Many new pet brands spend weeks comparing unit prices from cat litter manufacturers, then get surprised by the landed cost. The reason is usually the shipping terms (Incoterms) attached to the quote. Two factories can quote the same per-tonne price and still leave you with very different final bills.
Here’s how the three terms you’ll see most often actually work, and how to choose between them.
FOB (Free On Board)
Under FOB Qingdao, the factory covers production, export packing, inland transport to the port, and export customs clearance. Once the goods are loaded onto the vessel, cost and risk pass to you.
You book the ocean freight yourself, usually through your own freight forwarder. FOB suits buyers who already have a forwarder, want control over shipping schedules, or plan to consolidate orders from several suppliers.
CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight)
With CIF, the manufacturer also books and pays the ocean freight and basic cargo insurance to your destination port. It’s simpler for a first order, since one quote covers more of the journey.
The catch: risk still transfers at loading in China, and the destination charges (terminal handling, import clearance, duties, delivery to your warehouse) remain your responsibility. Always ask what insurance coverage level is included.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)
DDP means the seller handles everything up to your door, including import duties and taxes. It’s the most convenient option, but you have less visibility into each cost line. Make sure the quote clearly states what’s included, and confirm who acts as the importer of record in your market.
Why This Matters More for Cat Litter
Cat litter is a heavy, low-value-per-kilo product, so freight is a much larger share of landed cost than it is for toys or accessories. A few practical points:
- Container loading is weight-limited. Bentonite litter often reaches the container’s weight limit before it fills the space, so ask your supplier for the realistic tonnage per container for your bag size.
- Pallets vs. floor loading. Floor-loaded bags fit more product; palletized loads unload faster at your warehouse. Decide based on your receiving setup.
- Moisture protection. Ask about container liners or desiccants, especially for silica and tofu litter on long, humid sea routes.
Questions to Ask Your Manufacturer
- Which Incoterm is this price based on, and from which port?
- How many tonnes and bags fit per 20ft or 40ft container for my packaging?
- Who provides the commercial invoice, packing list, and certificate of origin?
- Can you quote both FOB and CIF so I can compare against my forwarder?
At Acmic, we’re happy to quote on the terms that fit your business and walk first-time importers through the paperwork. Contact us to request a quote for your next private-label cat litter order.
