FromColombotoyourport.
Incoterms, sample couriers, bulk freight and the paperwork that travels with the goods — what to expect when you order from Sri Lanka.
Two ways to ship
Samples fly. Bulk sails.
Sample shipments
Paid samples ship by DHL, FedEx or UPS from Colombo, typically 3–7 working days door to door. Sample cost and courier fee are quoted by the seller in the inquiry thread.
Bulk shipments
LCL and full-container loads sail from the Port of Colombo — a major transhipment hub with weekly services to Europe, the Middle East, East Asia, Australia and both US coasts.
Incoterms we see most
Who does what, when.
Buyer arranges collection at the seller's factory or warehouse. Best when you already have a freight forwarder in Colombo.
Seller delivers to Colombo port and loads the container onto your vessel. Buyer takes over from ship's rail — the most common term on Serendib Trade.
Seller books sea freight and marine insurance to your destination port. Buyer clears customs on arrival. Useful for buyers new to Ceylon sourcing.
Terms are negotiated between buyer and seller in the inquiry thread — Serendib Trade doesn't book freight or issue shipping documents.
Documents that travel with the goods
The paperwork pack.
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Bill of lading (or airway bill for samples)
- Certificate of origin
- Phytosanitary certificate for plant products
- Certificate of analysis where required (tea, spice grades)
- Copies of any organic / Rainforest Alliance / Fairtrade certificates
Have a route in mind? Ask an exporter.
Every storefront quotes shipping in the inquiry thread. Or email us and we'll point you at the right producer.