Start by comparing FCA, DAP, and DDP against your freight capability and the seller’s confirmed services. FCA can work for different transport modes, including containerized shipments, when the buyer arranges main carriage. DAP may suit buyers who want the seller to arrange delivery to a named place but can handle import clearance and charges. DDP assigns the seller broader delivery and import responsibilities, so confirm the seller can legally and operationally perform them in the destination market. Under Incoterms 2020, specify the exact named place and version in the sales contract; a term alone is not a complete shipping instruction.

FOB is limited to sea and inland waterway transport under Incoterms 2020. It is generally not the best fit when goods move as containerized cargo handed to a carrier at a terminal before loading onto the vessel; FCA is often more appropriate for that handover. For a small order, compare the actual freight method and handover point rather than choosing FOB solely because it appears on a supplier quotation. Ask who pays origin handling, export clearance, ocean freight, insurance, and destination charges, and ensure the stated port and version are recorded.

With DAP, the buyer typically handles import clearance and pays applicable import duties and taxes, while the seller arranges delivery to the named destination, ready for unloading. With DDP, the seller takes responsibility for import clearance and applicable duties and taxes, subject to its ability to meet local legal and tax requirements. Confirm the named delivery location, unloading responsibility, and any excluded charges in writing. Customs charges depend on the destination, product classification, declared value, and applicable rules; do not assume a DDP quotation is feasible or fully inclusive without written confirmation.

Request the complete Incoterm with its precise named place and the Incoterms version, plus the transport mode and who books each leg. Confirm the number of cartons, packed dimensions, gross weight, pickup or delivery point, expected dispatch timing, and whether the price includes origin and destination handling. Clarify responsibility for export documents, import clearance, duties, taxes, insurance, and unloading. Ask for a pro forma invoice that describes the goods accurately and aligns with the agreed order. Treat transit times as estimates unless the carrier or contract provides a specific commitment.

It can. Adhesive formulations may be subject to carrier restrictions or dangerous-goods rules depending on their ingredients, concentration, packaging, and transport mode. Do not infer classification from the word glue or from another product’s paperwork. If glue is included, request its current safety data sheet and have the supplier, freight forwarder, or carrier confirm the applicable transport classification, packaging, marking, and documentation before booking. Customs requirements are separate from transport classification, so the importer should also verify the product description and import rules for the destination country.

Compare quotes on the same basis: identical shipment dimensions and weight, route, transport mode, service level, named Incoterm, and delivery location. Check whether pickup, export handling, customs brokerage, duties, taxes, insurance, destination handling, storage, and final-mile delivery are included or excluded. Ask how long the quote remains valid and whether fuel, congestion, or other surcharges can change the payable amount. A low freight figure may cover only one leg, so request a written charge breakdown and identify which party pays each uncovered cost before approving the order.