Trade Route GuideShipping guides for importers
Incoterms, import documents and landed cost: what your order really costs when it reaches you.
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All shipping guides
Import Documents Explained: PI, Invoice, B/L, CO (2026)
What each line of a China proforma, invoice, packing list, bill of lading and certificate of origin must say for customs and your bank.
ShippingIncoterms for China Imports: FOB, CIF, DDP (2026)
What FOB, CIF and DDP quotes from Chinese factories really include, with published China origin charges and DDP traps.
ShippingSea vs Air Freight from China: Break-Even Guide (2026)
When flying beats sailing: chargeable weight, the break-even point, transit times by lane and three worked shipment sizes.
About these guides
The price on the proforma is not what an order costs you. Freight, insurance, customs duty, import VAT and local fees can add a large share on top, and the Incoterm decides who pays which part.
These guides explain the terms Chinese suppliers quote, the documents customs and your bank need, and how to calculate the landed cost of an order, with a free calculator and worked examples for MENA, Europe and the US.
Common questions
FOB or DDP: which should I ask for?
FOB gives you control of the freight and usually a clearer price. DDP looks simple but can hide costs and customs risks. The Incoterms guide compares both with numbers.
Other topics: PaymentsSuppliersQualityCompany setup