SOP
Shipping Guide
Export packing methods, carton logic, wooden crate options and FOB/CIF/DDP shipping preparation checkpoints for natural stone products.
Responsibility Matrix
Compare EXW, FOB, CIF and selected DDP before quoting.
Use this matrix to decide whether your team, our factory or a logistics partner will handle each shipping step. Final scope is confirmed in the quotation.
| Responsibility Matrix | EXW Yunfu | FOB SZ/GZ | CIF Port | Selected DDP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Packing protection Foam, inner carton, export carton or crate plan | ||||
Inland transport Yunfu to Shenzhen / Guangzhou port or freight hub | ||||
Export customs and bill of lading China export declaration and carrier document | ||||
Main freight Ocean / air freight to destination port or hub | ||||
Marine insurance Cargo insurance when quoted under CIF or requested | ||||
Import clearance Destination customs entry and local compliance | ||||
Duties, VAT and taxes Government charges at destination | ||||
Final delivery Truck to warehouse, store or project site |
* FOB usually works when buyers have a nominated forwarder.
* CIF helps compare factory price plus main freight and insurance to port.
* DDP is reviewed case by case because duties, VAT and final delivery vary by market.
Shipment Timeline
From packing confirmation to delivery planning.
Packing confirmation
1-3 daysConfirm foam, carton, crate, marks and pallet method.
Production and QC closeout
3-10 daysFinish inspection, measurement photos and packing photos prepared before release.
Export handover
1-2 daysInland pickup, export declaration and carrier booking after balance or release approval.
Main transport
2-6 weeksOcean transit varies by port pair; air or courier can be reviewed for samples.
Import and delivery
By marketClearance, duties and final delivery depend on destination rules and selected term.
Document Checklist
Documents to confirm before shipment release.
Commercial invoice
Prices, quantities, payment term and buyer/seller details.
Packing list
Carton or crate count, product mix, dimensions, net/gross weight.
Bill of lading / airway bill
Carrier document for ocean, air or courier shipment.
ISPM-15 mark
Heat-treated wood mark for applicable export wooden packaging.
Packing photos
Foam protection, carton layout, crate condition and marks before dispatch.
Inspection photos
Measurement photos, finish close-ups and batch review records.
Insurance certificate
Cargo insurance document if included in the quoted term.
Certificate of origin
Can be discussed if your import process requires it.
Shipping FAQ
Questions buyers usually ask before confirming freight.
Can you quote FOB, CIF or DDP?
Yes. We can quote EXW Yunfu, FOB Shenzhen/Guangzhou, CIF destination port and selected DDP after reviewing product weight, carton or crate volume, destination and service level.
Which term usually works for buyers?
FOB is suitable if you have your own forwarder. CIF helps compare landed cost to the destination port. Selected DDP can be reviewed when you need door delivery support.
How do you reduce breakage risk?
Packing is selected by product shape, edge profile, weight and order mix. Options include fitted foam, inner boxes, reinforced cartons, palletization and wooden crates.
Do stone home decor items always need wooden crates?
Not always. Small items may use foam and reinforced cartons, while heavy, fragile or mixed orders may need pallet or crate protection.
What should we confirm before shipping?
Confirm shipping term, destination, forwarder or delivery address, carton marks, private label packing needs, insurance requirement and document requirements.
Quote-Ready Inputs
Send packing and shipping details with your RFQ.
Include destination, target term, product category, quantity, carton or private label requirements, forwarder details and whether you need CIF or DDP comparison.