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Home >> Export
Procedure
Export Procedure
How To Export
Preliminaries for Starting Export
Registration
Register with Export Promotion Council
Despatching Samples
Appointing Agents
Specimen Copy of Agreement
Acquire an Export License
Acquire Export Credit Insurance
Arranging Finance
Rates of Interest
Understand Foreign Exchange Rates & Protect Against Their
Adverse Movement
Forward Contracts
Procuring/Manufacturing Goods for Export & Their Inspection
by Government Authorities
Labeling, Packaging, Packing & Marking Goods
New Excise Procedure
How To Export
Golden Rule
Sell Experience
Selling in Export
On-time Deliveries
Communication
Testing Products
Approach
Golden Rule
In order to be successful in exporting one must fully research
its markets. No one should ever try to tackle every market
at once. Many enthusiastic persons bitten by the export
bug, fail because they bite off more than they can chew.
Overseas design and product requirements must be carefully
considered.
Sell Experience
Always sell as close to the market as possible. The fewer
intermediaries one has the better, because every intermediary
needs some percentage for his share in his business, which
means less profit for the exporter and higher prices for
the customer. All goods for export must be efficiently produced.
They must be produced with due regard to the needs of export
markets. It is no use trying to sell windows which open
outwards in a country where, traditionally, windows open
inwards.
Sell Experience: If a person cannot easily export his goods,
may be he can sell his experience. Alternatively, he can
concentrate on supplying goods and materials to exporters'
who already have established an export trade. He can concentrate
on making what are termed 'own brand' products, much demanded
by buyers in overseas markets which have the manufacturing
know-how or facilities.
Selling in Export
In today's competitive world, everyone has to be sold. The
customer always has a choice of suppliers. Selling is an
honorable profession, and you have to be an expert salesman.
On-Time Deliveries
Late deliveries are not always an exporters fault. Dock
strikes, go-slows, etc. occur almost everywhere in the world.
If one enters into export for the first time, he must ensure
of fast and efficient delivery of the promised consignment.
Communication
Communication internal and external must be comprehensive
and immediate. Good communication is vital in export. When
you are in doubt, pick up the phone or email for immediate
clarification.
Testing Product
The risk of failure in export markets can be minimized by
intelligent use of research. Before committing to a large-scale
operation overseas, try out on a small scale. Use the a
sample test, and any mistakes can then be corrected without
much harm having been done. While the test campaign may
appear to cost more initially, remember that some of the
cost will be repaid by sales, so that test marketing often
turns out to be cheaper.
Approach
If possible some indication of the attitudes towards the
product should be established, like any sales operation.
Even if the product is successful, to obtain reactions from
the customer.
Preliminaries for Starting Export
Business
Setting up an appropriate business organization.
Choosing appropriate mode of oprations
Naming the Business
Selecting the company
Making effective business correspondence
Selecting the markets
Selecting prospective buyers
Selecting channels of distribution
Negotiating with prospective buyers
Processing an export order
Entering into export contract
Export pricing and costing
Understanding risks in international trade
Setting up an appropriate business organization
Setting up an appropriate business
organization
The first and the foremost question you as a prospective
exporter has to decide is about the kind of business organisation
needed for the purpose. You have to take a crucial decision
as to whether a business will be run as a sole proprietary
concern or a partnership firm or a company. The proper selection
of organisation will depend upon your
ability to raise finance ,yYour capacity to bear the risk
, your desire to exercise control over the business
nature of regulatory framework applicable to you.
If the size of the business is small, it would be advantageous
to form a sole proprietary business organisation. It can
be set up easily without much expenses and legal formalities.
It is subject to only a few governmental regulations. However,
the biggest disadvantage of #138;sole proprietary business
is limited liability to raise funds which restricts its
growth. Besides, the owner has unlimited personal liability.
In order to avoid this disadvantage, it is advisable to
form a partnership firm. The partnership firm can also be
set up with ease and economy. Business can take benefit
of the varied experiences and expertise of the partners.
