Packaging bags little Knowledge : A Simple Guide to FOB, CIF, EXW, and Other Shipping Terms – Helping You Buy Smarter!

At ZLPACK, our Packaging Bags are shipped to customers all around the world. We know that great product quality (like strong lamination, clear printing, and good barrier protection) is important—but so is smooth shipping. The way your order is shipped can affect both your cost and how fast you receive it.

We often hear questions like:

"Does this price include shipping?"

"Is this FOB or CIF?"

"Can you help me arrange the shipment?"

To make things clearer, let me introduce the most common shipping terms in the soft packaging industry: EXW, FOB, CIF, CFR, and DDP.

1. EXW（Factory Pickup)

What it means: After we produce the bags according to your requirements, you will need to arrange a truck to pick up the goods from our factory. From that moment on, you are responsible for all costs and risks, including export customs declaration and international transportation.

Best for: Customers who already have a long-term freight forwarder in China.

2. FOB (Free on Board )

FOB is one of the most common methods in international trade.

What it means: We are responsible for delivering your goods to the port we designate and loading them onto the ship. Once the goods are on the ship, the risk is transferred to you.

We handle: Trucking from our factory to the port, export customs declaration, and all operations before the goods are loaded on the ship.

You handle: The international sea freight cost, import customs clearance at your destination port, and purchasing insurance.

Best for:Customers who have your own freight forwarder, want to control shipping costs, are familiar with import procedures.

3. CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight )

What it means: We are responsible for delivering the goods to the departure port, booking the ship, paying the freight, and buying the marine insurance. Our responsibility ends when the ship arrives at your destination port.

You handle: Receiving the goods at the port and handling import customs clearance.

Best for: Customers who are new to international trade or who want a more hands-off shipping process. It can save you a lot of hassle.

4. DDU / DDP (Door-to-Door Service)

With the rise of cross-border e-commerce and personalized customization, more and more soft packaging customers want to receive their bags just like getting a home delivery package. This is where DDU and DDP come in.

DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid):

We deliver the goods to your specified place, like your factory warehouse. However, we do not pay the import duties or VAT (taxes) in your country. You will need to pay these taxes yourself to get the goods released from the port or customs warehouse.

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid):

This is the most convenient service for you. We not only deliver the goods to your factory door, but we also handle and pay for all the import duties and VAT in your country. You just wait to receive the goods.

Besides the methods introduced above, there are other terms like FAS, CFR, CIP, and DPU. No matter which shipping method you choose, ZLPACK is here to serve you. We hope every customer can find their ideal transportation meth

About Us:

LINYI ZHULI PACKING MATERIALS CO., LTD.is a professional manufacturer, specialize in roll film,Stand-up pouches,Coffee Bags,Vacuum bags,Recyclable bags,Snack bags,Aluminum foil bags and much more.