EXW：
EXW means the seller’s responsibility ends at the factory gate. Under EXW terms, the supplier is only responsible for producing and packing the goods. Everything else is handled by the importer.
That includes:
- Pickup from the factory
- Inland transportation
- Export customs clearance
- Ocean freight, air freight, rail or trucking, and all related origin charges
- Insurance
- Import customs clearance
- Destination charges and final delivery
This is where many importers misunderstand EXW.
EXW may look cheaper on paper,
but in reality, it puts the most responsibility and risk on the buyer.
If export customs clearance is delayed,
or the documents are incorrect,
the risk is on you — not the factory.
That’s why under EXW terms,
having a reliable China-based freight forwarder is critical.
They coordinate factory pickup, export clearance, and carrier booking,
and make sure the shipment moves properly and compliantly.
So EXW is not about being “cheap.”
It’s about whether you have the experience and support to manage everything.
If you’re importing under EXW
and want to avoid delays, extra costs, or compliance issues,
feel free to reach out.