Air Freight Guide
Air Freight Incoterms for China to UK Imports
A practical guide to air freight Incoterms and China to UK air freight terms, including who handles cost, risk, export formalities, customs responsibilities, and final delivery.
Key Terms
Main Air Freight Incoterms
EXW
Ex Works means the seller makes the goods available at origin, while the buyer arranges collection, export clearance, air freight, and final delivery.
FCA
Free Carrier is often the most practical air freight term, with the seller delivering goods cleared for export to the named carrier or handover point.
CPT
Carriage Paid To means the seller pays for transport to the named destination, but risk transfers earlier when the goods are handed to the first carrier.
CIP
Carriage and Insurance Paid To is similar to CPT, but the seller also arranges cargo insurance to the named destination.
DAP
Delivered at Place means the seller arranges transport to the agreed destination, while the buyer usually handles import clearance, duty, and taxes.
DDP
Delivered Duty Paid places the broadest responsibility on the seller, including transport, import formalities, and payment of duty and taxes where agreed.
Practical Notes
How to Choose the Right Air Freight Term
The right Incoterm depends on how much control you want over collection, export handling, freight booking, insurance, customs clearance, and final delivery. For many UK importers using air freight from China, FCA is often a balanced option because it clearly defines the seller’s export responsibility while allowing the buyer or freight forwarder to manage the main shipment. When reviewing China to UK air freight terms, it is important to confirm exactly where responsibility transfers and which charges sit at origin and destination.
Cost Responsibility
Incoterms define which party pays for origin handling, main carriage, insurance, destination charges, and delivery. They do not by themselves set the final freight rate. If you are comparing quotes, our air freight services page explains how shipments are structured from China to the UK.
Risk Transfer
The point where risk passes from seller to buyer may differ from the point where transport costs are paid. This distinction is especially important under CPT and CIP.
Customs and Compliance
Export and import formalities should be clearly understood before shipment. Incorrect assumptions can lead to delays, unexpected charges, or clearance issues. If you are importing into the UK, see our guide to postponed VAT accounting and EORI for related customs requirements.
Forwarder Support
A freight forwarder can help review supplier terms, explain charge allocation, and structure a shipment so responsibilities are clear before goods move. You can also read how the process works before booking your shipment.