is responsible for all costs including customs duty at the buyer's location
• DAP (Delivered At Place) — seller delivers to a named place; buyer handles import duty
• CFR (Cost & Freight) — seller pays freight to destination port; buyer handles insurance and import

Proforma Invoice vs Tax Invoice — Key Differences

• A proforma invoice is a preliminary estimate — it is not a legally binding demand for payment and is not recorded in GST returns
• A tax invoice is a legal document under the GST Act — it triggers GST liability and input tax credit for the buyer
• Proforma invoices have a validity date — prices may change after expiry
• Proforma invoices are commonly used for export, advance collection, and LC opening; tax invoices are raised after delivery

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this proforma invoice generator free?

Yes — completely free, no subscription or sign-up needed. Provided by Aisera Technologies Private Limited.

What is the difference between a proforma invoice and a quotation?

A quotation is an offer to supply goods or services at a stated price. A proforma invoice is issued after the buyer accepts the quotation — it confirms final details and is often used to collect advance payment or open a Letter of Credit.

Can I use a proforma invoice for GST purposes in India?

A proforma invoice is not a valid GST document under the CGST Act — it does not confer Input Tax Credit (ITC). You must issue a proper tax invoice after delivery for GST compliance. However, a proforma invoice can include indicative GST amounts for buyer reference.

What Incoterms should I use for export from India?

FOB (Free on Board) is the most commonly used Incoterm for Indian exporters — the seller is responsible until goods are loaded at the Indian port. CIF is used when the seller also arranges freight and insurance to the destination port.

How long is a proforma invoice valid?

Validity is at the seller's discretion — typically 7 to 30 days. Add your validity date in the "Valid Until" field and state the validity period in the Notes section.

Is my data stored when I use this tool?

No. All document generation happens entirely in your browser. No data is transmitted to or stored on any server — your business information remains completely private.