Understanding Different Types of Invoices 📑💰
Invoices play a crucial role in international trade, ensuring smooth transactions and customs clearance. At BETLUX, we provide different types of invoices based on the stage of purchase, customs requirements, and financial processing. Below is a detailed breakdown of each invoice type and its purpose.
📌 Types of Invoices & Their Functions
📜 1. Proforma Invoice (PI)
🔹 Definition: A preliminary bill of sale sent to buyers before payment is made. It serves as an agreement on price, terms, and purchase details.
🔹 Purpose: Helps customers apply for internal payment approval before finalizing the purchase.
🔹 Includes:
✔ Product details (description, part number)
✔ Agreed price
✔ Shipping weight
✔ Transport charges
📌 Process Flow:
➡ Price agreement / Order placement → Proforma Invoice issued → Customer applies for payment
📜 2. Commercial Invoice (CI)
🔹 Definition: A legal document used for customs declaration when exporting goods.
🔹 Purpose: Used to calculate tariffs and customs duties and ensure compliance with international trade regulations.
🔹 Includes:
✔ Details of both the buyer & seller
✔ Description of shipped goods
✔ Country of manufacture
✔ Harmonized System (HS) codes
📌 Process Flow:
➡ Shipping → Commercial Invoice sent with cargo → Customs declaration & clearance
✅ Required for international trade and customs processing.
📜 3. Sample Invoice
🔹 Definition: A non-commercial invoice issued when shipping samples.
🔹 Purpose: Allows faster customs clearance for sample shipments.
🔹 Special Marking:
✔ “Samples only and no commercial value” is clearly printed to differentiate it from commercial shipments.
📌 Important Note:
🔹 Customs at the import destination may still apply tariffs.
📜 4. Customs Clearance Invoice
🔹 Definition: An invoice specifically required for Chinese customs declaration.
🔹 Purpose: Ensures proper documentation when exporting cargo from China.
🔹 Usage: Accompanies the shipment to facilitate customs processing in China.
📌 Mandatory for all exports from China.
📊 Invoice Comparison Table
| Invoice Type | Purpose | Required For | Key Information Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proforma Invoice (PI) | Price confirmation & payment processing | Buyer’s financial approval | Product details, price, shipping cost |
| Commercial Invoice (CI) | Customs clearance & tariff calculation | Exporting & importing goods | Buyer & seller info, product details, HS codes |
| Sample Invoice | Faster clearance for samples | Shipping product samples | Marked “No Commercial Value” |
| Customs Clearance Invoice | Chinese export customs declaration | Shipping from China | Shipment details for customs |
📢 Need Assistance? Contact Us!
For any invoice-related inquiries or to ensure smooth transactions, feel free to contact our team!
📩 Email: sales@betlux.com
📞 Phone: +86 574 88087719
Let us handle the paperwork while you focus on growing your business! 🚀
