Overseas Warehousing: Should You Pre-Ship Inventory from China?

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping sounds convenient but carries significant risk. The seller controls the entire logistics chain, which means you have limited visibility and no recourse if things go wrong. Many DDP quotes include hidden margins on freight and customs brokerage. If you're importing regularly, invest in learning FOB or CIF and work with your own freight forwarder. The long-term savings typically justify the learning curve.

Customs valuation is a common source of disputes. Chinese customs values goods for export based on the transaction value (the price actually paid). The importing country's customs may independently assess value. Common triggers for customs audits include: values significantly below similar goods, frequent changes in declared value, and incomplete documentation. Maintain consistent, well-documented valuation practices.

Demurrage and detention charges have become a significant cost factor. Demurrage is charged when cargo stays in the terminal beyond the free period. Detention is charged when containers stay outside the terminal beyond the free period. Free periods vary by carrier and route — typically 3-7 days for demurrage and 5-10 days for detention. Always confirm these terms in your booking. Track your container return dates religiously.