When you request a wholesale quote, the price only means something once you know the Incoterm attached to it. Incoterms are the internationally recognised rules that define exactly where the seller’s responsibility ends and yours begins. Getting them right protects your landed cost and avoids surprises at the port.
EXW — Ex Works
Under EXW, the goods are made available at our facility in Dubai and everything after that is arranged by you: collection, export clearance, freight and insurance. EXW gives you maximum control over the logistics chain and is often the cheapest headline price — but only makes sense if you have a reliable freight forwarder handling UAE export formalities on your behalf.
FOB — Free On Board
With FOB (for us, typically FOB Jebel Ali), we handle export clearance and deliver the goods loaded onto the vessel you nominate. Risk transfers to you once the goods are on board. FOB is the most common basis for container-load orders because it splits responsibility cleanly: we own the origin side, you own the sea freight and destination side.
CIF — Cost, Insurance and Freight
Under CIF, we arrange and pay for the sea freight and marine insurance to your named destination port. Risk still passes at the origin port, but the freight and basic insurance are already in the price. CIF is the simplest option for buyers who prefer a single all-in figure to the port and don’t want to manage the ocean leg themselves.
Which should you choose?
- New to importing, or want simplicity: ask for CIF to your nearest major port.
- Have your own forwarder and freight rates: FOB usually lands cheaper.
- Consolidating from multiple suppliers in the UAE: EXW lets your forwarder collect everything together.
Whatever your preference, tell us the destination and the term you want and we’ll quote on that basis. Duty, VAT and any excise at the destination remain the importer’s responsibility under all three terms.
