Sourcing glossary
EXW
Also known as: Ex Works
An Incoterm under which the seller only makes goods available at its own premises; the buyer handles loading, export clearance, freight and all later costs and risks.
EXW puts the maximum obligation on the buyer. When buying from China, the buyer (or their forwarder) must arrange export customs clearance, which usually requires a Chinese entity with export rights. That makes EXW practical only if you have a forwarder or agent in China.
Related terms
Guides that use this term
Trade terms
EXW vs FOB vs DDP: Which Incoterm to Use When Buying from China
EXW, FOB and DDP compared for China imports: who pays each cost, where risk transfers, and which term suits first-time buyers vs experienced importers.
Updated 2026-09-26 · 3 min read
Shipping
Shipping from China to Amazon FBA: Rules, Options and Pitfalls
How to ship inventory from China into Amazon FBA in the US: carton and pallet limits, labels, importer of record, DDP forwarders, AGL and prep centers.
Updated 2026-09-20 · 6 min read
Yiwu
Yiwu Sourcing Agent Fees: How Agents Charge and What to Compare
How Yiwu buying agents charge: commission ranges, flat and per-container fees, what is included, hidden markups, red flags and how to compare quotes fairly.
Updated 2026-09-19 · 5 min read
Compliance
How to Calculate Landed Cost When Importing from China
A step-by-step landed cost formula for China imports: product cost, freight, insurance, duty, VAT, fees and delivery, with why US and EU/UK duty bases differ.
Updated 2026-09-17 · 6 min read
Trade terms
CIF vs FOB: Which Is Better When Importing from China?
CIF vs FOB under Incoterms 2020: who books freight, what CIF insurance really covers, where risk passes, and why CIF can cost more once goods reach your port.
Updated 2026-09-16 · 5 min read
Compliance
How to Find the Right HS Code for Products Imported from China
How HS codes work, how to classify a product step by step with official tariff tools in the US, EU and UK, and why your supplier's code may be wrong.
Updated 2026-09-08 · 7 min read
Part of Incoterms & Payment.