Shipping Terms
How CipherFAB Ships Your Order
CipherFAB ships to customers across India and to buyers in 25+ countries. Shipping method, carrier, cost, and Incoterm are determined by your production tier — Rapid, Batch, or Mass Production — along with shipment weight, destination, and any applicable export compliance requirements. This page explains how each tier ships, what you are responsible for, and what CipherFAB manages on your behalf.
Shipping cost is calculated and displayed at the quote stage before you place your order. There are no hidden freight charges added after confirmation.
Shipping by Production Tier
Rapid Production — Air Freight Only
Rapid orders ship exclusively by air. Air freight is the only mode consistent with Rapid lead times — surface and sea freight timelines are incompatible with the expedited production schedule. CipherFAB coordinates air shipment through approved carriers for all Rapid orders, domestic and international.
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Mode | Air freight only |
| Carriers | Approved express and air cargo carriers (DHL, FedEx, Blue Dart for domestic) |
| Domestic Transit | 1–3 business days depending on destination |
| International Transit | 3–7 business days depending on destination and customs clearance |
| Shipment Weight | No minimum — single components through multi-component assemblies |
| Tracking | Real-time shipment tracking provided on dispatch |
| Incoterm (International) | DAP (Delivered at Place) as standard — CipherFAB covers freight and export clearance; buyer is responsible for import duties, taxes, and customs clearance at destination |
| Packaging | Export-grade packaging included: foam-lined, foam-wrapped, or crated to component geometry |
Batch Production — Shipments Under 500 kg
Batch orders with a total shipment weight below 500 kg ship by air freight as standard, with surface road freight available for domestic orders where the customer selects it at checkout and the lead time permits.
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Mode | Air freight (default) · Road freight (domestic, customer-selected) |
| Carriers | Air: DHL, FedEx, Blue Dart · Road: Registered logistics partners across India |
| Domestic Air Transit | 1–3 business days |
| Domestic Road Transit | 2–5 business days depending on destination |
| International Transit | 3–7 business days air; sea not applicable below 500 kg |
| Tracking | Real-time tracking on all shipments |
| Incoterm (International) | DAP as standard; FCA available on request for buyers with their own freight accounts |
| Packaging | Standard export-grade packaging; custom crating available on request |
For Batch orders below 500 kg where the customer supplies their own courier or freight account (DHL, FedEx, or equivalent), the order ships Ex-Works (EXW) — CipherFAB packs and makes the order ready for collection; the buyer is responsible for all freight, export documentation, and import clearance.
Mass Production — Shipments Over 500 kg
Mass Production orders with a total shipment weight exceeding 500 kg ship by surface road freight for domestic orders and by sea freight or consolidated air freight for international orders, depending on destination, urgency, and buyer preference.
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Mode | Road freight (domestic) · Sea freight / consolidated air (international) |
| Carriers | Road: National registered logistics partners · Sea: Approved freight forwarders |
| Domestic Road Transit | 3–7 business days depending on origin-to-destination distance |
| International Sea Transit | 10–25 business days depending on port and routing |
| International Air (Mass) | Available on request; rates quoted separately based on chargeable weight |
| Incoterm (International) | FOB (Free On Board) as standard for sea freight — CipherFAB covers inland transport and export clearance to port of origin; buyer arranges main freight, insurance, and import clearance |
| Partial Shipments | Available on request for large BOMs where phased delivery is required |
| Packaging | Heavy-duty palletised and shrink-wrapped; wooden crating available for fragile or high-value components |
For Mass Production orders, freight terms are confirmed and documented in the order confirmation before production begins. Changes to shipping address or freight terms after production commencement may result in additional charges.
CipherFAB ships international orders under the following Incoterms 2020 terms. The applicable term is confirmed on your quote and order confirmation.
Incoterms Reference
| Incoterm | What It Means | Who Pays Freight | Who Handles Import |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAP — Delivered at Place | CipherFAB delivers to your named destination | CipherFAB | Buyer |
| FOB — Free On Board | CipherFAB delivers to port of origin and clears export | Buyer (from port) | Buyer |
| FCA — Free Carrier | CipherFAB delivers to named carrier or terminal | Buyer (from carrier handover) | Buyer |
| EXW — Ex Works | CipherFAB packs and makes ready; buyer arranges collection | Buyer (all) | Buyer |
DAP is CipherFAB's default Incoterm for Rapid and Batch international orders — it gives buyers the simplest experience with no freight management required on their end. FOB is the standard for Mass Production sea freight shipments. FCA and EXW are available for buyers who prefer to manage their own freight accounts.
