{"id":12128,"date":"2025-08-04T18:26:00","date_gmt":"2025-08-04T10:26:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sellersunionchina.com\/?p=12128"},"modified":"2025-08-26T09:10:11","modified_gmt":"2025-08-26T01:10:11","slug":"incoterms-overview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sellersunionchina.com\/ru\/incoterms-overview\/","title":{"rendered":"\u041e\u0431\u0437\u043e\u0440 \u0418\u043d\u043a\u043e\u0442\u0435\u0440\u043c\u0441 2020 \u0434\u043b\u044f \u0438\u043c\u043f\u043e\u0440\u0442\u0435\u0440\u043e\u0432, \u043e\u0441\u0443\u0449\u0435\u0441\u0442\u0432\u043b\u044f\u044e\u0449\u0438\u0445 \u043f\u043e\u0441\u0442\u0430\u0432\u043a\u0438 \u0438\u0437 \u041a\u0438\u0442\u0430\u044f"},"content":{"rendered":"

1. Introduction<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you’re importing products from China or anywhere else in the world, you’ve probably come across shipping terms like FOB<\/strong>, CIF<\/strong>, \u0438\u043b\u0438 DDP<\/strong>. These aren\u2019t just logistics lingo\u2014they define exactly who pays for what<\/strong>, who takes the risk<\/strong>, \u0438 where responsibilities change hands<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

All of these terms fall under a standardized global system called \u0418\u043d\u043a\u043e\u0442\u0435\u0440\u043c\u0441<\/a><\/strong>, short for International Commercial Terms<\/strong>, published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). The current version\u2014Incoterms 2020<\/strong>\u2014is still the latest edition in 2025 and is widely used in global trade contracts, pro forma invoices, and purchase orders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a professional sourcing agent based in \u0418\u0443<\/strong> \u0420\u044b\u043d\u043e\u043a<\/a>, the world’s largest wholesale market, we assist hundreds of global buyers every year in navigating these terms\u2014especially when sourcing from thousands of small to mid-sized suppliers who may quote using different Incoterms based on habit or negotiation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article will help you understand what each Incoterm means in real-world importing<\/strong>, without overwhelming legal language. Let\u2019s break it down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"incoterms\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2. Incoterms Classification: From Minimal to Maximum Seller Responsibility<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Instead of memorizing the E\/F\/C\/D groups, a better way to approach Incoterms is by looking at how much responsibility the seller takes on<\/strong>. The more the seller covers (freight, insurance, duties), the less you need to handle\u2014but the cost and risks might also be higher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s a simplified spectrum:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Term<\/strong><\/td>Who Handles Freight?<\/strong><\/td>\u0422\u0430\u043c\u043e\u0436\u0435\u043d\u043d\u043e\u0435 \u043e\u0444\u043e\u0440\u043c\u043b\u0435\u043d\u0438\u0435<\/strong><\/td>Suitable For<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
EXW<\/strong><\/td>\u041f\u043e\u043a\u0443\u043f\u0430\u0442\u0435\u043b\u044c<\/td>\u041f\u043e\u043a\u0443\u043f\u0430\u0442\u0435\u043b\u044c<\/td>Experienced importers with own logistics<\/td><\/tr>
FOB \/ FCA \/ FAS<\/strong><\/td>\u041f\u043e\u043a\u0443\u043f\u0430\u0442\u0435\u043b\u044c<\/td>Buyer (exporter may handle export)<\/td>Most Yiwu wholesale orders<\/td><\/tr>
CFR \/ CIF \/ CPT \/ CIP<\/strong><\/td>Seller (to destination port)<\/td>\u041f\u043e\u043a\u0443\u043f\u0430\u0442\u0435\u043b\u044c<\/td>New buyers wanting partial support<\/td><\/tr>
DAP \/ DDP<\/strong><\/td>Seller (to final address)<\/td>Seller (DDP), Buyer (DAP)<\/td>Cross-border eCommerce, turnkey sourcing<\/td><\/tr>
DDU<\/strong><\/td>Deprecated (use DAP or DDP instead)<\/td>\u2014<\/td>Still appears in legacy contracts<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ll walk through each term briefly, with practical notes on when and how it\u2019s used in sourcing from China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. EXW (Ex Works): You Handle Everything<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

