An invoice is a document that contains a specific list of goods with their total value and included margin. This form also contains information on the quantity and assortment of goods, their features and delivery conditions.
The essence of this concept
Invoice is a form confirming the buyer's obligation to the seller. When transmitting this document, the former has an obligation to pay for the goods with their presentation. Thus, the seller transfers this form to the buyer upon sale of a specific product.
Basically, an invoice is used at the international trade level and is used in the process of transferring a product or a group of certain goods to a foreign buyer.
Several formats of this document may be issued. The most commonly used is the invoice on the sender's form. In the absence of such a form, this form can be printed on a regular sheet of paper.
The invoice can be made in the language that will be understood by the two parties to the transaction. Most often it is English.
Basic details
An invoice is a document similar to the invoice used in Russia. Its form is not unified by domestic legislation, however, when compiling, some important details should be used, including the necessary information regarding the goods being transferred.
Thus, the following must be indicated:
- date and place of compilation of the document;
- sending country;
- the full name and legal address of the organization that sends the goods in accordance with the constituent documents ;
- recipient country;
- full name and legal address of the recipient company;
- details of the contract under which this transfer of goods is made.
Another mandatory requisite, which should contain an invoice, is a form that includes information about the main characteristics of the goods being transferred: a complete list, assortment, total quantity and breakdown of each type (m, pcs. Or kg), components (if available), scope applications, total cost and unit price, storage and delivery conditions.
The amount of the goods transferred for payment in this document must be indicated in the currency established by the supply contract. When specifying the price in the contract in one monetary unit, while payment by a foreign buyer will be made in another, the currency exchange rate and the date on which the conversion will be carried out must be indicated in the invoice.
No matter how strange it may seem, but the invoice should even contain information such as the characteristics of the goods being transferred (for example, shape, color or size).
Such a commercial invoice is signed by both parties indicating the positions of persons having such a right to sign on the part of the seller and the buyer
Additional Information
In this document, the conditions of transfer and transportation are not indicated, since these operations are indicated in the contract for the supply of a particular product. An invoice is still a document in which special attention is paid precisely to the characteristics of the goods transferred by the seller to the buyer. Also, this form is sometimes supplemented by other points clarifying them.
When delivering prepaid products , an invoice is not necessary.
Proforma Invoice: in what cases is issued
If the contract for the supply of goods indicates that the foreign buyer will transfer the advance, then the seller draws up the proforma invoice. This document contains the same information as the commercial invoice. However, it is in the nature of preliminary data, which can be updated subsequently. So it really happens. The invoice written later should already contain accurate data on the goods shipped, the services rendered or the work performed.