FOB, CIF or DAP for China goods to my country?
Ask for FOB if you want to appoint the sea freight forwarder, CIF if you want freight and insurance quoted to your port, or DAP for a confirmed delivery point. CIF still transfers transit risk in China; DAP leaves import clearance, duty and taxes with you. Port quotes are available from Cambridge China Bridge.
Start with your destination and contracting seller
Give the UK sourcing company your destination country, port and, if needed, delivery address. Ask whether it will sell the goods to you or arrange your purchase from the factory. Record which seller agrees the delivery term with you, who books transport and who handles a loss claim. Check this through the buy-through-UK-company service.
Request FOB with a named Chinese loading port, CIF with your named destination port, or DAP with an exact delivery point. Ask for the agreed Incoterms edition to be recorded. The general Incoterms guide explains the definitions; this comparison focuses on the journey from China to your destination.
Compare paid transport with risk transfer
The place to which the seller pays transport is not necessarily the place where risk passes. CIF is the important example: freight is paid to your destination port, but you carry the voyage risk once the goods are on board in China. Under DAP, the seller carries transport risk to the agreed delivery point, ready for unloading.
| Term and named place | Main transport | Risk passes to buyer | Insurance | Destination import clearance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FOB: Chinese loading port | Buyer arranges and pays sea freight | When goods are on board in China | Buyer arranges cover for the voyage | Buyer arranges; duty and taxes remain buyer's |
| CIF: buyer's destination port | Seller arranges and pays freight to that port | When goods are on board in China | Seller provides minimum cover; check adequacy | Buyer arranges; duty and taxes remain buyer's |
| DAP: agreed destination point | Seller arranges and pays transport to that point | At that point, ready for unloading | Ask how the seller covers its transit exposure | Buyer arranges; duty and taxes remain buyer's |
Choose FOB for control or CIF for a port quote
FOB can suit you when your forwarder can quote the voyage, arrival charges and onward delivery together. Give the forwarder the packing details and loading port before comparing offers. For container shipments, ask whether a carrier handover would fit better and read FCA or FOB for your own forwarder.
CIF can suit you when you want the seller to organise freight to your port. Before accepting, ask for the destination agent's details and a written list of included and excluded unloading, terminal handling, document release and storage charges. Request the insurance certificate, exclusions and claim procedure. Compare the total to the same endpoint as your FOB alternative.
Confirm DAP delivery for this shipment
Cambridge China Bridge can quote to a destination port. DAP door delivery must be confirmed for the shipment, rather than assumed from the availability of a port quote. Supply the full address, cargo details, access restrictions and unloading facilities. Ask for written confirmation of the delivery point, unloading arrangements and any waiting or redelivery charges.
A DAP quotation leaves destination import clearance, duty and taxes with you. Ask your own customs broker to confirm destination rules and the documents needed before dispatch. Agree who sends the paperwork, who authorises clearance and how delays will be handled. See buying from China outside the UK for the wider procurement process.
Compare quotations at the same endpoint
Use the same goods, packing details, shipment size and final endpoint for each comparison. Add the costs excluded from each offer: freight, insurance, destination handling, broker services, onward delivery and unloading as applicable. Obtain destination duty and tax figures from your own customs broker. Keep unconfirmed charges marked as open rather than treating them as included.
Send the quotation, exclusions and your broker's comments for a quote check. Ask the UK company to confirm its responsibilities to you separately from its arrangements with the factory. Before paying, record the named place, transport booking, insurance evidence, clearance contact and process for reporting missing or damaged goods.
Frequently asked questions
Should I choose FOB or CIF for my own port?
Choose FOB if you want your forwarder to control freight. Consider CIF if you want the seller to book it, but check destination charges and insurance before comparing totals.
Does CIF mean the seller carries risk to my port?
No. The seller pays freight and provides minimum insurance to the named port, but risk passes when the goods are on board in China. Check the cover and claim procedure.
Does DAP include customs clearance and import taxes?
DAP leaves destination import clearance, duty and taxes with the buyer. Ask your own customs broker to confirm destination rules and costs before dispatch.
Can a UK sourcing company deliver China goods to my door?
Cambridge China Bridge offers destination-port quotes. DAP door delivery must be confirmed for your shipment, including the exact address, access and unloading arrangements.