Good questions make
better shipping plans.

There is no single document rule for every China import. Requirements depend on the destination, goods, transaction and any preferential origin claim. Ask the responsible customs representative whether origin evidence is needed, which form applies and who should issue or validate it. Do not infer eligibility from the supplier’s address alone.

Stop the approval process and identify the source of the discrepancy. Ask the supplier or receiving warehouse to verify the physical goods and explain the difference. Obtain corrected, approved documents and notify the booking and customs contacts where relevant. Keep a revision record instead of silently editing whichever figure seems easier to use.

Do not assume that it can. A pro forma invoice commonly supports the quotation or order discussion, while the commercial invoice records the actual transaction. Ask the filing party what is acceptable for the destination and procedure. Reconcile the approved document with the final quantities, values, parties and agreed trade term before dispatch.

Start with the commercial invoice, a packing list based on the final cargo and the information needed for the transport document. Ask the destination customs representative to confirm any origin, permit or product evidence. Assign an issuer and reviewer to each item. The exact set depends on the goods, transaction and importing market.

Compare the same cargo and required destination outcome. Separate the goods price, origin work, international transport, cargo insurance, destination services and import costs. Review the different delivery and risk points rather than comparing headline totals alone. For containers delivered before vessel loading, ask whether FCA better fits an alternative buyer-arranged transport purchase.

Yes. CIP is an any-mode rule and can be used for air, containerized or multimodal transport. The key is a clearly agreed carrier handover and named destination, together with suitable carriage and insurance arrangements. Confirm cargo acceptance and the actual route separately for the proposed shipment.

Request the actual policy, certificate or equivalent evidence for the shipment. Check the insured party, goods, amount, currency, transit endpoints and claims contacts with the provider. Under CIP Incoterms 2020 the default is Institute Cargo Clauses (A) or equivalent and at least 110% of contract value, unless otherwise agreed; policy terms and exclusions still require review.

CIP does not make the seller responsible for the buyer’s import clearance or import duties. Confirm the importer, customs representative and product-specific requirements before dispatch. Also distinguish the seller’s named transport endpoint from any onward delivery or destination services you must arrange separately.

No. Under CIP, the seller pays contracted carriage and insurance to the named destination, while delivery and cargo risk transfer at the agreed carrier handover. If several carriers are involved, clarify the first-carrier delivery point. Ask the supplier to identify that point and provide the related delivery notice or receipt.

Confirm the named loading port, rule edition, cargo details, readiness date and the origin charges included in the purchase price. Compare the separate freight and destination scope on the same basis. Also agree booking instructions, document approvals, release authority and insurance arrangements, and resolve any difference between the stated term and the physical handover.