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When importing baby diapers in bulk from China, understanding the right Incoterms is essential. These terms define who is responsible for shipping costs, insurance, customs clearance, and risk during international delivery.
In this article, we explain the most commonly used Incoterms — EXW, FOB, and CIF — with clear examples based on our operations as a diaper manufacturer in Dongguan, China.
🔍 What Are Incoterms?
Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) are standardized rules created by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) to prevent misunderstandings in global trade. They define the responsibilities of buyers and sellers for transportation, risk, and costs.
For baby diaper importers, Incoterms help clarify logistics and avoid surprise expenses.
🚢 Common Incoterms for Diaper Importers
EXW – Ex Works (Dongguan Factory Pickup)
With EXW, the buyer bears most of the responsibility. We make the goods available at our Dongguan diaper factory, and you handle everything else.
✅ Seller: Prepares goods at factory.
❌ Seller: Does not handle shipping, loading, customs, or insurance.
✅ Buyer: Arranges pick-up, export documents, freight, and delivery.
Example: Your forwarder collects goods from our Dongguan warehouse, handles export clearance, and ships the diapers to Europe.
Best for: Experienced importers with local agents in China.
FOB – Free on Board (Port of Shenzhen/Guangzhou)
FOB offers a balance of responsibility. We manage inland transport and export clearance, then load goods onto the ship at a Chinese port.
✅ Seller: Transports goods from Dongguan, clears customs, loads onto vessel.
❌ Seller: Does not cover sea freight or destination charges.
✅ Buyer: Manages ocean freight, insurance, and delivery in your country.
Example: We transport your diapers from Dongguan to Shenzhen Port, complete export procedures, and load the goods onto your ship.
Best for: Mid-size buyers who want control over ocean shipping but need support in China.
CIF – Cost, Insurance, and Freight (To Your Destination Port)
With CIF, we handle the most logistics — including shipping and insurance to your port. You only manage customs clearance and final delivery on your end.
✅ Seller: Handles transport from Dongguan to Chinese port, sea freight, and basic insurance.
❌ Seller: Does not handle destination port charges or inland delivery.
✅ Buyer: Manages customs clearance and delivery in your country.
Example: We deliver your private label diapers to the Port of Hamburg with marine insurance included.
Best for: New buyers or those who want hassle-free shipping.
📊 Comparison Table
| Responsibility | EXW (Dongguan) | FOB (Shenzhen/Guangzhou) | CIF (Destination Port) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Factory readiness | ✅ Seller | ✅ Seller | ✅ Seller |
| Inland China transport | ❌ Buyer | ✅ Seller | ✅ Seller |
| Export clearance | ❌ Buyer | ✅ Seller | ✅ Seller |
| Ocean freight | ❌ Buyer | ❌ Buyer | ✅ Seller |
| Insurance | ❌ Buyer | ❌ Buyer | ✅ Seller |
| Destination customs | ✅ Buyer | ✅ Buyer | ✅ Buyer |
| Final delivery | ✅ Buyer | ✅ Buyer | ✅ Buyer |
🧭 Which Incoterm Should You Choose?
| Importer Type | Recommended Term | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| First-time buyer | CIF | Simplified process, fewer risks |
| Regular importer | FOB | Control over shipping, seller handles export |
| Experienced trader | EXW | Maximum control, cost efficiency |
🏭 About Us: Your Trusted Diaper Manufacturer in Dongguan
Dongguan Tianzheng Diaper Co., Ltd. is a leading manufacturer of baby and adult diapers in China. With 22+ years of experience, we offer OEM/Private Label production, custom packaging, and flexible shipping terms (EXW, FOB, CIF) to over 30 countries.
From our Dongguan and Anhui facilities, we produce and ship high-quality diapers tailored to your brand and market.
📞 Need Help Deciding?
Whether you’re new to importing or already experienced, our team will recommend the best Incoterm and shipping plan for your business.
👉 Contact us to request a quote, get shipping advice, or learn more about our OEM diaper services.
