Resources
Shipping Guide for Exporters & Importers
Everything you need to plan a shipment from India: calculate volume, choose the right Incoterm and prepare the correct documents.
CBM & volumetric weight calculator
Enter dimensions in centimetres and weight in kilograms.
- Total volume
- 4.320 CBM
- Gross weight
- 720 kg
- Air chargeable (÷6000)
- 720 kg
- Volumetric 720 kg
- Sea LCL (W/M)
- 4.32 RT
- 1 RT = 1 CBM or 1,000 kg
Courier/express volumetric weight uses ÷5000: 864 kg. Estimates only —request an exact quote.
Incoterms® 2020
Incoterms explained
Incoterms define who pays for what and where risk passes from seller to buyer. Choose carefully — it drives your price and your insurance needs.
| Term | Mode | Seller’s responsibility | Risk transfer |
|---|---|---|---|
| EXWEx Works | Any | Makes goods available at own premises. | Buyer bears all risk from seller’s premises. |
| FCAFree Carrier | Any | Export clearance and delivery to named carrier. | Transfers when goods are handed to buyer’s carrier. |
| CPTCarriage Paid To | Any | Export clearance and main carriage. | Transfers at first carrier; seller pays freight. |
| CIPCarriage & Insurance Paid To | Any | Freight + insurance to destination. | As CPT; seller also buys all-risk insurance. |
| DAPDelivered at Place | Any | All transport to destination; buyer pays import duty. | Transfers at named destination, ready for unloading. |
| DPUDelivered at Place Unloaded | Any | Transport and unloading at destination. | Transfers once unloaded at destination. |
| DDPDelivered Duty Paid | Any | Everything, including import clearance and taxes. | Seller bears all risk and cost incl. import duties. |
| FASFree Alongside Ship | Sea | Export clearance and delivery to port quay. | Transfers when goods are alongside the vessel. |
| FOBFree On Board | Sea | Export clearance and loading on vessel. | Transfers once goods are loaded on board. |
| CFRCost and Freight | Sea | Export clearance and ocean freight. | Transfers on board at origin; seller pays ocean freight. |
| CIFCost, Insurance & Freight | Sea | Ocean freight + minimum insurance. | As CFR; seller buys minimum insurance. |
Checklist
Export & import documents
Export from India
- Commercial invoiceValue, HS code, Incoterm and buyer/seller details.
- Packing listPackage count, dimensions, net & gross weights.
- Shipping billFiled on ICEGATE by your customs broker.
- IEC (Importer Exporter Code)Issued by DGFT; mandatory for exporters.
- GST & AD code registrationRequired for export incentives and remittance.
- Bill of Lading / Air WaybillIssued by carrier or forwarder as contract of carriage.
- Certificate of originFor preferential duty under FTAs (if applicable).
- Letter of credit docsWhere payment is under LC — follow LC terms exactly.
- Fumigation / phytosanitary certificateFor wooden packaging or agricultural products.
Import into India
- Bill of entryImport declaration filed on ICEGATE.
- Commercial invoice & packing listFrom the overseas supplier.
- Bill of Lading / Air WaybillOriginal or telex-released B/L for sea cargo.
- IEC and GST registrationOf the Indian importer.
- Insurance certificateRequired for assessable value calculation.
- Import licence / BIS / FSSAIFor restricted or regulated goods.
- Delivery orderIssued by shipping line / airline after freight payment.
FAQ
Shipping basics FAQ
What is CBM in shipping?
CBM (cubic metre) is the volume of your cargo: length × width × height in metres. One CBM equals 1,000,000 cubic centimetres. Ocean LCL freight is usually charged per CBM.
How is volumetric weight calculated for air freight?
Air volumetric weight = L × W × H (cm) ÷ 6000. Airlines charge on whichever is higher — actual gross weight or volumetric weight. Express couriers typically use ÷ 5000.
Which Incoterm is best for Indian exporters?
FOB and FCA are common for exporters who want to control export clearance while the buyer manages freight. CIF/CIP suit buyers who prefer a delivered price to their port, and DAP/DDP suit door-delivery sales.
Need help with paperwork?
Our customs team prepares and checks every document so your cargo clears first time.