Shipping & import
FOB vs CIF vs DDP: Shipping Terms and Import Costs for Clothing from Pakistan to the UK and EU
By the TrueThreads factory team · Updated · 7 min read
Short answer
FOB, CIF and DDP are Incoterms that define where the manufacturer's responsibility ends. Under FOB the factory delivers to the departure port and you arrange and pay for freight and import. Under CIF the factory also pays freight and insurance to your destination port, and you handle import clearance. Under DDP (door-to-door) the seller delivers to your address with duty and taxes handled. First-time importers usually find DDP simplest; experienced importers often prefer FOB or CIF for control over freight.
Key takeaways
- FOB: you control and pay freight, insurance and import.
- CIF: the factory pays sea freight and insurance to your port; you clear customs.
- DDP / door-to-door: delivered to your door with import formalities handled.
- Import VAT is charged in the UK and EU regardless of duty; registered businesses can usually reclaim it.
- At the time of writing (November 2026), most garments of Pakistani origin qualify for 0% duty in both the UK (DCTS) and the EU (GSP+) when origin rules are met — always confirm before ordering.
The three terms compared
| FOB | CIF | DDP / Door-to-Door | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Export clearance in Pakistan | Seller | Seller | Seller |
| International freight | Buyer | Seller | Seller |
| Cargo insurance | Buyer | Seller | Seller (as agreed) |
| Import customs clearance | Buyer | Buyer | Seller |
| Import duty and VAT | Buyer | Buyer | Seller (built into the price) |
| Delivery to your door | Buyer | Buyer | Seller |
| Best for | Importers with their own freight forwarder | Importers who want freight handled | First-time importers and small orders |
Strictly speaking FOB and CIF are sea-freight terms. Small first orders of 30–200 garments usually travel by air or express courier, where your forwarder may use the equivalent terms FCA and CIP. The division of cost is the same in practice.
Import duty and VAT on clothing
Two charges apply when clothing enters the UK or the EU: customs duty, which depends on the product and its country of origin, and import VAT, which depends on the destination country.
- Standard duty on most garments is around 12% in both the UK and the EU when no trade preference applies.
- UK: Pakistan is covered by the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) with Enhanced Preferences, under which most clothing of Pakistani origin can enter at 0% duty.
- EU: Pakistan is a beneficiary of the GSP+ arrangement, under which most clothing of Pakistani origin can enter at 0% duty.
- Proof of origin is required to claim either preference; your manufacturer supplies the origin declaration or certificate with the shipping documents.
- Import VAT is still due: 20% in the UK for adult clothing, and the national rate in each EU country (for example 19% in Germany, 21% in the Netherlands, 20% in France). VAT-registered businesses can normally reclaim it.
Documents you should receive
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Proof of origin (origin declaration or certificate)
- Air waybill or bill of lading
To import commercially you also need an EORI number (UK or EU). Knitted garments such as tees and hoodies are classified in chapter 61 of the tariff, woven garments such as cargo trousers in chapter 62.
Typical transit times from Pakistan
- Express courier (samples and small orders): typically a few days to a week door to door.
- Air freight: typically about a week including handling.
- Sea freight: typically three to five weeks port to port, plus handling at each end.
How TrueThreads ships
TrueThreads supports FOB, CIF and door-to-door (DTD/DDP) delivery to select UK and EU regions. Samples are sent via DHL Express in 7–10 days. Every bulk shipment is export-packed with a commercial invoice, packing list and origin documents. Tell us your destination in the quote form and we will quote the terms that suit your order size.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between FOB and CIF?
- Under FOB the seller's responsibility ends when goods are loaded at the departure port, and the buyer pays freight and insurance. Under CIF the seller also pays freight and insurance to the destination port. In both cases the buyer handles import clearance, duty and VAT.
- Is there import duty on clothing from Pakistan to the UK?
- At the time of writing (November 2026), most clothing of Pakistani origin can enter the UK at 0% duty under the Developing Countries Trading Scheme, provided proof of origin is supplied. Import VAT at 20% still applies. Confirm the current rate with your customs broker.
- Is there import duty on clothing from Pakistan to the EU?
- At the time of writing (November 2026), most clothing of Pakistani origin can enter the EU at 0% duty under the GSP+ arrangement when origin rules are met. Import VAT at the destination country's rate still applies. Confirm the current rate before ordering.
- Which shipping term is best for a first clothing order?
- Door-to-door (DDP) is usually simplest for a first small order because the seller handles freight and import formalities and you receive one all-in price.
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MOQ 30–50 pieces per style · Samples in 7–10 days via DHL · No commitment.
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