On a single robot workstation the freight term is a detail. On a line shipping in twenty 40 ft containers it decides whether the project lands inside budget. The four terms we quote move the same equipment; they move the risk and the paperwork to different desks.
What each term leaves with you
| Term | We arrange | You arrange | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| EXW | Packing and crate marking | Everything from our door: inland transport, export clearance, freight, insurance, import clearance, delivery | Buyers with a freight forwarder they trust in China |
| FOB | Inland transport to the port and export clearance | Sea freight, insurance, import clearance, delivery | The common default for container shipments from Shanghai |
| CIF | Freight and insurance to the destination port | Import clearance, duties, inland delivery | Buyers who want one invoice covering the sea leg |
| DAP | Everything to your plant except import clearance and duties | Import clearance and duties | Buyers who want the equipment at the gate, not at the port |
The mistake worth avoiding
On a bus-body line proposal, about twenty 40 ft containers were quoted EXW. That is the lowest number to print — and it leaves the buyer carrying inland transport, export clearance and sea freight for twenty containers, which on that scale is a large and easily underestimated sum. We now offer a delivered alternative alongside so the total investment is visible before the order, not after it.
What travels with the goods
- Commercial invoice and packing list, crate by crate, with net and gross weights.
- Certificate of origin — ordinary or preferential, depending on your route.
- Bill of lading, and on CIF the insurance certificate.
- Dangerous goods declaration where paint, solvent, adhesive or batteries are included.
- The technical conformity file — certificate numbers, declarations of conformity and datasheets — for customs and for your safety authority.
Frequently asked questions
Which term do you recommend?
FOB or CIF for a container shipment where you have a forwarder; DAP when you want the equipment delivered to the plant and are set up to clear it yourself. We quote all four so the comparison is visible.
Who pays import duty?
The buyer, on all four terms. Only the transport and clearance responsibilities move; duty and import VAT stay with the importer of record.
Can you deliver by rail to Russia or Central Asia?
Yes — one delivered hardware package went CPT to Chelyabinsk railway station. Rail suits smaller, denser consignments; a full line usually goes by sea.
Request a quote Send drawings and we check the selection before quoting.