Shipping · Global
Building materials & industrial goods shipping
Building materials are heavy, often fragile and sometimes regulated. The right packaging and HS classification decide whether they arrive intact and clear first time.
1. Common categories & HS
Ceramics fall under HS 69, steel under 72, cement/stone under 68, plastics under 39, glass under 70, aluminium under 76. Accurate classification drives duty and compliance.
2. Packaging by material
Steel: straps + VCI paper, dry before packing. Tiles: cartons + desiccant, max 4-high pallets. Glass: anti-shatter film + dedicated racks. Sanitary ware: foam inserts, never mix with heavy items.
3. ISPM 15 & wood packaging
Solid wood pallets/crates must be heat-treated or fumigated and stamped with the IPPC mark, with a fumigation certificate. Plywood, MDF and OSB are exempt.
4. Documents & certificates
Commercial Invoice, Packing List, B/L and Certificate of Origin / FORM E. Steel needs a composition report; chemical building materials need MSDS; some markets require CR / SIRIM / CIDB conformity certificates.
5. Incoterms & who pays
Under FOB you pay ocean freight and import duties; under CIF the supplier pays freight; under DDP a forwarder handles duties and last-mile. Pick the term that matches your budget.
6. Insurance
Book All Risks at 110% of CIF. For project cargo add war and breakage cover — a single side-tip can exceed the freight saved.