In short: Compare FRP factory quotes only after aligning product scope, packing, documents, and trade terms—FIBROVX’s default is CIF to the destination port, with FOB China port available on request. A lower unit price under a thinner scope or different Incoterm is not a real saving.
Line up scope before you line up price
| Scope line | Questions to ask each bidder |
|---|---|
| Product definition | Same resin, thickness, mesh/type, color, UV veil? |
| Fabrication | Cut-outs, banding, labeled panels included? |
| Hardware | Clips, bolts, splice plates counted? |
| Packing | Export crates, moisture protection, part marks? |
| Documents | Which drawings, MTC/test reports, packing list? |
| Incoterms | CIF destination port vs FOB China port? |
For logistics context see How to Import FRP from China; this article is about bid comparison, not the shipping process itself.
CIF (default) vs FOB (on request)
- CIF destination port — seller arranges carriage and insurance to the named port; useful when you want one commercial package
- FOB China port — buyer’s forwarder takes over after loading; useful when you already consolidate freight
Never compare a CIF total to an FOB unit price without rebuilding landed cost. Site delivery beyond the port is usually separate unless stated.
Simple award checklist
- Normalize Incoterms and currency
- Strike through missing scope on the cheap bid
- Confirm lead time and drawing approval cycle
- Confirm packing marks match your install sequence
- Send the winning datasheet set via Request a Quote
What CIF and FOB mean under Incoterms 2020
Incoterms 2020, published by the International Chamber of Commerce, defines who pays and who carries the risk. Three points are often misunderstood:
- Risk passes at the port of shipment under both CIF and FOB. Under CIF, the seller pays freight and insurance to the destination port, but risk passes to the buyer when the goods are on board the vessel at the port of shipment.
- CIF insurance is minimum cover. Under Incoterms 2020, CIF requires minimum cover of Institute Cargo Clauses (C), for 110% of the contract value. If you want wider cover, such as Clauses (A), agree it in the contract.
- CIF and FOB are for sea and inland waterway transport. For containers handed over at an inland terminal or for multimodal transport, ICC points to CIP or FCA instead.
CIF vs FOB at a glance
| Point | CIF (FIBROVX default) | FOB (on request) |
|---|---|---|
| Who books ocean freight | Seller | Buyer |
| Who pays marine insurance | Seller (minimum ICC (C), 110%) | Buyer, if wanted |
| Where risk passes | On board at the port of shipment | On board at the port of shipment |
| Destination charges and import duty | Buyer | Buyer |
Cost lines to add before you compare
Put each quote into the same total landed cost. Add the lines that are not in the price:
- Ocean freight and insurance, if a quote is FOB.
- Destination terminal handling, delivery order and port charges.
- Customs clearance, import duty and taxes in your country.
- Inland transport from the port to site.
- Third-party inspection, if you require it; see third-party inspection checklist.
Questions that separate real savings from scope gaps
- Is the resin the same, for example isophthalic polyester vs vinyl ester?
- Are clips, fixings, cut-outs and edge sealing included?
- Is the surface (grit, concave) and color the same?
- Is packing export-grade, with marking to your drawing?
- Which documents come with the shipment: packing list, certificate of origin, test reports?
If any answer differs, ask the cheaper supplier to re-quote on the same basis before you award.
Common mistakes
- Comparing a CIF price with an FOB price as if they were the same.
- Assuming CIF insurance covers all risks; the minimum is Institute Cargo Clauses (C).
- Assuming the seller carries risk until the destination under CIF.
- Using CIF for goods handed over at an inland terminal, where CIP is the ICC choice.
- Awarding on unit price before checking scope lines.
Key terms
- Incoterms: ICC rules that set who pays which costs and where risk passes.
- CIF: Cost, Insurance and Freight to the named destination port.
- FOB: Free On Board at the named port of shipment.
- Landed cost: the total cost to get the goods to your site, including freight, duty and local charges.
Ready to quote? Send drawings, cut lists and duty data to FIBROVX. Trade terms default to CIF destination port; FOB China port is available on request.
Related FIBROVX pages
FAQ
What is FIBROVX’s default trade term?
CIF destination port is the default. FOB China port is available on request when the buyer’s forwarder will handle main carriage.
Why isn’t the lowest unit price enough?
Quotes differ in cut-outs, hardware, packing, documents, spare clips and whether ducts or covers are included. Align scope first.
Which documents should appear on both quotes?
Typical commercial packs include packing list, commercial invoice and bill of lading under CIF; quality documents should be listed explicitly: ISO 9001 certificate, factory inspection/test reports (tensile, flexural, ASTM E84 where specified); third-party inspection by SGS/BV/Intertek accepted at buyer's cost.
How do I compare CIF vs FOB numbers?
Add freight, insurance and destination charges to FOB to reach a landed-cost view, or compare both quotes on the same Incoterm.
Sources
- International Chamber of Commerce, Incoterms® 2020 rules, https://iccwbo.org/business-solutions/incoterms-rules/incoterms-2020/