Logistics guide / Published July 29, 2026

Shipping Dice From China

The three shipping modes

Dice are small but can be dense — metal and gemstone sets are heavy, so weight (not just volume) drives air cost and often makes sea the sensible choice for bulk. Light acrylic sets are more forgiving on air.

Incoterms in plain English

• EXW (Ex Works). You take over at the factory door and arrange everything after. Maximum control, maximum work.
• FOB (Free On Board). The supplier gets goods onto the vessel/port; you handle main freight and import. The most common B2B term — clean split of responsibility.
• DDP (Delivered Duty Paid). The supplier delivers to your door with duties paid. Simplest for you; the price includes freight and customs, so compare it against FOB + your own freight.

A quote is only comparable to another at the same Incoterm — see the RFQ tips in how to get a dice quote.

Customs, duties, and taxes

When you import, your country may charge duty and import tax/VAT based on the product's classification (HS code) and declared value. Rates vary by country, so check your local tariff or ask your freight forwarder or customs broker in advance. Under DDP the supplier handles this; under FOB/EXW it's on you. Factor it into landed cost so it doesn't surprise your margins.

Realistic delivery planning

Build your timeline from three blocks, each with a buffer:

1. Production: ~25–45 days after sample approval (see the manufacturing process).
2. Freight: express ~3–7d, air ~5–10d, sea ~25–40d door-to-door-ish.
3. Customs clearance: usually days, occasionally longer.

For a Kickstarter or event, count backward from the delivery month and pick the freight mode that fits — details in the Kickstarter guide.

Tips to avoid shipping surprises

• Confirm the Incoterm and who is importer of record before production.
• Get accurate carton weights/dimensions to compare air vs sea honestly.
• Use a freight forwarder for anything beyond courier — they handle booking and customs paperwork.
• Consider bulk-to-a-fulfillment-hub rather than many parcels from China.

Frequently asked questions

What are the ways to ship dice from China?

Three main modes: express courier (DHL/FedEx/UPS) in about 3–7 days for samples and small or urgent orders; air freight in about 5–10 days for mid volumes or deadlines; and sea freight in about 25–40 days for large orders at the lowest cost per unit. Heavy metal and gemstone dice often favor sea for bulk.

What do EXW, FOB, and DDP mean?

They are Incoterms that define who handles and pays for freight and customs. EXW means you take over at the factory. FOB means the supplier loads the goods at port and you handle main freight and import — the common B2B split. DDP means the supplier delivers to your door with duties paid. Compare quotes only at the same Incoterm.

Will I have to pay import duty on dice?

Possibly. Your country may charge duty and import tax or VAT based on the product’s HS classification and declared value, and rates vary by country. Under DDP the supplier handles it; under FOB or EXW it is your responsibility. Check your local tariff or ask a customs broker so it is included in your landed cost.

How long does shipping add to my delivery date?

Plan three blocks with buffers: production (~25–45 days after sample approval), freight (express ~3–7 days, air ~5–10 days, sea ~25–40 days), and customs clearance (usually days). Count backward from your delivery month and choose the freight mode that fits the deadline and budget.

Is it cheaper to ship dice by air or sea?

Sea is cheapest per unit but slowest and best for large orders; air is faster but priced heavily by weight, which matters because metal and gemstone dice are dense. For small or urgent shipments an express courier is simplest. Get accurate carton weights and dimensions to compare honestly.