Which Incoterm should I use: FOB, CIF or DDP?

By I&R Group, Jiaxing. Reviewed October 3, 2026.

FOB means you take over at the Chinese port and arrange freight and import yourself, which gives control and often the lowest total cost if you have a broker. CIF adds sea freight and insurance to destination but leaves import clearance to you. DDP means delivered to your door with duty paid, simplest but priced with a margin for the unknowns. Choose by how much of the logistics you want to handle.

• FOB: most control, lowest cost, needs your own broker.
• CIF: freight included to port, you still clear customs.
• DDP: door-to-door, simplest, usually the highest price.