Questions we are asked
What buyers ask when they are working out the true cost of a machine.
The full bill
What is the total cost of importing an excavator?+
The machine, the sea freight, your country's duty and taxes, and the port and clearing charges at your end. We quote the first two as one figure and your clearing agent gives you the rest.
What does CIF actually cover?+
The machine, the sea freight and the marine insurance, delivered to your port. It stops there, so duty, port charges and clearing at your end are still yours to pay.
What is the difference between FOB and CIF for my budget?+
FOB means you take over at the loading port and arrange the sea leg yourself, so you need your own freight arrangements. CIF means we carry it to your port and you plan around a single number, which is easier on a first purchase.
Which should I ask for, FOB or CIF?+
Ask for CIF unless you already move cargo regularly and have your own shipping rates. One number is easier to budget and easier to compare against a local quotation.
Duty and clearing
How much duty will I pay on a used machine?+
That is set by your own customs and it varies by country and by machine type, so we will not publish a figure that could be wrong. Your clearing agent can tell you in one call, and it is worth asking before you commit.
Why do you not publish import duty rates?+
Because they change, and a stale number on a website leads a buyer to budget wrongly and get caught at the port. We would rather point you at the person whose job it is to know today's rate.
What does a clearing agent charge?+
Agents in most countries charge either a flat fee per shipment or a percentage of the shipment value. Get two quotations locally, because the difference between agents is often larger than people expect.
Do I need a clearing agent or can I do it myself?+
In most countries you need a licensed agent to lodge the declaration, and even where you do not, using one is faster and cheaper than learning the process while your machine sits accruing storage.
Avoiding surprises
What unexpected charges catch importers out?+
Storage and demurrage at the terminal, almost every time. The free period is short and the daily rate is not, so the fix is to have your agent ready before the vessel docks.
How do I avoid paying storage charges at the port?+
Appoint your clearing agent early and get the documents to them before arrival. Clearance can then start the moment the vessel is in, which normally keeps you inside the free days.
When do I get the documents for my machine?+
We prepare the invoice, packing list and bill of lading before the machine sails, and send them to you so your agent has everything in hand ahead of arrival.
Can you give me one figure covering everything to my door?+
We can cover the machine and the sea freight in one figure. Nobody outside your country can honestly quote your duty and your port charges, so treat any seller who claims to with caution.
