Confirm the named delivery point, agreed delivery rule, importer, required documents and cost exclusions. Separate transport and import costs from local construction, installation, travel and commissioning.
What is included in the quoted delivery price?
Identify exactly where the equipment price ends and the buyer’s remaining work begins. Keep the equipment schedule, delivery point, packing scope, transport assumptions and exclusions in the same comparison pack. An attractive equipment price cannot be compared fairly with a price that also includes local installation and commissioning.
Record the delivery rule and named place
Write the agreed Incoterms rule, version and named place or port into the order documentation. A heading such as FOB or CIF without the named location and actual scope is insufficient for project planning. Confirm the allocation of shipping cost, insurance arrangements, handling and risk with the freight professionals involved. A freight-paid price is not proof that every import or installation cost is included.
Incoterms do not replace the separate agreement on payment milestones, acceptance, warranty or dispute handling. For general background, see the International Trade Administration overview of Incoterms. This is terminology background, not a China-to-destination customs ruling or legal advice.
Build a complete delivered-project cost sheet
| Cost heading | What to record |
|---|---|
| Equipment and preparation | Approved equipment scope, export packing, labelling and inspection arrangements. |
| International transport | Origin handling, freight, insurance scope and the agreed delivery point. |
| Destination charges | Terminal charges, broker fees, storage risk, import charges and local delivery as applicable. |
| Site logistics | Unloading, lifting, access restrictions, safe storage and equipment protection. |
| Installation and completion | Local works, labour, supervision, travel, commissioning, training and initial spares. |
Use the destination importer and customs professional to confirm classification, required documents, admissibility and applicable charges. Do not reuse another country’s duty percentage or promise a single tax rate for all fountain packages. If delivered-duty service is proposed, confirm that the agreed parties can lawfully perform the import and tax obligations involved.
Which documents should the buyer ask about?
- Commercial invoice and packing list consistent with the final equipment schedule.
- Transport document and identification of the consignee and delivery parties.
- Product specifications, origin information and any destination-required compliance evidence.
- Item labels that match drawings, cartons and the receiving checklist.
- A contact and procedure for missing, damaged or incorrectly documented items.
This is a planning list, not a universal mandatory-document set. Requirements depend on the destination, goods and transaction. Have the importer or appointed broker establish the exact list before dispatch.
How should packing and arrival be coordinated?
Agree how long pipework, cabinets, delicate nozzles, lights and other components will be protected and identified. Request a packing record showing carton numbers and the relevant items. Define who unloads, who checks quantities and visible damage, and where records should be sent promptly if an issue is found.
Check that the site has secure storage and a practical unloading route before arrival. A shipping booking is not a guarantee that the site can receive the load. General shipping planning background is available in the International Trade Administration shipping guide; obtain destination-specific advice for the actual shipment.
How do freight delays affect the project programme?
Track manufacture, inspection release, freight booking, transit, clearance, local delivery and site readiness as separate dependencies. Do not book an on-site specialist solely from a hoped-for sailing date. Agree a decision point for confirming mobilisation and a process for reporting a change.