The liability of the partner though joint and several, is
practically distributed amongst the various partners, despite
the fact that the personal liability of the partner is unlimited.
The major disadvantage of partnership form of business organisation
is that conflict amongst the partners is a potential threat
to the business. It will not be out of place to mention
here that partnership firms are governed by the Indian Partnership
Act,1932 and, therefore they should be form within the parameters
laid down by the Act.
Exporters Manual and Documentation
Company is another form of business organisation,which has
the advantage of distinct legal identity and limited liability
to the shareholders. It can be a private limited company
or a public limited company. A private limited company can
be formed by just two persons subscribing to its share capital.
However, the number of its shareholders cannot exceed fifty,
public cannot be invited to subscribe to its capital and
the member's right to transfer shares is restricted. On
the other hand, a public limited company has a minimum of
seven members. There is no limit to maximum number of its
members. It can invite the public to subscribe to its capital
and permit the transfer of shares. A public limited company
offers enormous potential for growth because of access to
substantial funds. The liquidity of investment is high because
of easiness of transfer of shares. However, its formation
can be recommended only when the size of the business is
large. For small business, a sole proprietary concern or
a partnership firm will be the most suitable form of business
organisation.In case it is decided to incorporate a private
limited company, the same is to be registered with the Registrar
of Companies.
For details as to be procedures for registration with the
registrar of Companies, kindly refer to Nabhi's FORMATION
AND MANAGEMENT OF A PRIVATE COMPANY ALONG WITH PRACTICAL
PROCEDURES.
Choosing appropriate mode of operation
You can chose any of the following modes of operations:
Merchant Exporter i.e. buying the goods from the market
or from a manufacturer and then selling them to foreign
buyers.
Manufacturer Exporter i.e. manufacturing the goods yourself
for export Sales Agent/Commission Agent/Indenting Agent
i.e. acting on behalf of the seller and charging commission
Buying Agent i.e. acting on behalf of the buyer and charging
commission
Naming the Business
Whatever form of business organisation has been finally
decided, naming the business is an essential task for every
exporter. The name and style should be attractive, short
and meaningful. Simple and attractive name indicating the
nature of business is ideal. The office should be located
preferably in a commercial complex, in clean and workable
surroundings. The letter head should be simple and superb
providing information concerning H.O., branches, cable address,
telephone number, fax number, banker's name and address
etc. Pick up a beautiful trade name and logo which reinforces
your organisation's name and image.
Open a current account in the name of the organisation in
whose name you intend to export. It is advisable to open
the account with a bank which is authorised to deal in Foreign
Exchange.
Selecting the Company
Carefully select the product to be exported. For proper
selection of product, study the trends of export of different
items from India. The selected product must be in demand
in the countries where it is to be exported. It should be
possible to procure or manufacture the selected product
at most economic cost so that it can be competitively priced.
It should also be available in sufficient quantity and it
should be possible to supply it repeatedly and regularly.
Besides, while selecting the product, it has to be ensured
that you are conversant with government policy and regulations
in respect of product selected for export. You should also
know import regulations in respect of such commodities by
the importing countries. It would be preferable if you have
previous knowledge and experience of commodities selected
by you for export. A non-technical person should avoid in
dealing in high tech products.
Making effective Business Correspondence
You should recognise the importance of business correspondence
as it is an introduction with the buyer in proxy which may
clinch his response according to the impression created
by the correspondence. For creating a very favorable and
excellent impression, you must use a beautiful letter head
on airmail paper and a good envelope, nicely printed, giving
fully particulars of your firm's name, telephone, telex
and fax number etc. Your language should be polite, soft,
brief and to the point, giving a very clear picture of the
subject to be put before the customer. Letters should be
typed/ computer typed set, preferably in the language of
the importing country. Also make sure that the full and
correct address is written and the envelope is duly stamped.
