Logistics and Incoterms
From order to delivery, a trading operation runs through six stages, any one of which can delay the other five. SELA INTERNATIONAL LTD coordinates them and sends the buyer a complete document set before vessel arrival, so that the customs declaration can be lodged without waiting.
The chain, stage by stage
01
Order and contracting
Order confirmation, frozen specification, agreed Incoterm and place, settled payment terms.
02
Production
Factory release, progress tracking, prototype approval where the reference requires it.
03
Quality inspections
During-production inspection at around 60–80% completion, to leave room for rework, then pre-shipment inspection on finished production, at least 80% packed. Third-party inspection on an AQL plan.
04
Export and documentation
Export clearance, bill of lading, certificate of origin, health certificate, complete document set.
05
Main carriage
Freight booking, consolidation where the lot warrants it, vessel tracking and buyer updates.
06
Delivery
Handover at the agreed place under the chosen Incoterm, support with import clearance, documentary close-out.
Incoterms® 2020 used
Every offer states the rule, the named place and the edition. An offer quoting “FOB” without naming the port is not workable.
| Rule | Risk transfers | Main carriage paid by | Insurance mandatory |
|---|---|---|---|
| FCA | On handover to the carrier | Buyer | No |
| FOB | On board, port of shipment | Buyer | No |
| CFR | On board, port of shipment | Seller | No |
| CIF | On board, port of shipment | Seller | Yes — minimum cover |
| DAP | At the agreed destination place | Seller | No |
| DPU | After unloading at the agreed place | Seller | No |
Standard document set
The list below is the baseline. Depending on the product and destination market, specific certificates are added — health, phytosanitary, fumigation, fire rating, laboratory analysis.
- Commercial invoice — exact description, HS heading, Incoterm and place, gross and net weight
- Packing list — packages, dimensions, lots, durability dates, container and seal numbers
- Bill of lading or air waybill
- Certificate of origin issued by the authorised body
- Insurance certificate where the Incoterm provides for it
- Regulatory certificates specific to the product and destination market
Regions served
Gulf & Middle East
Jebel Ali (AEJEA)
North-West Europe
Rotterdam / Anvers (NLRTM, BEANR)
East Africa
Mombasa / Dar es Salaam (KEMBA, TZDAR)
Southern Africa
Durban (ZADUR)
Indian Ocean — Madagascar, Réunion, Comoros
Toamasina / Le Port (MGTMM, RELPT)
West Africa
Abidjan / Lagos (CIABJ, NGLOS)
Singapore — transshipment
Singapour (SGSIN)