TL;DR: Choosing the wrong Incoterm can add 8-12 % to your tile cost. In this 5 000-word guide, China factory SKW Roof shares 2025 container data, a free landed-cost calculator, and the exact FOB vs CIF vs DDP breakdown we use for 1 380 containers a year.
1. Incoterms 2020 Quick Recap
| Incoterm | Risk Border | Ocean Freight | Destination THC | Import Duty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FOB | On vessel China | Buyer | Buyer | Buyer |
| CIF | On vessel China | Seller | Buyer | Buyer |
| DDP | Delivered buyer warehouse | Seller | Seller | Seller |
2. Why Metal Roofing Tiles Are Different
- Volume-to-weight ratio: 1 000 m² ≈ 2.6 ton → you pay by volume (62 m³) not weight.
- Palletised vs loose: pallets add 12 % volume but cut unloading cost 35 %.
- Stacking height: 17 layers max → 480-600 pcs/pallet; poor stuffing = 8 % dead space.
- Coating risk: stone-chip surface needs plastic film; condensation = rust stains → claims.
3. Landed-Cost Components (87 Invoices Analysed)
| Line Item | Median $/40-ft HC | Range | % of FOB |
|---|---|---|---|
| FOB Qingdao (SKW Roof) | 11 500 | — | 100 |
| Export clearance | 185 | 150-220 | 1.6 |
| Ocean freight (Nov-24) | 1 350 | 1 200-1 600 | 11.7 |
| Bunker adjustment (BAF) | 210 | 180-250 | 1.8 |
| Destination THC | 385 | 350-450 | 3.3 |
| Chassis split (US ports) | 175 | 150-200 | 1.5 |
| Customs entry | 165 | 135-195 | 1.4 |
| Duty (HS 7308.90, US 0 %) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ISF & AMS | 95 | 85-110 | 0.8 |
| Final haulage (500 mi) | 1 050 | 900-1 200 | 9.1 |
| Median Landed | 15 115 | — | 131.4 |
Source: SKW Roof shipments Jan-Nov 2025, 40-ft HC, 25-ton payload, US Gulf & East Coast.
4. FOB vs CIF vs DDP: 2025 Real Quotes
- FOB: 2.83 $/m² landed (freight controlled by buyer)
- CIF: 2.97 $/m² landed (freight prepaid by seller)
- DDP warehouse: 3.25 $/m² (all-in, zero customs hassle)
Savings tip: if you import ≥2 containers/month, FOB saves 0.14 $/m² = 336 $ per container.
5. Hidden Charges You Forget
- Customs examination fee: 150-250 USD (CBP randomly selects 10 % containers).
- Chassis split: 50-75 USD if driver must pick up chassis separately.
- Demurrage: 75-150 USD/day after 5 free days at port.
- Detention: 75-125 USD/day if container not returned empty within 5 days.
- ISF amendment: 45 USD if biller changes after 24 h rule.
- Congestion surcharge: 250-350 USD (Los Angeles, Long Beach).
- Low-sulphur fuel surcharge: 25-40 USD/TEU, still applied by some carriers.
Total “surprise” cost can reach 480-650 USD per container—add 0.20 $/m² to your budget.
6. Interactive Landed-Cost Calculator (2025)
Google-Sheets link (read-only, make a copy): SKW Roof Landed-Cost Calculator
- Auto-pulls live freight quotes via Freightos API.
- Built-in duty rates for 42 countries.
- Adds hidden-charge toggle (on/off).
- Export PDF quote for your customer.
7. Buyer Checklist (Copy-Paste)
- ☑ Confirm HS code 7308.90 or 7210.70 (duty difference 0-25 %).
- ☑ Ask supplier for packing list (pallet vs loose) to calc CBM.
- ☑ Request COO Form A if GSP country (save 3-9 % duty).
- ☑ Book inspection before container leaves factory (SGS 298 USD).
- ☑ Match vessel ETA with free-time at port (5 days standard).
- ☑ Pre-arrange chassis pool to avoid split fee.
- ☑ Add 0.20 $/m² contingency for hidden charges.
8. Case Study: 40-ft HC to Houston, TX
| Item | Supplier A (FOB) | Supplier B (CIF) | Supplier C (DDP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit FOB $/m² | 2.30 | 2.30 | 2.30 |
| Freight $/m² | 0.45 (buyer) | 0.58 (seller) | Included |
| Hidden $/m² | 0.20 | 0.20 | Included |
| Duty $/m² | 0 | 0 | Included |
| Landed $/m² | 2.95 | 3.08 | 3.25 |
| Cash-flow days | 21 | 14 | 7 |
Buyer chose Supplier A FOB, saved 0.13 $/m² (312 $/container) and controlled freight schedule.
FAQ – People Also Ask
- Q1. What is the cheapest Incoterm for importing metal roofing tiles from China?
- A: FOB Qingdao saves 4-6 % vs CIF and gives you freight control; but only if you have reliable freight forwarder and can consolidate ≥2 containers/month.
- Q2. What hidden charges increase landed cost the most?
- A: Destination THC, customs examination fee, chassis split, and ISF amendment add up to 480-650 USD per 40-ft HC—often missed in beginner budgets.
- Q3. How accurate is SKW Roof’s landed-cost calculator?
- A: Calculator uses 2025 live freight contracts and 87 real invoices; average deviation from actual landed cost is ±2.3 %.
- Q4. Should I buy CIF if I am new to importing?
- A: CIF is simpler but usually 0.10-0.15 $/m² more expensive. Use it for first 2 containers, then switch to FOB once you have forwarder relationships.
- Q5. Does duty-free apply to stone-coated metal roofing in the US?
- A: Yes, HS 7308.90 is general-duty 0 % under HTSUS 2025. You still pay MPF (0.346 %) and HMF (0.125 %).
Need a live landed-cost quote for your next container?
Email business@skywalkerchina.com or WhatsApp +86 13153460330 with destination zip-code and quantity. We will return a line-by-line FOB/CIF/DDP comparison in 6 hours.