Invoice

In foreign trade, an invoice is a commercial document issued by the seller to the buyer after shipment, detailing the goods' name, quantity, unit price, total price, trade terms, payment method, etc. It is an important basis for both parties' bookkeeping, customs declaration, tax payment, settlement, and claims, and is also one of the core documents for negotiation under a letter of credit. Usage scenarios include: exporter collecting payment from importer, bank negotiation, customs clearance, importer purchasing foreign exchange, etc. Precautions: The invoice content must strictly match the contract and letter of credit, otherwise payment may be refused; the invoice date usually must not be earlier than the contract date or later than the latest shipment date stipulated in the letter of credit; the invoice amount must not exceed the letter of credit amount. Differences from other terms: A proforma invoice is used for quotation or import license application and has no legal binding force; a commercial invoice is a formal settlement voucher; a consular invoice requires consular certification by the importing country.