Packaging Standards
CipherFAB packages every outbound order to protect components from transit damage, moisture, and vibration. Packaging specification is matched to component geometry, material, surface finish, and shipment mode.
Standard Packaging
Foam-lined cardboard cartons for small to medium components. Individual components wrapped in poly foam or VCI (Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor) film where corrosion protection is required for metallic components.
Pallet Packaging
Components palletised and shrink-wrapped for surface and sea freight, with corner protection and banding. Used on all Mass Production road and sea shipments.
Wooden Crating
Structural timber crates for heavy, large, or high-value components. Used for machined precision components, fabricated assemblies, and components with sensitive surface finishes where crate rigidity is required.
Export Cartons
Double-walled corrugated export cartons for international air shipments meeting IATA standards for air cargo.
Special packaging requirements
Including custom foam inserts, humidity indicators, desiccant packs, or tamper-evident sealing — can be requested at the order stage.
International Shipping and Customs
CipherFAB prepares export documentation and coordinates international freight. Under DAP and FOB terms, the buyer remains Importer of Record at destination.
Export Documentation
CipherFAB prepares and manages all export documentation for outbound international shipments.
- Commercial invoice with accurate component description, HS code, and declared value
- Packing List itemising quantity, weight, and dimensions per carton or pallet
- Certificate of Origin where required by destination customs authority
- Airway Bill (AWB) or Bill of Lading (B/L) for air and sea shipments respectively
- Shipper's Export Declaration (SED) where applicable
Import Responsibilities
Under DAP and FOB terms, the buyer is the Importer of Record at the destination country and is responsible for import customs clearance, payment of applicable duties/tariffs/taxes, appointment of a customs broker if required, and providing accurate HS / HTS codes where requested.
Providing incorrect or incomplete HS codes is one of the most common causes of customs delays. CipherFAB's logistics team can advise on appropriate HS codes for standard component types — contact your account manager at the order stage if clarification is required.
- Import customs clearance and compliance with destination country regulations
- Payment of applicable import duties, tariffs, and taxes
- Appointment of a customs broker if required
- Providing accurate HS / HTS codes for components where requested by CipherFAB at the order stage
ITAR and Export-Controlled Orders
Orders containing components subject to ITAR or EAR export controls are managed under CipherFAB's ITAR-compliant export procedures. Export licence requirements are assessed at the order stage. Controlled shipments require additional documentation and processing time — confirm ITAR classification requirements when placing your order.
Tracking and Delivery Confirmation
All CipherFAB shipments include real-time tracking from the point of dispatch. Tracking details are provided via your CipherFAB order portal and by email on the day of dispatch.
For freight and pallet shipments, delivery confirmation is obtained from the carrier on receipt. If a shipment is undelivered or delayed beyond the estimated transit window, contact CipherFAB's logistics team directly — do not wait for the carrier to initiate a trace.
Damaged or Incorrect Shipments
CipherFAB's two-tier quality inspection process — VQC at vendor and Physical QC at our inspection facility — means components are verified before dispatch. In the event of transit damage or a shipping discrepancy:
Transit Damage
Contact CipherFAB within 48 hours of receipt with photographs of the outer packaging and affected components. Do not dispose of original packaging — it is required for carrier damage claims.
Incorrect Components
Contact CipherFAB within 5 business days of receipt. Incorrect components will be replaced at CipherFAB's cost, including return freight.
Shortfall in Quantity
Contact CipherFAB within 5 business days. Shortfalls verified against dispatch records will be fulfilled in the next available production slot or by expedited dispatch depending on urgency.
Custom manufactured components are non-returnable unless the reason for return is a manufacturing defect or shipping error confirmed by CipherFAB's quality team.
FAQs
Yes. Select "Customer's Freight Account" at checkout and provide your account details. Your order ships EXW — CipherFAB packs and makes ready; you are responsible for collection, freight, and import clearance. Available for Batch and Mass Production tiers.