Shipping is where a good product can turn into a bad deal. A bra order that costs $3,000 can carry $600 of freight, $200 of duty and a week of customs delay if the terms are not agreed before production. Understanding shipping bras from China before you order is as important as understanding the price per piece.
This guide explains the main shipping methods, how costs are calculated, what the Incoterms mean, and what documents you should receive with every shipment.
Shipping Methods Compared
| Method | Typical Transit Time | Best For | Cost Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express (DHL, FedEx, UPS) | 3 to 7 days | Samples, small restocks, launch orders | Highest per kg |
| Air freight | 7 to 12 days | Medium orders where speed matters | Medium |
| Sea freight LCL | 25 to 40 days | Bulk orders, less than container load | Low per cbm |
| Sea freight FCL | 25 to 40 days | Full container orders | Lowest per unit |
| Rail freight | 18 to 30 days | Some European destinations | Between air and sea |
For a first bra order, express is usually the simplest choice. For repeat bulk orders, sea freight reduces the cost per piece significantly. Many buyers use a mix: express for samples and urgent restocks, sea for planned production.
How Shipping Cost Is Calculated
Freight is not priced only by the weight you see on a scale. Carriers compare actual weight with volumetric weight:
Volumetric weight (kg) = length × width × height (cm) ÷ 5000
Whichever number is higher becomes the chargeable weight. Bras are light but bulky, so volumetric weight usually decides the price. This is why packaging size has a direct effect on shipping cost: a smaller carton can save more than a cheaper polybag.
For sea freight, cost is usually based on cubic metres (CBM) rather than weight.
Incoterms Explained
The Incoterm in a quotation defines where the supplier’s responsibility ends and yours begins. The three terms most bra buyers encounter:
- EXW (Ex Works): you collect from the factory. Cheapest quote, most work for you.
- FOB (Free On Board): the supplier delivers to the departure port and handles export clearance. You pay the ocean/air freight and destination costs. This is the most common term for bulk orders.
- CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight): the supplier pays freight and insurance to your destination port. You still handle import clearance and delivery.
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): the supplier handles everything, including duties, to your door. The most convenient, and usually the most expensive quote.
Always compare quotes on the same Incoterm. A cheap EXW price and an expensive DDP price are not the same offer.
Customs Duties And Taxes
Import duties depend on the destination country, the product classification and the declared value. Most countries classify bras under a specific HS code, and rates vary widely. Some markets also charge VAT or sales tax on import.
Ask your supplier to declare the goods accurately. Under-declaring to reduce duty is illegal and can result in fines, seizure or delayed clearance. A reliable factory will provide a commercial invoice and packing list that match the shipment.
Documents You Should Receive
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading or airway bill
- Certificate of origin, if required by your market
- Product test reports, if applicable
- Loading photos before dispatch
Check the documents before the shipment arrives. Correcting an invoice after the container has sailed is possible but slow.
Consolidating Orders
If you order several styles, ask whether they can be consolidated into one shipment. Consolidation reduces fixed costs and simplifies customs clearance. It also makes it easier to check the full order on arrival.
For mixed orders, confirm how cartons are labeled by style, size and colour. A well-labeled shipment saves hours in the warehouse.
How We Ship
We ship by sea, air and express (DHL, FedEx and UPS), and we work with freight forwarders who handle export documentation and destination clearance. For each order we confirm the shipping method, the Incoterm and the estimated transit time before dispatch.
Our standard production time is 15 to 30 days after sample approval. Shipping time is additional and depends on the method and destination. We send loading photos before the shipment leaves the factory.
Reducing Shipping Risk
- Order a sample by express before a bulk order
- Plan production around your selling season, not after it starts
- Ask for the carton dimensions before shipping so you can calculate volumetric weight
- Confirm the Incoterm and who pays duty
- Keep a buffer of one to two weeks for customs clearance
- Insure high-value shipments
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does shipping from China take?
Express usually takes 3 to 7 days after dispatch, air freight 7 to 12 days, and sea freight 25 to 40 days depending on the destination port. Production time is separate and usually takes 15 to 30 days.
What is the cheapest way to ship bras from China?
Sea freight is the cheapest per unit for bulk orders. For small orders, express or air freight is often more practical because the fixed costs of sea freight are too high for a small shipment.
Do you ship to my country?
We ship to more than 50 countries. Send us your destination city and postal code and we will confirm the available methods and estimated cost.
Who pays the import duty?
It depends on the Incoterm. Under FOB or CIF, the buyer pays import duty. Under DDP, the supplier includes duty in the price. Confirm this before comparing quotations.
Tell us your destination and order size and we will compare express, air and sea options for you. Request a shipping quote or contact our team.