It should also be borne in mind that the aim of your business
correspondence is not only to clinch the buyer's order but
also to obtain the information on the following:
The specifications of the products already in use in the
importing country. Whether your product meets the above
specifications. If not, Whether your specifications offer
any distinct advantages in terms of prices, quality, after-sales
service, etc. The import policy prevailing in the buyer's
country (e.g. whether there is any import licensing, any
restrictions on remittances, any pre-qualification for product/supplier,
etc.)
The trade practices in the buyers' country with special
reference to your product, information like whether importers
import and distribute the product/high sea sales, whether
agent is required to book orders from actual users etc.
In case your item requires after sales service, the manner
in which it can be offered. The prices at which your product
sells in the retail/wholesale market, the duty structure
and any other cost element to arrive at the landed cost.
Information on the margins at which the product is sold.
This information will help you in evolving a pricing strategy.
Study of various market segments viz. Importers, Supermarkets,
Government Suppliers, Institutional Sales, Tenders, Suppliers,
etc.
The various factors that rule the market viz. Quality, Price,
Delivery, Brand Name, Credit Terms, etc. Role of advertising
and publicity and reference to the product and the country.
A specimen export letter is given below
Specimen of Introductory Letter to International Importers
Ref: TIL/NYK2001/ 14th Novl,2000
The Manager (Purchase)
M/s. TIL Ltd.
.........................
.........................
(U.S.A.)
Dear Sir,
We are exporters of a wide variety of items including ..........
for the last ten years. Our major buyers are ......... in
.......... We are one of the registered export houses in
India. We represent .......... the leading manufacturers
of these items in India. These items are produced in collaboration
with .........., the world famous company. We follow the
ISI specifications. We believe that your company imports
the items we export. We are enclosing herewith a copy of
our brochure and price list for your perusal. We shall be
glad to send you detailed literature/ samples of items that
may be of interests to you.
Yours sincerely,
For NYK Ltd.
Manager (Marketing)
Encl: As above.
Comments :
The text can be suitably amended with reference to the manufacturing
activity or/items dealt in by the exporter.
Where the manufacturing is not in collaboration with a foreign
company, it need not be referred to.
Product literature (of the buyer's interest) and price list
should invariably be sent along with the letter.
The price list should categorically indicate whether the
prices are f.o.b., & C&f or c.i.f. etc. However, discount
need not be indicated in the price list.
The profile about your company should generally include
the following matters:
Company's name and address /Telex /Telephone /Cable /Fax/Email/
Date of establishment Export Executives
Status: Partnership/ Company (Pvt. Ltd./Pub.Ltd) Govt.(Semi-Govt.)
Bank Reference
Exporting Since
Value of Assets
No. of Employees/ Manufacturing/ Sales/ Administration
Foreign Offices/Representatives, if any
Exporter/ Manufacturer/ Agent
Main Line
Technical Collaboration
Standards/Specification followed
Major Buyers- In India; Abroad
Back
Selecting the markets
Target markets should be selected after careful consideration
of various factors like political embargo, scope of exporter's
selected product, demand stability, preferential treatment
to products from developing countries, market penetration
by competitive countries and products, distance of potential
market, transport problems, language problems, tariff and
non-tariff barriers, distribution infrastructure, size of
demand in the market, expected life span of market and product
requirements, sales and distribution channels. For this
purpose you should collect adequate market information before
selecting one or more target markets. The information can
be collected from various sources like Export Promotion
Council (EPCs)/Commodity Boards, Federation of Indian Export
Organisation, (FIEO), Indian Institute of Foreign Trade
(IIFT), Indian Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), Indian
Embassies Abroad, Foreign Embassies in India, Import Promotion
Institutions Abroad, Overseas Chambers of Commerce and Industries,
Various Directories, Journals, Market Survey Reports.
Back
Selecting prospective Buyers
You can collect addresses of the prospective buyers of the
commodity from the following sources:
Enquiries from friends and relatives or other acquaintances
residing in foreign countries.
Visiting/ participating in International Trade Fairs and
Exhibitions in India and abroad. Contact with the Export
Promotion Councils, Commodity Boards and other Government
Agencies. List given in Appendix 4 of this book).