EXW (Ex Works)<\/strong> means the seller makes the goods available at their own facility\u2014factory, warehouse, or workshop. After that, everything is on you<\/strong>: inland transport, export clearance, international freight, import duties, and final delivery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Example: If a Yiwu factory quotes you EXW, you\u2019ll need to:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Book a local truck to pick up the goods<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Handle export customs in China (which many small suppliers can’t do)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Arrange sea\/air freight and customs at destination<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    When to use it:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • You have a reliable freight forwarder or local agent in China<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • You’re consolidating goods from multiple suppliers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • You’re confident handling all logistics steps<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      Buyer risk level:<\/strong> Very High<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Control level:<\/strong> Maximum control over shipping<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Recommended for:<\/strong> Experienced importers or those with China-based sourcing agents<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      4. FOB (Free on Board): The Yiwu Standard<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      FOB is one of the most common terms you will see when sourcing from China. It means the seller is responsible for delivering the goods to the port and loading them onto the ship. After that, the risk and cost transfer to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      If a Yiwu supplier quotes FOB, it usually means FOB Ningbo or FOB Shanghai. These are the nearest seaports. The supplier will handle inland transport and export clearance, which makes your job easier. You take over from the port onwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Example: Your supplier in Yiwu quotes FOB Ningbo<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • You only need to book sea freight from Ningbo to your destination port<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • You handle customs clearance and local delivery after the ship arrives<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        When to use it:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • You want the supplier to take care of transport to the port<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • You work with your own freight forwarder<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • You want more control over shipping cost and schedule<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          Buyer risk level:<\/strong> Moderate<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Control level:<\/strong> \u0412\u044b\u0441\u043e\u043a\u0438\u0439<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Recommended for:<\/strong> Most bulk buyers sourcing from Yiwu<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \"\u0438\u0437\u043e\u0431\u0440\u0430\u0436\u0435\u043d\u0438\u0435\"
          \u0438\u0437\u043e\u0431\u0440\u0430\u0436\u0435\u043d\u0438\u0435<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          5. CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight): More Convenience with Added Insurance<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          CIF means the seller pays for shipping and insurance to the destination port. Unlike FOB, under CIF the seller is responsible for contracting and paying for the sea freight as well as insurance covering the goods during transit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          This term reduces your workload because the seller handles the ocean transport and risk coverage until the goods arrive at the destination port. However, you still take care of customs clearance and inland transport after arrival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Example:<\/strong> If your supplier offers CIF Los Angeles<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          • The price includes delivery to Los Angeles port and marine insurance<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • You arrange customs clearance and delivery from the port to your warehouse<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            When to use it:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            • You prefer the seller to manage ocean freight and insurance<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • You want a simpler process but still handle import clearance<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • You trust your supplier to select reliable carriers and insurance providers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              Buyer risk level:<\/strong> Moderate<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Control level:<\/strong> \u0421\u0440\u0435\u0434\u043d\u0438\u0439<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Recommended for:<\/strong> Buyers looking for convenience without full door-to-door service<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              6. DAP (Delivered At Place): Seller Delivers, Buyer Handles Import<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              DAP means the seller is responsible for delivering the goods to a specified destination, usually your warehouse or a named place in your country. The seller covers all costs and risks involved in shipping the goods up to that point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              However, under DAP, the buyer is responsible for import customs clearance, duties, and taxes. This term offers convenience because the seller handles international transport and delivery, but you still need to handle the import procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Exam<\/strong>ple: Your supplier quotes DAP New York warehouse<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n
              • The seller ships and delivers the goods to your warehouse<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • You arrange and pay import customs clearance and related taxes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                When to use it:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \n
                • You want the seller to manage most of the logistics and delivery<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • You have experience or resources to handle import clearance<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • You want to avoid dealing with international freight<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                  Buyer risk level: <\/strong>Low to moderate<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Control level:<\/strong> \u041d\u0438\u0437\u043a\u0438\u0439<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Recommended for: <\/strong>Importers who want simplified shipping but manage import compliance themselves<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  7. DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): Full-Service Delivery, Minimal Buyer Responsibility<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                  DDP means the seller takes full responsibility for delivering the goods to your final destination, including paying for import duties, taxes, and customs clearance. It is the most buyer-friendly Incoterm because all major shipping steps are handled by the seller.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  This term is often used in cross-border eCommerce, small parcel shipping, or turnkey sourcing services. However, in some countries, import regulations may not allow foreign sellers to clear customs on behalf of the buyer. In such cases, DDP may result in delays or unexpected charges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Example<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n