Shipping Policy

1. Scope

This Shipping Policy describes how Blueroute Exim ("Blueroute Exim", "we", "us") coordinates export shipment from India, and the respective responsibilities of the buyer and the seller under the Incoterm specified in the Proforma Invoice (PI). For any specific order, the PI signed by both parties shall prevail in the event of any conflict with this Shipping Policy.

2. Shipment coordination under Incoterms

We work with FOB, FCA, CIF, CFR and EXW (Incoterms 2020). The Incoterm determines who arranges and pays for transport, insurance and documentation, and at what physical point risk transfers from seller to buyer.

• FOB / FCA: the buyer nominates a freight forwarder who takes over at the named origin port or place. We coordinate stuffing and hand over the loaded container or packed goods to the buyer's nominated forwarder.
• CIF / CFR: we arrange main-carriage ocean freight to the named destination port (and minimum marine insurance under CIF). Risk still transfers at the origin port.
• EXW: the buyer takes over at the supplier's premises, including loading, export clearance and all transport. EXW is rarely used for Indian exports and is generally not recommended.

3. Port handling

For Indian exports, common ports of loading include Nhava Sheva (JNPT), Mundra, Chennai, Tuticorin, Kolkata and Haldia. For air freight, common airports include Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad. The actual port of loading depends on the supplier's location, the product and the destination. Origin port handling charges (terminal handling, documentation, customs filing) under FOB and FCA are borne by the seller; under EXW they are borne by the buyer.

4. Transit times (indicative)

Transit times depend on the destination, mode (sea vs air), carrier, routing, port congestion and customs. The following are general indicative ranges only and are not guaranteed:

• Sea freight to the Middle East: typically 7–14 days from vessel sailing.
• Sea freight to EU: typically 20–30 days from vessel sailing.
• Sea freight to USA East Coast: typically 30–40 days from vessel sailing.
• Sea freight to USA West Coast: typically 25–35 days from vessel sailing.
• Sea freight to Australasia: typically 25–35 days from vessel sailing.
• Sea freight to Africa: typically 20–35 days from vessel sailing, depending on the destination port.
• Air freight (most destinations): typically 3–7 days from flight departure, including handling.

These ranges exclude production, inspection, documentation and customs clearance times, which add to the overall end-to-end timeline.

5. Freight forwarder coordination

Under FOB and FCA, the buyer nominates a freight forwarder. We coordinate with the nominated forwarder on container booking, stuffing date, cut-off times, B/L issuance and document handover. We provide the forwarder with the loading plan, container weight, cargo details and required documents.

Under CIF and CFR, we book main-carriage freight with a shipping line or non-vessel-operating common carrier (NVOCC). The buyer may not have visibility into the specific carrier chosen under CIF/CFR until the booking is confirmed.

If the buyer does not have a nominated freight forwarder, we can suggest reputable forwarders, but the buyer remains responsible for the freight arrangement and cost under FOB/FCA.

6. Container stuffing and supervision

Where coordinated, container stuffing is supervised and photographed. Photographs typically include the empty container condition, the loading process, dunnage placement, the loaded container, the seal application and the sealed container number. Stuffing photographs are shared with the buyer on request.

For agro and food products, food-grade containers with liners are used where appropriate. For textiles and leather, moisture protection (silica gel, desiccants) is used where appropriate. For industrial goods, anti-corrosion packaging and palletisation are used where appropriate.

7. Bill of Lading / Airway Bill

The Bill of Lading (B/L) for sea freight or Airway Bill (AWB) for air freight is issued by the carrier or freight forwarder after stuffing and dispatch. A draft B/L or AWB is shared with the buyer for approval before the original is issued. The buyer should review the draft for consignee name, notify party, description, weight, packages and freight terms.

Under a Letter of Credit, the B/L or AWB must comply strictly with the LC terms. Any discrepancy can cause the bank to refuse payment. We recommend that buyers have the LC draft and the B/L draft reviewed by an experienced trade finance professional.

8. Destination port responsibilities

At the destination port, the following responsibilities rest with the buyer (or the buyer's customs broker):

• Arrival notice handling and cargo pickup arrangement.
• Destination port handling charges (THC, demurrage if applicable).
• Import customs clearance and duty / tax payment.
• Destination port inspection, where required by local authorities.
• Inland transport from the destination port to the final warehouse.

Destination port charges and import clearance are not included in the export price unless explicitly stated in the PI.

9. Marine insurance

Under CIF, we arrange minimum marine insurance (typically Institute Cargo Clauses C). Under FOB, FCA, CFR and EXW, the buyer is responsible for marine insurance from the moment risk transfers. We recommend all shipments be insured for their full value. For higher-value or fragile cargo, buyers should consider broader cover (Institute Cargo Clauses A).

10. Delays disclaimer

Transit times, vessel schedules, flight schedules and port handling times are not guaranteed. Delays may occur due to port congestion, vessel schedule changes, weather, customs holds, destination inspection, documentation discrepancies, force majeure events, or other factors beyond our control. Blueroute Exim shall not be liable for any delay in shipment, transit or delivery, except to the extent caused by our own negligence or wilful misconduct.

We will inform the buyer promptly of any expected delay and will coordinate with the supplier, forwarder and carrier to minimise the impact.

11. Tracking

For sea freight, we share the carrier's tracking reference and vessel schedule where available. For air freight, we share the AWB number and airline tracking reference. The buyer can also track shipment status through the nominated forwarder.

12. Contact

If you have any questions about this Shipping Policy, please contact us at info@bluerouteexim.in.