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Regarding the declaration of customs and booking of shipping under FOB terms
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TRACKING NO. 20260322 / GLOBAL Zhongshen Trade · 23+ Years of Expert Trade Agency
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We have a batch of goods subject to FOB terms, and the client has appointed their freight forwarder. However, the division of responsibilities for customs declaration and vessel booking is a bit unclear at the moment. Could you please clarify who is responsible for customs declaration and vessel booking under FOB terms? As the seller, what specific tasks do we need to undertake? What potential risks should we pay special attention to?
Victor SunYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
Trade Risk Control ManagerStart a Chat
Under FOB terms，the legal responsibility for export customs declaration always lies with the seller. Even if the client appoints a freight forwarder，you must still complete the export declaration and obtain the tax refund copy of the customs declaration form. The risk is that if the freight forwarder delays or misdeclares the goods，the customs penalties will be imposed on your company. It is essential to clarify in the contract that the seller is responsible for export customs declaration，and the buyer's appointed freight forwarder must cooperate by providing accurate manifest information. Key documents include the customs declaration power of attorney，packing list，invoice，and contract，as well as the declaration elements. Special attention should be paid to obtaining a copy of the "Export Goods Declaration Form" stamped by the freight forwarder，as this is the sole proof for tax refund.
Andy GuoYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Supply Chain Management ExpertStart a Chat
Booking is the buyer's responsibility, but you need to push the process. Practical steps: 1) After booking, immediately request Booking Confirmation and S/O (Shipping Order) from the forwarder; 2) Arrange trailer for container pickup with S/O; 3) Provide accurate packing list and invoice to forwarder within 24 hours after loading for VGM and SI. Cost-saving tip: Have the forwarder provide “FOB local fee details” to prevent arbitrary THC/Doc charges. Timeliness key: Get S/O 3 days early, otherwise you might miss the schedule. Remember: you don't pay sea freight, but watch the cut-off time to avoid dead freight.
Kevin LinYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Trade Solutions ManagerStart a Chat
When the client specifies a freight forwarder, you should add the following clause in the PI: "The buyer's nominated forwarder must coordinate with the seller for customs clearance. The seller holds no liability for the forwarder's delay or misdeclaration." This way, the freight forwarder's responsibilities are clearly defined. Communication strategy: "To ensure smooth shipment, please have your freight forwarder send us the warehouse receipt immediately after booking the shipping space, so we can arrange customs declaration." This approach is both professional and shifts the responsibility back to the freight forwarder. Payment method recommendation: If the freight forwarder is unreliable, insist on a 30% deposit plus 70% payment upon receipt of the bill of lading copy to prevent the freight forwarder from releasing the goods without the original documents.