Import & Export
Incoterms for Cookware Importers: FOB vs CIF vs EXW Explained
Three letters on your quote decide who pays for shipping, who insures the goods, and where risk transfers. Get them wrong and a "cheap" quote becomes expensive.
EXW - Ex Works
You collect from the factory gate. You arrange and pay everything - inland transport, export clearance, freight, insurance. Maximum control, maximum work. Suits importers with their own forwarder in India.
FOB - Free On Board
The factory delivers goods on board the vessel at the port (e.g. Nhava Sheva). Risk transfers at the ship’s rail; you pay ocean freight and insurance from there. The standard, recommended term for cookware imports - clean handoff, you control the freight.
CIF - Cost, Insurance & Freight
The factory pays freight and basic insurance to your destination port. Convenient - one price, door-of-port delivery - but you can’t choose the forwarder and the insurance is minimal. Fine for small first orders; FOB usually wins at volume.
Which should you choose?
- First order / small: CIF - simplicity.
- Regular importer: FOB - control freight costs and forwarder quality.
- Own India logistics: EXW - maximum control.
Always compare quotes on the same Incoterm - FOB vs CIF prices are not comparable.
Frequently asked questions
Is FOB or CIF cheaper?
FOB is usually cheaper overall because you choose a competitive forwarder; CIF bundles the factory’s forwarder margin. Compare like-for-like.
Who handles customs under FOB?
The seller handles export clearance; you (the buyer) handle import clearance and duties at destination.
Have a cookware project in mind?
We manufacture triply cookware and supply tri-ply circles for OEM, private label and distribution. Tell us your specs - we reply with a quote.