Shipping & Import
Shipping & Import Guide
Clear, honest answers to the questions overseas buyers actually ask: what incoterms we offer, how long shipping takes, how we pack drums to survive ocean freight, and what to expect at your country's customs.
Incoterms 2020
We support EXW / FOB / CIF / DDP
Choose the incoterm that matches your logistics setup. Most first-time buyers start with FOB or CIF; distributors and large retailers prefer DDP.
EXW
Ex Works
Buyer takes responsibility from our Luoyang workshop. Lowest unit cost; buyer arranges pickup, export clearance, and shipping.
Best for: experienced importers with a China freight forwarder.
FOB
Free On Board
We deliver the goods to Shanghai or Qingdao port and load them onto the buyer's vessel. Sea freight is the buyer's responsibility.
Best for: most bulk orders via sea freight (default choice).
CIF
Cost, Insurance & Freight
We arrange sea freight and insurance to a named destination port. Buyer handles customs clearance and final-mile delivery.
Best for: buyers who want us to handle ocean freight and insurance.
DDP
Delivered Duty Paid
Door-to-door, duties included. We handle everything until the goods reach your warehouse in US, CA, UK, or EU.
Best for: first-time importers and Amazon FBA sellers.
Shipping Modes
Sea, air, and courier compared
| Mode | Transit Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight (FCL) | 15 – 40 days port-to-port | Bulk orders ≥ 5 CBM |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | 20 – 45 days port-to-port | Mid-size orders 1–5 CBM |
| Air Freight | 5 – 10 days airport-to-airport | Urgent bulk orders |
| Express Courier | 3 – 7 days door-to-door | Sample orders 1–5 pcs |
| Rail Freight (China–EU) | 18 – 25 days station-to-station | Mid-volume EU orders |
Transit Time by Region
Approximate door-to-port / door-to-door time
Reference times below are based on past shipments and current carrier schedules. Add 3–7 days for customs clearance and last-mile delivery.
| Region | Main Port | Sea Freight | Air Freight |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (West Coast) | Los Angeles / Long Beach | 16 – 22 days | 5 – 8 days |
| United States (East Coast) | New York / Savannah | 28 – 35 days | 5 – 8 days |
| Canada | Vancouver / Toronto | 20 – 28 days | 5 – 8 days |
| United Kingdom | Felixstowe / Southampton | 28 – 35 days | 5 – 7 days |
| European Union | Hamburg / Rotterdam / Antwerp | 30 – 38 days | 5 – 7 days |
| Australia / New Zealand | Sydney / Melbourne / Auckland | 22 – 30 days | 5 – 8 days |
Transit times are estimates and may vary by carrier, season, and customs workload. Final delivery time depends on your local clearance speed.
Packing & Loading
How we pack drums to survive ocean freight
Most drum damage in transit is caused by moisture, impact, and stacking pressure. Our export packing addresses all three.
- 01
Inner wrap
Each drum is wrapped in soft non-woven fabric to protect the lacquer and painted surface from abrasion.
- 02
Corner protectors
EPE foam corners cradle the shell and hardware. Critical for drum rims and tension rings.
- 03
Moisture barrier
Desiccant sachet placed inside the wrap. Outer PE film seals against humidity and sea spray.
- 04
Export carton
5-ply corrugated export carton. Custom-printed logo on request (MOQ 200 pcs).
- 05
Wooden crate (large drums)
Drums above 24" diameter use ISPM-15 heat-treated wooden crates with internal bracing.
- 06
Loading & bracing
Container loaded with strapping, edge protectors, and desiccant bars. Photo log sent before container seal.
Pre-shipment Inspection
What we inspect before sealing the container
Every bulk order goes through the same QC checklist. Photo evidence is sent to you before the container is sealed.
- Drum shell — no cracks, splits, or visible defects
- Drumhead — full circumference, evenly stretched, no thin spots
- Hardware — all nails / bolts tight, rings seated, no rattles
- Surface finish — lacquer smooth, hand-painting accurate, color matches approved sample
- Sound — sampled at random, tone and sustain within approved sample range
- Logo / artwork — registered correctly, no smudges or off-center placement
- Accessories — sticks, strap, stand, case, replacement head (if ordered) all present
- Packing — correct carton, foam inserts, desiccant, ISPM-15 wood crate (if used)
- Loading — container photo log, weight verification, seal number recorded
- Documents — commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, fumigation cert
Shipping FAQ
Questions buyers ask about shipping
Which incoterm should I choose for my first order?
Most first-time buyers choose FOB Shanghai. We load the goods onto your vessel; you handle ocean freight and customs. CIF is easier if you want us to arrange freight; DDP is best if you have never imported from China before.
How long does sea freight take from Shanghai to Los Angeles?
Approximately 16–22 days port-to-port for the West Coast of the US. Add 3–7 days for customs clearance and last-mile delivery.
Do I need to pay import duties on Chinese drums?
Duty rates vary by destination. US HTS code for drums is typically duty-free (general rate). UK and EU apply standard VAT plus customs duty. Canada is duty-free under CUSMA. We provide commercial invoice and certificate of origin for your customs broker.
Can you ship door-to-door (DDP)?
Yes — we offer DDP to US, CA, UK, and EU. We handle ocean freight, insurance, customs clearance, duties, and last-mile delivery. DDP quotes are based on your postal code and order weight.
How do you protect drums from moisture during sea freight?
Each drum is wrapped in non-woven fabric with a desiccant sachet, sealed in PE film, and packed in a 5-ply export carton. For full-container orders we add container desiccant bars. Photo evidence is provided before container seal.
Do your wooden crates meet international standards?
Yes. All wooden packing material is ISPM-15 heat-treated or fumigation-certified. We attach the treatment mark on the crate. Required for entry into EU, UK, AU, NZ, CA, US.
What documents do you provide for customs clearance?
Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading (or air waybill), certificate of origin (China), fumigation certificate (when wooden crate used), and any certificates required by your country (e.g. CUSMA for Canada).
What if a drum arrives damaged?
Take photos before opening the container if possible. Note damage on the delivery receipt. Send us photos and the damage report within 7 days. We replace damaged drums on the next bulk order or issue a credit — your choice.
Need a Shipping Quote?
Tell us your destination and order size. We will quote EXW / FOB / CIF / DDP on the same day.