1. The direct answer
A FOB or CIF quote is not the total delivered-to-door or road-ready cost. First verify that the specific model can legally serve your intended use. Compare identical specifications, quantities, named ports, Incoterms versions, currencies and quote validity. Without a verified lawful route to local import and use, do not proceed simply because the price is low.
2. Cost-check table
| Item | What should you ask? | Who confirms? |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle and export | Are packaging, PDI and documents included? | Supplier |
| Transport and insurance | What are the route, insured amount, excess, exclusions, and cost and risk transfer points? | Freight forwarder and insurer |
| Destination port, taxes and inland transport | Who imports; what classification, taxes, terminal charges, customs clearance, delivery and unloading apply? | Local importer |
| Getting into service | Are registration or site permission, charging installation, parts and training needed? | Local authorities and service providers |
Do not estimate taxes using generic rates or add already included items twice.
3. Paying freight is not carrying every risk
FOB and CIF are for sea and inland waterway transport. Under CIF, the seller pays freight and insurance to the destination port, but risk normally transfers when the vehicle is loaded on board at the shipment port. DDP does not guarantee road registration. Confirm the seller can lawfully handle import formalities and specify the exact destination. For container or multimodal transport, ask whether FCA or CIP fits better. Check the contract and official Incoterms rules.
4. Copyable checklist
- Model, use, public road or private site; LHD/RHD, quantity and handover point.
- Each item: included / excluded / unknown; who pays and who arranges it?
- Risk transfer, insurance, PDI and VIN/serial number.
- Timescales, spare parts and warranty responsibilities.
Unknown costs are not zero and are not automatically the seller’s responsibility.
- Before payment, obtain written confirmation of the destination’s import and operating-permission pathway. Separate one-off acquisition costs from recurring operating expenses.
- Specify incident notification, the insurance claims contact and coverage.
- Agree PDI acceptance criteria; link photos or video to each vehicle’s VIN or serial number.
- Specify covered warranty components, exclusions, and responsibility for repair labour and transport costs. Obtain written confirmation from the relevant local specialists.
5. FAQs and help
Does CIF mean delivery to my door? No. Services beyond the destination port need separate agreement.
Does low speed or CE marking permit road use? You cannot infer that. Check local classification and whole-vehicle approval.
Use this checklist even when buying elsewhere. For help, submit your name, email, telephone or WhatsApp, country/region, intended use, specifications and quantity through the contact form.
Related: PDI and pre-shipment evidence, spare parts and after-sales risks.
Sources: Trade.gov, ICC. Procurement checks only, not legal, tax or certification advice. No guarantee of profit, certification or delivery times.