EXW, FOB, CIF, DAP or DDP: which Incoterm, payment and packing should I choose for a carbon fiber order from China?
If you have your own freight forwarder, choose FOB. If you want the goods delivered to your door with no customs work, choose DDP. We ship under EXW, FOB, CIF, DAP or DDP, accept payment by T/T (bank transfer) or PayPal, and pack in cartons or on pallets[1]. For small, urgent orders use express; for large orders, sea freight is usually the most economical[2].
Who does what under each Incoterm?
Incoterms 2020 are the International Chamber of Commerce’s standard trade terms[3]. In short:
| Term | We deliver to | We pay | You pay | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXW (Ex Works) | our factory gate | goods, packing | collection, export clearance, freight, insurance, import duties | buyers with an agent in China |
| FOB (Free On Board) | on board the vessel at the Chinese port | goods, inland freight, export clearance | sea freight, insurance, import duties | buyers with their own forwarder |
| CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) | your port (risk passes at loading) | as FOB, plus sea freight and minimum insurance | unloading, import clearance, duties, delivery | buyers who want a port-to-port price |
| DAP (Delivered At Place) | your address, not cleared | everything up to your door | unloading, import clearance, duties and taxes | buyers with a customs broker |
| DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) | your address, duties paid | everything, including import duties | unloading | first-time importers, small brands |
Share of the shipping chain handled by us
Express, air or sea?
| Mode | Speed | Cost | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express courier | fastest | highest per kg | samples, small urgent orders |
| Air freight | fast | high | medium orders, urgent restocks |
| Sea freight | slowest | lowest per kg for large orders | pallets, full containers, fabric rolls |
Shipping cost depends on the method, quantity and weight; tell us yours and we quote an exact cost[2]. Long tubes and large sheets are charged by volume as well as weight, so ask for the packed carton size. Use how to calculate weight to estimate it.
How does payment work?
We accept T/T (bank transfer) and PayPal[1]. PayPal is convenient for samples and small orders; T/T is usual for bulk orders. Confirm payment terms, such as a deposit before production and the balance before shipment, on your proforma invoice.
How are goods packed?
In cartons or on pallets[1], chosen by order size and shipping mode. Tell us if you need your own labels, barcodes, carton marks or a carton size limit for your warehouse.
The timeline, end to end
Samples ship in 5–7 days. Bulk orders take about 30 days to produce, depending on quantity and process, plus transit time[1]. Around Chinese New Year, plan ahead: see ordering around Chinese New Year.
Send your product list, destination and preferred Incoterm through the quote form.
Sources
- Ordering terms on every product page: samples 5–7 days; bulk about 30 days; cartons or pallets; EXW, FOB, CIF, DAP or DDP; T/T or PayPal
- FAQ: shipping cost depends on the method; express is fastest and most expensive; sea freight is usually most economical for large orders
- International Chamber of Commerce, Incoterms® 2020