FOB, CFR, CIF, EXW and FCA explained for buyers in Africa: who pays what, where risk passes, and which terms suit landlocked destinations.
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Category: Insights
How Long Does Shipping from China to Africa Take? A Port-by-Port Overview
Typical sea transit times from China to Dar es Salaam, Mombasa, Durban, Mozambique’s ports and Lagos, plus the steps that add time before and after the voyage.
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Golden Samples: Why You Need One Before Mass Production
A golden sample is the signed, sealed reference that production and inspection are judged against. How to approve, seal and keep one when buying from China.
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Alibaba vs Factory-Direct Sourcing: What African Importers Should Know
When Alibaba works for African buyers, what Trade Assurance does and does not cover, and when to move from the platform to buying factory-direct.
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Planning a China Buying Trip: A Guide for African Buyers Visiting Guangzhou
Planning a buying trip to China? When it is worth it, how to prepare, how to buy at Guangzhou markets, and how goods get from the market to your container.
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Independent Sourcing Agent vs Supplier-Linked Agent: Why Independence Matters
Some sourcing agents earn commission from factories. How agents get paid, how hidden commissions affect price and quality, and how to tell if an agent is independent.
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How to Write a Product Specification Chinese Factories Can’t Misread
A clear product specification gets comparable quotes and an inspection standard. The 10 things to include, vague words to avoid, and a before-and-after example.
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Sourcing from China to Tender Specs: A Guide for NGO and Donor-Funded Projects
How to source from China for NGO and donor-funded projects in Africa: tender specifications, competing quotations, supplier verification, inspection and an audit-ready file.
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Export Documents for Shipping from China to Africa: Invoice, Packing List, B/L and Certificate of Origin
Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, export declaration and fumigation: who issues each document and the errors that delay customs.
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Importing from China to Zimbabwe and Malawi: Routes, CBCA and Documents
Shipping from China to Zimbabwe or Malawi: Durban, Beira, Nacala and Dar es Salaam routes, Zimbabwe’s CBCA certificate, and what to prepare before loading.
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