Name the Incoterm and named place
Record the agreed Incoterm together with its version and the precise named port, terminal, warehouse, or destination. A term without a named place leaves cost and responsibility open to interpretation.
Separate freight cost from customs responsibility
Confirm who arranges the main transport, export clearance, import clearance, duties, taxes, insurance, and final delivery. Buyers should review these items with their freight forwarder before approving the order.
Align packing data with the shipment plan
Request the expected carton count, carton dimensions, gross and net weight, SKU breakdown, and carton marks before booking transport. Treat preliminary figures as estimates until packing is complete.
Define the handoff documents
List the commercial invoice, packing list, transport document, and any destination-specific records the buyer already knows are required. Do not assume one document set works for every country or sales channel.
Shipping confirmation checklist
Freeze the Incoterm, named place, consignee details, contact, shipping marks, delivery window, and document instructions in the purchase order. Ask both supplier and forwarder to acknowledge the same version.
Eligible custom programs can start at 50 pieces; final MOQ must be confirmed against style, materials, colors, logo treatment, trims, and packaging.