Consulting International Yellow Pages (A Publication from
New York by Dun & Bradstreet, USA or other Yellow Pages
of different countries like Japan,Dubai Etc.)
Collecting addresses from various Private Indian Publications
Directories available on cost at Jain Book Agency,C-9, Connaught
Place, New Delhi-1. (PH. 3355686, Fax.3731117).
Collecting information from International Trade Directories/
Journals/periodicals available in the libraries of Directorate
General of Commercial Intelligenceand Statistics, IIFT,
EPCs, ITPO etc. A list of selected trade directories published
abroad is given in Appendix 5 of this book.
Making contacts with Trade Representatives of Overseas Govt.
in India and Indian Trade and Other Representatives/ International
Trade Development Authorities abroad. A list of international
trade development authorities abroad like Foreign Chambers
of Commerce etc. is given in Nabhi's EXPORTERS MANUAL AND
DOCUMENTATION.
Reading biweekly, fortnightly, monthly bulletins such as
Indian Trade Journal, Export Service Bulletin, Bulletins
and Magazines issued and published by Federation of Exporters'
Organisations, ITPO, EPCs, Commodity Boards and other allied
agencies. A list of Indian Trade Periodicals containing
names and addresses of importers is given in Appendix 6
of this book.
Visiting Embassies, Consulates etc. of other countries and
taking note of addresses of importers for products proposed
to be exported.
Advertising in newspapers having overseas editions and other
foreign newspapers and magazines etc.
Consulting ITPO,IIFT,etc.
Contacting authorised dealers in foreign exchange with whom
exporter is maintaining bank account.
Overseas importers can be contacted or informed about the
products by the following methods:
By corresponding and sending brochures and product literature
to prospective overseas buyers.
By undertaking trips to foreign markets and establishing
personal rapport with overseas buyers.
The number of trips will depend on your budget and resources.
But it is essential forlong-term success in international
marketing to establish personal rapport. Foreign trip will
provide first-hand information regarding the market, overseas
customers, their requirement, taste, preference and better
out communication of the merits of exporters' products.
Participation in buyer-seller meets and meeting the members
of foreign delegation invited by Export Promotion Councils
concerned.
Participation in international trade fairs, seminars.
Advertisement and publicity in overseas reputed newspapers
and magazines. Facilities of free publicity can be availed
from Import Development Centres.
Selecting channels of distribution
The following channels of distribution are generally utilised
while exporting to overseas markets :
Exports through Export Consortia
Export through Canalising Agencies
Export through Other Established Merchant Exporters or Export
Houses, or Trading Houses
Direct Exports
Export through Overseas Sales Agencies
Negotiating with Prospective Buyers
Whatever the channel of distribution for exporting to the
overseas countries is proposed to be is utilized, it is
essential that the exporters should possess the necessary
skill for negotiating with the overseas channels of distribution.
The ability to negatiate effectively is needed for discussion
with importers or trade agents. While conducting business
negotiations, the prospective exporter should avoid conflict,
controversy and criticism vis-`-vis the other party. During
conversation the attitude should be to communicate effectively.
There should be coherence, creativity, compromise, concessions,
commonality, consensus, commitment and compensation in business
negotiations. The general problem you may face is about
pricing. The buyer's contention is that prices are too high.
It should be noted that though the price is only one of
the many issues that are discussed during business negotiations,
it influences the entire negotiating process.
Since this is the most sensitive issue in business negotiations,
it should be tactfully postponed until all the issues have
been discussed and mutually agreed upon. As far as the price
is concerned, you should try to determine the buyer's real
interest in the product from the outset, only then a suitable
counter proposal should be presented. It should also be
remembered that the buyer may request modifications in presentation
of the product. You should show the willingness to meet
such request, if possible, provided that it will result
in profitable export business. Price being the most important
sales tool, it has to be properly developed and presented.
