Export document guides

Short, sourced guides to the documents and trade terms behind an export sale. Each one ends with the official sources it was checked against and links to the generator for that document. How we check them is set out in our editorial policy.

• Pro forma invoice vs commercial invoiceA proforma invoice is a pre-shipment quote for payment or an import licence; a commercial invoice bills shipped goods for customs. Side-by-side table and FAQ.
• Packing slip vs packing list: what each document is forA packing slip tells the recipient what is in the box; an export packing list gives weights, CBM and marks per package for customs. Side-by-side table.
• FOB price: what it includes and how to quote itFOB price meaning: goods, export packing, haulage, export clearance and loading on board. What it leaves out, and a worked ex-works-to-FOB quote.
• Shipping marks: what to put on export cartons and palletsWhat to print on an export carton or pallet: buyer code, PO number, port, package number, origin and handling marks, with examples matched to a packing list.

Generators and reference

Export quotation generator · Pro forma invoice generator · Commercial invoice generator · Packing list generator · Incoterms® 2020 chart