Last updated 21 September 2026
This page explains how orders are packed, shipped and delivered, which shipping terms we use, and what happens if something goes wrong in transit. It forms part of our Terms & Conditions.
Order confirmation and lead time
Production begins after we issue the order confirmation and receive the agreed deposit. Lead time is confirmed on each quotation, because it depends on the product, quantity, customisation and the current production schedule. Standard lead time for stock and repeat items is shorter than for custom or OEM runs.
Where a delivery date is critical to your project, tell us at the quotation stage and we will confirm it in writing before you order.
Shipping terms (Incoterms)
We ship under the Incoterms 2020 rules agreed on your quotation. The most common arrangements are:
- EXW — goods are collected from our premises; the buyer arranges and pays for all transport, export and import formalities;
- FOB — we deliver to the named Chinese port and load the goods on board; the buyer arranges and pays the main carriage, insurance and import formalities;
- CIF / CFR — we arrange and pay for carriage, and under CIF also minimum insurance cover, to the named destination port;
- DDP / DAP — delivered to your address, where we have agreed this in writing and priced the duties and import formalities accordingly.
The Incoterm on your order confirmation governs. If you do not specify one, we quote FOB.
Packing and marking
Goods are packed for sea, air and courier transport as appropriate to the product. Cartons are marked with the product reference, quantity and your delivery reference. Where you need specific pallet dimensions, carton marking, fragile handling labels or retail-ready packing, tell us before production; these requirements are quoted separately.
Transport methods
- Sea freight — the usual choice for full container loads and palletised volume; slowest, lowest cost per unit;
- Air freight — for urgent or high-value shipments within weight and size limits;
- Courier — for samples and small parcels, delivered door to door;
- Buyer’s forwarder — we can ship to the warehouse or agent you nominate.
Documents we provide
Depending on the Incoterm and destination, we issue or arrange: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, certificate of origin where required, and product or material declarations you request at the quotation stage. Please confirm any consular legalisation, certification or labelling requirement before production, as these affect lead time.
Tracking and delivery
We share the carrier, container or tracking reference once the goods are handed to the carrier. Risk passes as set out in the agreed Incoterm — for example, under FOB risk passes when the goods are loaded on board. Delivery to the final destination is carried out by the carrier you or we have appointed, and unloading at destination is the buyer’s responsibility unless agreed otherwise.
Duties, taxes and customs
Unless the order is shipped on DDP terms, import duties, taxes, customs clearance fees and any destination inspection costs are the buyer’s responsibility. We are not able to advise on the classification or duty rate that applies in your country; please confirm this with your customs broker before ordering.
Delays
We keep you informed if a shipment is likely to be delayed. We are not responsible for delays caused by events outside our reasonable control, including carrier disruption, port congestion, customs examination, weather, or events covered by the force majeure clause in our Terms & Conditions.
Damage or shortage in transit
Check the goods against the packing list as soon as they arrive. If a carton is visibly damaged, note it on the carrier’s delivery document before signing, photograph the carton and its contents, and tell us within 7 days of delivery. Claims for damage that could not have been seen on delivery should also be raised as soon as they are discovered. See Returns & Refunds for how claims are handled.
Need a freight quote or EXW/FOB comparison?
Send us your quantity and destination port and we will quote both options.