Therefore, in order to create a favorable impression, minimize
costly errors and generate repeated business. The following
points should be kept in mind while preparing the price
list:
Submit a typewritten list, printed on the regular bond paper
and laid out simply and clearly (with at least an inch between
columns and between groupings) Prominently indicate the
name of your company, its full address, telephone and fax
numbers, including the country and city codes. Fully describe
the items being quoted. Group the items logically( i.e.
all the fabrics together, all the made-up together etc.).
Specify whether shipped by sea or by air, f.o.b. or c.i.f.
and to what port.
Quote exact amount and not rounded-off figures.
Mention the dates upto which the prices quoted will remain
valid.
Where there is an internal reference number which must be
quoted, to keep it short (the buyer has no interest in this
detail and the more complex it is, the greater is the risk
of error).
As regards the factors determining your price, please refer
to 'EXPORT PRICING AND COSTING'
One main point regarding export pricing is that while negotiating
with overseas buyer, you may not remember the cost of a
product. It may also be difficult for you to remember the
profit margin built in various prices quoted by you. A clear
jotting of this information is not free from the risk of
being leaked out to the competitors or to the overseas buyers.
Some coding is, therefore, essential for the prices quoted
by you so that at any stage/point of time, you can always
utilise the information, enabling you to profitably negotiate
with the overseas buyer. This can be done by assigning codes
to the cost price.
For assigning codes to the cost price, you may select an
English password consisting of 10 separate letters, each
letter to represent a numerical figure. For example: 'CRAZY
MOUTH' is the password selected by you, where C=1, R=2,
A=3, Z=4, Y=5, M=6, O=7, U=8, T=9, H=0. This password can
be successfully used for recognising various items of exports
and their varieties.
Thus, a brass candle stand which is being quoted at Rs.
100(sale price) but whose cost price to you is Rs 25.50
will be coded as item number 'RYYH' and then assigned with
a running serial number to make it more fascinating. You
can decode the word 'RYYH' to write as Rs 25.50 so as to
get an idea of difference between the Sale Price and the
Cost Price, which will provide you the range within which
you can negotiate with overseas buyers.
Processing an Export order
You should not be happy merely on receiving an export order.
You should first acknowledge the export order, and then
proceed to examine carefully in respect of items, specification,
preshipment inspection, payment conditions, special packaging,
labeling and marketing requirements, shipment and delivery
date, marine insurance, documentation etc. if you are satisfied
on these aspects, a formal confirmation should be sent to
the buyer, otherwise clarification should be sought from
the buyer before confirming the order. After confirmation
of the export order immediate steps should be taken for
procurement/manufacture of the export goods. In the meanwhile,
you should proceed to enter into a formal export contract
with the overseas buyer.
Entering into an Export contract
In order to avoid disputes, it is necessary to enter into
an export contract with the overseas buyer. For this purpose,
export contract should be carefully drafted incorporating
comprehensive but in precise terms, all relevant and important
conditions of the trade deal.
There should not be any ambiguity regarding the exact specifications
of goods and terms of sale including export price, mode
of payment, storage and distribution methods, type of packaging,
port of shipment, delivery schedule etc. The different aspects
of an export contract are enumerated as under :
Product, Standards and Specifications
Quantity
Inspection
Total Value of Contract
Terms of Delivery
Taxes, Duties and Charges
Period of Delivery/Shipment
Packing, Labeling and Marking
Terms of Payment-- Amount/Mode & Currency
Discounts and Commissions
Licenses and Permits
Insurance
Documentary Requirements
Guarantee
Force Majeure of Excuse for Non-performance of contract
Remedies
Arbitration It will not be out of place to mention here
the importance of arbitration clause in an export contract
Court proceedings do not offer a satisfactory method for
settlement of commercial disputes, as they involve inevitable
delays, costs and technicalities. On the other hand, arbitration
provides an economic, expeditious and informal remedy for
settlement of commercial disputes. Arbitration proceedings
are conducted in privacy and the awards are kept confidential.
