Beijing Youshare Food Co., Ltd|ice cream|3D ice cream|fruit ice cream

Factory quotation versus landed cost: what does imported ice cream really cost?

2026-11-02

【正文】

Why does landed cost differ from the factory quotation?

Landed cost has three parts quoted by three parties: the factory quotation, the forwarder's charges, and clearance with duty. Comparing suppliers on the first part alone is the usual source of "the price I saw is not the price I paid". Put all offers on the same trade term before comparing.

When importing frozen desserts like China 3D ice cream into overseas markets, buyers frequently encounter a discrepancy between the initial supplier quote and the final payment required to release the container at the destination port. This gap occurs because an ex-factory or baseline quotation covers only production and primary packaging, excluding logistics, insurance, customs tariffs, and terminal handling charges.

What are the three components of landed total expenses?

To calculate true import expenditure, buyers must segment expenses into three distinct tiers: 1. The Factory Quotation: Covers baseline manufacturing, standard or custom cartons, and loading at the origin facility. 2. Forwarder Charges: Includes ocean freight for a 40'HQ reefer container, origin terminal handling, documentation fees, and marine insurance. 3. Clearance and Duty: Comprises destination port customs duties, import VAT or sales taxes, customs broker fees, and destination port storage risks.

How to compare supplier offers accurately?

When evaluating multiple proposals, mismatched trade terms create distorted comparisons. For instance, comparing an FOB quote directly with a CIF quote will mask the freight variance.

Standardizing all proposals to a unified trade term allows buyers to isolate manufacturing value from logistics volatility. Furthermore, verifying whether export documentation complies with destination market requirements prevents unexpected customs delays that inflate landed expenses. In practical supply chain management, working with structured manufacturers like Hicey helps ensure clear documentation and transparent trade term definitions.

FAQ

Q: Why do freight charges fluctuate after quotation? A: Ocean freight for refrigerated containers is subject to seasonal capacity shifts and port congestion surcharges.

Q: Should import duties be calculated based on the factory quotation? A: Customs authorities calculate duties based on the CIF value at the port of entry, not solely on the factory invoice price.

This guide was prepared by the Hicey technical and export desk. Beijing Youshare Food Co., Ltd. produces 3D novelty frozen desserts, offering 45 distinct product varieties available in both dairy and plant-based formulas for international buyers.

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