FCL SHIPPING TERMS - FOB SHENZHEN

1. SCOPE AND TRADE TERM

These terms apply to full-container-load (FCL) export shipments. Unless the sales contract or proforma invoice states otherwise, delivery is FOB Shenzhen, China, at the terminal named in the confirmed booking, in accordance with Incoterms 2020. Any different port, terminal, Incoterm, or service must be agreed in writing.

2. CARGO-READY LEAD TIME

The estimated cargo-ready lead time is 35-45 calendar days, counted from the later of: (a) receipt of the agreed deposit; and (b) the Seller's receipt and confirmation of all final order details, including models, quantities, dimensions, colours, materials, labels, artwork, packaging, and other required specifications. The lead time is an estimate for completion of production and packing. It is not a guaranteed vessel departure or arrival date.

Changes requested after confirmation, late approvals, late payments, or missing information may extend the lead time. The Seller will notify the Buyer within a reasonable time if a material delay becomes known and will provide a revised estimate.

3. FULL-CONTAINER LOADING

Goods will be shipped as FCL cargo. The Buyer and Seller will confirm the container type and planned quantity before booking. Final loading quantities remain subject to actual packed dimensions, weight limits, safe stowage, container condition, and carrier requirements. Consolidation, partial shipment, or mixed loading will occur only if agreed in writing.

The Seller will use export packaging reasonably suitable for container transport and will load, secure, and count the goods with reasonable care. The Buyer must disclose any destination-specific packaging, fumigation, marking, or compliance requirement before order confirmation.

4. BOOKING AND SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS

The Buyer is responsible for nominating the carrier or freight forwarder and arranging the ocean booking. The Buyer or its forwarder must provide the booking confirmation, empty-container release details, shipping instructions, verified-gross-mass requirements, and applicable cut-off times sufficiently in advance. As a working standard, booking details should be provided at least 10 calendar days before the estimated cargo-ready date.

The Seller will reasonably coordinate container pickup, loading, customs declaration, and terminal delivery against the confirmed booking. Vessel schedules, port congestion, carrier rollovers, and changes made by the carrier are outside the Seller's control, but the Seller will provide available updates promptly.

5. SELLER'S RESPONSIBILITIES

Under FOB Shenzhen, the Seller is responsible for producing and packing the goods, completing export customs formalities, transporting the loaded container to the named Shenzhen terminal, paying costs allocated to the Seller under FOB Incoterms 2020, and delivering the goods on board the vessel nominated by the Buyer. The Seller will provide the commercial invoice, packing list, and customary export documents. Any certificate, inspection, legalisation, or special document not normally supplied must be agreed in advance, including its cost and preparation time.

6. BUYER'S RESPONSIBILITIES

The Buyer is responsible for carrier nomination, vessel booking, ocean freight, cargo insurance, destination terminal charges, import clearance, duties and taxes, and delivery after arrival. The Buyer must ensure that booking instructions are accurate and that the nominated vessel can receive the goods within a reasonable period after they are ready.

If loading or shipment is delayed because the Buyer or its forwarder fails to provide a usable booking, changes the booking, misses a cut-off, or fails to give required instructions, the parties will agree a revised schedule. The Buyer will reimburse reasonable, documented additional costs caused by that delay, including storage, re-handling, container detention, or demurrage, to the extent not caused by the Seller.

7. DELIVERY, RISK, TITLE, AND INSURANCE

Delivery occurs and risk of loss or damage transfers from the Seller to the Buyer when the goods are on board the nominated vessel at Shenzhen, as provided by FOB Incoterms 2020. The Buyer should arrange marine cargo insurance effective no later than that point. Transfer of risk is separate from transfer of title. Title passes according to the agreed payment terms and, unless otherwise stated in writing, only after the Seller receives full cleared payment.

8. NOTICE, INSPECTION, AND DOCUMENTS

The Seller will provide a reasonable cargo-readiness notice before the planned loading date. The Buyer may arrange a pre-shipment inspection at its cost by giving timely notice, provided the inspection does not unreasonably delay loading. Inspection does not remove either party's rights or obligations concerning hidden defects, agreed specifications, or shipment records.

After loading, the Seller will provide the available loading details and the agreed shipping documents. Bill-of-lading instructions and document release method must be confirmed by the Buyer or its forwarder in time to meet carrier deadlines.

9. DELAYS AND EVENTS OUTSIDE CONTROL

The 35-45 day estimate excludes delays caused by Buyer changes or approvals, late payment, unavailable booking or equipment, inspection holds, government or customs action, port closure, labour disruption, epidemic restrictions, natural events, or other circumstances outside reasonable control. The affected party will notify the other promptly, take reasonable steps to reduce the impact, and propose a revised schedule. Neither party is responsible for delay to the extent caused by the other party.

10. SHORTAGE, DAMAGE, AND CLAIMS

The Seller is responsible for conformity, packing, loading, and quantity before risk transfers. The Buyer should report any apparent shortage, loading issue, or manufacturing defect promptly with reasonable evidence. Loss or damage occurring after the goods are on board should be claimed against the carrier or cargo insurer, with reasonable cooperation and documents from the Seller. Nothing in this clause limits any right or liability that cannot lawfully be excluded.

11. ORDER DOCUMENTS AND CONTACT

The signed sales contract or accepted proforma invoice prevails if it expressly conflicts with these terms. Questions about cargo readiness, booking, loading, or documents should be sent through the contact details stated in the order. Both parties will cooperate in good faith to resolve operational issues and keep the shipment moving.