The Arbitrator is usually an expert in the subject matter
of the dispute. The dates for arbitration meetings are fixed
with the convenience of all concerned. Thus, arbitration
is the most suitable way for settlements of commercial disputes
and it may invariably be used by businessmen in their commercial
dealings.
The Indian Council of Arbitration Federation House, Tansen
Marg, New Delhi. (Ph. 3319251 Fax:3320714) is a specialized
arbitration institution providing arbitration facilities
for all types of domestic or international commercial disputes.
You should use their services as far a possible.
BRIEF SPECIMEN CONTRACT FORM FOR SALE PURCHASE TRANSACTIONS
EXPORTS AND IMPORTS
Name and address of the parties.......(state correct appellation
and complete address of the parties)
We, the above named parties have entered into this contract
for the sale/purchase, etc. ....... (state briefly the purpose
of the contract) on this ........(date) at ........(place).....
subject to the following terms and conditions:
Goods ................
Quantity ...............Quality................. (Describe
the quantity, quality and the other specifications of the
goods precisely as per the agreement. An agency for inspection/certification
of quality and/or quantity may also be stipulated). Price................
Mode of payment ...................(Quote the price, terms,
i.e. ex-works/FOB(free on board) CIF(Cost, Insurance & Freight)
etc. in the currency agreed upon and describe the mode of
payment i.e. payment against L/C(letter of credit)/DA (document
against acceptance) /D/P(document against payment)etc. It
is also desirable to mention the exchange rate.)
Shipment...............(Specify date of delivery and the
maximum period upto which delivery could be delayed and
for which reasons, port of shipment and delivery should
be mentioned). Packing and marking...............(Requirements
to be specified precisely)
Insurance .................(State the type of insurance
cover required, i.e. FPA(free from particular average)/WA
(with average)/ All Risks, etc. State also the party responsible
for insurance)
Brokerage/Commission ........(if any payable may be mentioned)
Passing of the property and of risk. The property or ownership
of the goods and the risk shall finally pass to the buyer
at such stage as the parties may agree, i.e. when the goods
are delivered at the seller's place of work/pass the ship's
rails/are covered by insurance etc. as per agreed terms).
Arbitration
Arbitration clause recommended by the Indian Council of
Arbitration: "All disputes or differences whatsoever arising
between the parties out of relating to the construction,
meaning and operation or effect of this contract or the
breach thereof shall be settled by arbitration in accordance
with the rules of the arbitration of the Indian Council
of Arbitration and the award made in pursuance thereof shall
be binding on the parties."(or any other arbitration clause
that may be agreed upon between the parties). 3.Any other
special condition, prevalent in or relevant to the particular
line of trade or transaction, may also be specified.
Sd/-Seller
Sd/-Buyer
Notes: The above specimen contract form, drawn up in brief
essentials, is meant for simple small scale transactions
and is intended to draw the attention of the parties to
important aspects of the trade deal in drafting the contract.
The parties are free to add to or modify the terms as per
the peculiar nature of their trade transaction. They may
also consult with advantage, experienced commercial or arbitration
bodies for the purpose or study published literature on
the subject. The use of the arbitration clauses in commercial
contracts is becoming increasingly commom, particularly
in export-import transactions, with a view to promoting
smooth and swift flow of business. The Indian Council of
Arbitration (ICA) which is partly founded by the Government
of India, provides comprehensive institutional arbitration
service to all government departments and public undertakings
as well as private traders, exporters and importers in India
for amicable and quick settlement of all types of commercial
disputes. It has been suggested by the Ministry of Commerce
that all commercial organisations should make use of the
arbitration clause of the Council in their commercial contracts
with Indian and foreign parties.
Export Pricing and Costing
Export pricing should be differentiated from export costing.
Price is what we offer to the customer.Cost is the price
that we pay/incur for the product. Price includes our profit
margin, cost includes only expenses we have incurred. Export
pricing is the most important tool for promoting sales and
facing international competition. The price has to be realistically
worked out taking into consideration all export benefits
and expenses. However, there is no fixed formula for successful
export pricing. It will differ from exporter to exporter
depending upon whether the exporter is a merchant exporter
or a manufacturer exporter or exporting through a canalising
agency. You should also assess the strength of your competitor
and anticipate the move of the competitor in the market.
