The International Proforma Invoice is an administrative document which is mostly used as a commercial offer, in other words, as a detailed document about the sale conditions and which contains precise information for the buyer. If the Proforma invoice is signed by both parties, this establishes a commitment and acquires the nature of a sales contract. 

Apart from its use as a commercial offer, in international transactions the International Proforma Invoice is also used for: obtaining import licenses, authorizations for payments in currencies, customs procedures prior to operations, receipt of the amounts paid into an account (prepayment), opening documentary credits, and for the sending of commercial samples.

The International Proforma Invoice Guide is helpful for anyone involved in international trade, including: exporters, importers, distributors, traders and brokers, logistics professionals, forwarding agents, shipping lines, airlines, and international trucking firms. This guide is also helpful to trade associations, chambers of commerce, consultants, professors and students of internacional trade.