GUIDE 2026-08-15
Shipping to Europe: FOB, CIF, DDP — Which is Right for You?
Understand FOB, CIF, and DDP shipping terms to Europe. Cost, risk, customs, VAT, lead time compared.
**Incoterms overview**
Incoterms are international commercial terms that define the responsibilities of buyers and sellers. The most common for shipping to Europe:
**FOB (Free On Board)**
The seller delivers goods to the buyer's nominated vessel at the named port of shipment. The buyer takes responsibility from there.
- Kexin delivers to Shenzhen / Ningbo port
- You arrange sea/air freight to your destination
- You handle customs, VAT, duties
**Best for**: large-volume orders where you have your own freight forwarder.
**CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight)**
Kexin arranges sea/air freight and insurance to your port. You handle customs, VAT, and last-mile delivery.
- Kexin delivers to your port (e.g., Hamburg, Rotterdam)
- You handle customs, VAT, last-mile
**Best for**: medium orders where you want Kexin to handle freight, but you have local customs expertise.
**DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)**
Kexin handles everything: shipping, insurance, customs, VAT, duties, last-mile to your door.
- Kexin delivers to your door
- All costs pre-paid (DDP price includes everything)
**Best for**: small-to-medium orders, first-time buyers, or those without local import expertise.
**Kexin's DDP coverage**
We offer DDP to:
- EU 27 countries
- United States
- Australia, New Zealand
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Japan
- South Korea
**DDP price includes**
- Sea or air freight
- Marine insurance
- Customs clearance
- Import duties
- VAT / GST
- Last-mile delivery to your address
**EU warehouse option**
For fastest delivery, Kexin holds EU warehouse stock in Frankfurt. 3-7 day delivery to any DE/EU address, 0% customs, no VAT import (intra-EU B2B). Mixed-container, 1000+ pieces per shipment.
**Comparison table**
| Term | Kexin handles | You handle | Lead time | Best for |
|------|---------------|------------|-----------|----------|
| FOB | To Shenzhen port | Freight + customs | 30-45 d | Large orders |
| CIF | To your port | Customs + delivery | 30-40 d | Medium orders |
| DDP | All the way | Receive | 35-50 d | Small/medium |
| EU stock | Local delivery | None | 3-7 d | Urgent / samples |
**Recommended for Europe**
For first orders, use DDP. It removes customs complexity and surprises. For repeat large orders, consider FOB with your own forwarder.
**Get a quote**
Send us your destination, quantity, and target lead time. We recommend the right term for your order.
Contact: [email protected].