What Exporters and Importers Need to Know Before Shipping
Doors and windows are classic high-value, bulky, and damage-sensitive building materials. In cross-border trade, the real challenge is not whether they can be shipped—but how to ship them safely, compliantly, and cost-effectively.
Based on real shipping cases, here’s a practical breakdown of what matters most when importing or exporting doors and windows.
- Choosing the Right Shipping Method
Sea Freight (The Mainstream Choice)
Sea freight remains the preferred option due to size tolerance and cost efficiency. There are two common approaches:
LCL (Less than Container Load)
- Suitable when volume is under 15 CBM
- Freight cost shared by volume
- Flexible and cost-effective for small or trial orders
- Requires palletizing or wooden crate reinforcement to reduce damage risk
FCL (Full Container Load)
- Recommended when volume is 15 CBM or more
- Common options:
- 20ft container (~28 CBM)
- 40ft container (~58 CBM)
- Better protection, fewer handling steps, more stable transit time
- Preferred for large or repeat orders
Special Transport Options
- Oversized or overweight doors/windows: flat rack or open-top containers
- Urgent small spare parts: limited air freight (high cost, emergency use only)
- Packaging: Where Most Losses Actually Happen
Packaging is often underestimated—but it’s the number one factor in damage claims.
Basic Protection
- Glass doors/windows: shock-absorbing foam + custom wooden crates
- Metal frames: anti-rust film or coating
- All shipments: desiccants to prevent moisture and salt corrosion
Compliance Requirements
- Wooden packaging must be fumigated and carry an IPPC mark
- Clear labels for weight, lifting points, and orientation
- Fragile items must be visibly marked
Poor packaging doesn’t just increase damage risk—it can also trigger customs inspections and delays.
- Documentation: Non-Negotiable for Customs Clearance
Core Shipping Documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading
- Certificate of origin
- Form E commonly used for ASEAN markets to reduce duties
Market-Specific Certifications
- EU: CE certification
- United States: AAMA / ASTM standards
- Saudi Arabia: SASO certification
- Australia: AS2047 test report
Inspection & Compliance Files
- Export customs clearance certificate
- Inspection/quarantine certificates
- Product quality or test reports (mandatory in some markets)
Missing or mismatched documents are a major cause of customs holds and rejections.
- Market-Specific Considerations
Southeast Asia (Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam)
- DDP / door-to-door services are often more efficient
- Use ASEAN FTA benefits to lower duties
- Watch for port congestion fees and document amendment penalties
🇺🇸 🇪🇺 🇦🇺 U.S., EU & Australia
- Strict environmental and compliance standards
- EU: REACH regulations
- U.S.: ISF filing required 24 hours before vessel departure
- Australia focuses heavily on product quality compliance
Middle East & Africa
- Confirm importer’s customs clearance capability in advance
- Plan lifting and unloading equipment for heavy cargo
- Arabic manuals or labels are often required in Middle Eastern markets
- Cost Control & Risk Avoidance Tips
How to Reduce Costs
- Combine small orders into LCL shipments
- Lock in space early for large FCL shipments
- Use overseas transit warehouses to reduce last-mile delivery costs
How to Avoid Common Pitfalls
- Declare cargo value at 70–80% of market value (reasonable and compliant)
- Monitor anti-dumping and trade remedy policies
- Work with experienced freight forwarders who understand product-specific risks, not just transport prices
Final Thought
For doors, windows, and other building materials, logistics is not just transportation—it’s risk management.
The real question is never “Can this be shipped?”
It’s who understands the regulations, packaging standards, and market rules well enough to ship it safely and smoothly.
If you’re planning a shipment and want to avoid delays, damage, or unexpected costs, getting the logistics plan right before booking space makes all the difference.