DDP vs FOB vs CIF: Which One Should You Pick?
Honestly, most first-time importers overthink this. Here's the short version: DDP means we handle everything and you pay one price. FOB and CIF mean you (or your freight forwarder) take over at some point along the way. Here's exactly where the line falls for each one.
Who handles what, step by step
| DDP | FOB | CIF | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Export customs clearance (China) | Us | Us | Us |
| Main freight booking (sea/air) | Us | You | Us |
| Cargo insurance | Included | Your call | Included |
| Import customs clearance | Us | You | You |
| Final delivery to your door | Us | You | You |
So which one's actually right for you?
Pick DDP if...
you just want one number, one invoice, and zero customs headaches. This is the move if it's your first time importing, you're entering a new market, or you'd honestly rather not think about tariffs at all. Most of our clients end up here.
Pick FOB if...
you've already got a freight forwarder or customs broker on the destination end and just want us to handle things cleanly from the China side — pickup, export docs, loading. You keep control (and usually save a bit) on the main freight leg.
Pick CIF if...
you want freight and insurance locked into one predictable number, but you're set up to handle customs yourself once it lands. Good middle ground if you want cost certainty on the ocean/air leg without giving up control at destination.
Still not sure? Tell us about your shipment and we'll just tell you which one makes sense.
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