A small food business in Hong Kong should check two supplier-term fields before placing an order: payment terms and the delivery point. The US International Trade Administration lists “Terms of payment” in pro forma invoices and separately lists “Terms of sale or Incoterm used (include delivery point).” The cited source identifies fields to locate; it does not establish a Hong Kong-specific requirement.
What to check on the pro forma invoice
| Supplier term | What the buyer should verify |
|---|---|
| Payment terms | Locate the exact payment wording and ask what the supplier requires under it. The cited statement establishes no deadline, amount, currency, payment method, or fee. |
| Delivery point | Locate the stated sale term or Incoterm and record the delivery point exactly as written. The cited statement does not select a particular Incoterm or destination for a Hong Kong order. |
How to check before approving the order
If the supplier provides a pro forma invoice, use it as the first document to inspect. The two fields named by the International Trade Administration provide specific items to locate rather than relying only on a sales conversation.
Compare the payment wording and delivery point with the supplier’s order confirmation or written quotation. If the documents express different terms, ask the supplier to clarify which wording applies before approving the order.
Keep the exact wording and any written clarification with the order records. A delivery point is only one term: it does not, by itself, provide a complete landed-cost calculation. Request a separate written breakdown of any charges that may apply.
What still needs direct confirmation
The cited entries do not state a particular Hong Kong supplier’s:
- minimum order quantity, item price, discount, or price-change terms;
- freight, insurance, taxes, packaging, or other charges;
- delivery timing, order-change, cancellation, or refund terms; or
- allocation of risk, title, or responsibilities under the sale.
Confirm these matters in the supplier’s written offer or order terms. Any applicable Hong Kong legal or regulatory requirements should be checked separately; payment terms and a delivery point should not be treated as a complete statement of the supplier’s obligations.