A proforma invoice is a quote you can act on; a commercial invoice is the final bill for goods that ship. Knowing which is which keeps your payment clean and your customs clearance smooth.
- A proforma invoice is issued before payment — it is your agreed quote.
- A commercial invoice is the final document for the actual shipment and customs.
- To start a SilkBridge request you need at least a proforma or commercial invoice.
- Whichever you use, the seller name on it must match the account you pay.
The quick difference
| Aspect | Proforma invoice | Commercial invoice |
|---|---|---|
| When | Before payment / shipment | When goods actually ship |
| Purpose | Agreed quote to act on | Final bill + customs document |
| Binding? | Not a final bill | The definitive record of the sale |
| Used for | Paying the deposit / starting a request | Clearing customs on arrival |
What a proforma invoice is
A proforma invoice is the supplier’s formal quote. It lists the goods, quantities, unit prices, the total, and the receiving details — but it is issued before you pay and before anything ships. It is what you use to confirm the order and fund the deposit.
What a commercial invoice is
A commercial invoice is the final document for the goods that actually leave the factory. Customs uses it to assess duty and VAT on arrival, so it must accurately describe the goods and their value. It usually matches the proforma, but reflects the final shipped quantities.
What SilkBridge needs
To start a payment request you need at least a proforma or commercial invoice showing the supplier, the amount and what you are paying for. A purchase order, payment instruction or business document can help but is not always required.
- A clear invoice (proforma or commercial) naming the seller and amount.
- The supplier’s receiving details (Chinese bank, Alipay or WeChat).
- The receiving account name should match the seller on the invoice.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pay against a proforma invoice?
Yes — a proforma invoice is exactly what most importers use to confirm an order and pay the deposit. SilkBridge accepts a proforma or commercial invoice.
Do I need a commercial invoice to clear customs?
Yes. Customs in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania assess duty and VAT from the commercial invoice, so make sure your supplier issues one that matches the shipped goods.
What if the two invoices do not match?
Differences in quantity are normal between a proforma and the final shipment, but the seller, goods and prices should be consistent. Large mismatches can delay both payment and clearance.
SilkBridge helps importers in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania pay Chinese suppliers in RMB — documented, reviewed in Nairobi, and tracked to payout.
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