Pricing strategies will depend on various circumstantial
situations. You can still be competitive with higher prices
but with better delivery package or other advantages.
Your prices will be determined by the following factors:
Range of products offered
Prompt deliveries and continuity in supply
After-sales service in products like machine tools, consumer
durables
Product differentiation and brand image
Frequency of purchase
Presumed relationship between quality and price
Specialty value goods and gift items
Credit offered
Preference or prejudice for products originating from a
particular source
Aggressive marketing and sales promotion
Prompt acceptance and settlement of claims
Unique value goods and gift items
Export Costing is basically Cost Accountant's job. It consists
of fixed cost and variable cost comprising various elements.
It is advisable to prepare an export costing sheet for every
export product. For the format of the export costing sheet
and other relevant details refer to Nabhi's EXPORTERS MANUAL
AND DOCUMENTATION.As regards quoting the prices to the overseas
buyer, the same are quoted in the following internationally
accepted terms:
Ex-Works: 'Ex-works' means that your responsibility is to
make goods available to the buyer at works or factory. The
full cost and risk involved in bringing the goods from this
place to the desired destination will be borne by the buyer.
This term thus represents the minimum obligation for you.
It is mostly used for sale of plantation commodities such
as tea, coffee and cocoa.
Free on Rail(FOR): Free on Truck(FOT):These terms are used
when the goods are to be carried by rail, but they are also
used for road transport. Your obligations are fulfilled
when the goods are delivered to the carrier.
Free Alongside Ship (FAS): Once the goods have been placed
alongside the ship, your obligations are fulfilled and the
buyer notified. The buyer has to contract with the sea carrier
for the carriage of the goods to the destination and pay
the freight. The buyer has to bear all costs and risks of
loss or damage to the goods hereafter.
Free on Board (FOB): Your responsibility ends the moment
the contracted goods are placed on board the ship, free
of cost to the buyer at a port of shipment named in the
sales contract. 'On board' means that a 'Received for Shipment'
B/L (Bill of Lading) is not sufficient. Such B/L if issued
must be converted into 'Shipped on Board B/L' by using the
stamp 'Shipped on Board' and must bear signature of the
carrier or his authorised representative together with date
on which the goods were 'boarded'.
Cost and Freight (C&F): You must on your own risk and not
as an agent of the buyer, contract for the carriage of the
goods to the port of destination named in the sale contract
and pay the freight. This being a shipment contract, the
point of delivery is fixed to the ship's rail and the risk
of loss or of damage to the goods is transferred from the
seller to the buyer at that very point. As will be seen
though you bear the cost of carriage to the named destination,
the risk is already transferred to the buyer at the port
of shipment itself.
Cost Insurance Freight (CIF): The term is basically the
same as C&F, but with the addition that you have to obtain
insurance at your cost against the risks of loss or damage
to the goods during the carriage.
Freight or Carriage Paid (DCP): While C&F is used for goods
which are to be carried by sea, the term "DCP" is used for
land transport only, including national and international
transport by road, rail and inland waterways. You have to
contract for the carriage of the goods to the agreed destination
named in the contract of the sale and pay freight. Your
obligations are fulfilled when the goods are delivered to
the first carrier and not beyond. In case the buyer desires
you to insure the goods till the destination, he would add
'including insurance' before the word 'Paid in Freight'
or 'Carriage Paid to'.
EXS/EX-Ship: This is an arrival contract and means that
you make the goods available to the buyer in the ship at
the named port of destination as per sales contract. You
have to bear the full cost and risk involved in bringing
the goods there. Your obligation is fulfilled before the
customs border of the foreign country and it is for the
buyer to obtain necessary import license at his own risk
and expense.
EXQ/Ex-Quay: Ex-Quay means that you make the goods available
to the buy
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