The supplier’s unit price is only one part of the cost of importing branded FMCG products from Europe. A quotation can look competitive and still become expensive after transport, customs, documentation, inspection, labelling and local delivery are added.
International buyers should calculate the expected landed cost before confirming an order. This means identifying which costs are included, which remain the buyer’s responsibility and which can change because of the product or destination.
What is the landed cost of an FMCG order?
Landed cost is the total cost of bringing the goods to the agreed destination and making them ready for the buyer’s next commercial step. Depending on the order, it can include:
- Product cost
- Export packing and pallet preparation
- Collection from the warehouse
- Main transport
- Fuel and security surcharges
- Insurance
- Export and import customs handling
- Duties and taxes
- Inspection or certificate fees
- Labelling or relabelling
- Port, terminal and storage charges
- Final delivery
Not every cost applies to every shipment. The key is to identify them before stock and transport are committed.
1. Transport can change the apparent product saving
A low unit price from a distant warehouse can be less attractive after collection and consolidation. Freight should be calculated using the actual number of pallets, weight, height, collection point and destination.
For smaller orders, the cost per unit can be reduced by building a commercially sensible mixed shipment. Ortu’s mixed-pallet FMCG service explains when consolidation can help buyers test products without immediately purchasing a full truckload.
2. Incoterms determine who handles specific costs
EXW, FCA, DAP and DDP do not describe the same responsibility. Buyers must know the agreed Incoterm and named place.
The International Chamber of Commerce explains that Incoterms rules allocate important tasks, costs and risks between seller and buyer. Under EXW, the seller has a relatively limited delivery obligation. DDP places far more responsibility on the seller, including specified import-side obligations.
An offer should therefore say, for example, “DAP [named destination]” rather than simply “delivery included.”
3. Duties, VAT and destination charges
Import duties and taxes depend on the product classification, origin, destination and applicable trade arrangements. The same percentage should not be assumed for beverages, detergents, personal-care products and confectionery.
The European Commission’s Access2Markets portal provides official trade information covering tariffs, taxes, formalities and requirements for EU trade. For imports outside the EU, buyers should also confirm requirements with their local customs authority or customs broker.
Local customs-clearance, port and delivery charges can still apply even when the international freight has already been paid.
4. Documentation and certificate costs
A commercial invoice and packing list are standard, but some destinations or products require additional documents. These can include a certificate of origin, EUR.1 where applicable, inspection certificate, health-related documentation or other destination-specific paperwork.
Document availability and cost should be checked before ordering. Requesting an additional certificate after products and transport have already been confirmed can delay loading or create work that was not included in the original offer.
Review Ortu’s practical guide to FMCG export documentation and export documentation support.
5. Labelling and market-version changes
A product can be genuine and still be unsuitable for the destination. Additional language labels, importer details, deposit information, regulatory markings or product-specific warnings can create extra cost.
Relabelling also requires time, suitable label content, labour and a controlled process. Confirm the existing packaging before deciding whether a modification is required.
6. Inspection and quality-control charges
Buyers sometimes request a third-party inspection, sampling, laboratory test or loading supervision. These services can be valuable, but their scope and timing must be agreed.
An inspection requested after the truck has been booked can result in waiting time, rebooking or warehouse charges. The buyer should decide before order confirmation what must be checked and who will pay.
7. Waiting time, storage and failed collections
Ports, terminals, warehouses and transport companies can charge for waiting, storage, demurrage, detention or failed collection. Common causes include incomplete customs information, late payment, missing certificates and a vehicle arriving before the goods are released.
Clear preparation and communication reduce these costs. Our guide to European FMCG delivery explains what buyers should confirm before transport is booked.
A practical Ortu example: when DAP changed to DDP
A three-pallet order containing BIC, Dove, Domestos and OMO products was initially discussed on a DAP basis. The buyer later required DDP delivery.
That change was not simply a different label on the quotation. It affected the responsibility for import clearance, duties, taxes and the information needed from the parties handling the shipment. The final cost and operational process had to be reviewed before the delivery commitment could be confirmed.
The lesson is straightforward: agree the delivery term early. If the buyer requires the seller to manage import-side responsibilities, that requirement should be communicated before products and transport are finalised.
Relevant Ortu ranges include Dove Body Care, BIC Disposable Razors and the wider Cleaning and Household category.
How to compare two wholesale offers properly
Use one comparison sheet and place both offers on the same basis:
- Exact product and market version
- Units per carton and cartons per pallet
- Total units
- Remaining shelf life
- Incoterm and named place
- Collection and freight
- Customs and destination handling
- Duties and taxes
- Required certificates
- Inspection, relabelling and insurance
- Payment terms and currency risk
A slightly higher product price can produce a lower final cost when packing is more efficient, the correct documentation is already available or the transport route is simpler.
Information to send before requesting a delivered price
- Complete product list and quantities
- Destination country, city and postcode
- Whether the address is commercial and accessible to the vehicle
- Preferred delivery term
- Importer-of-record arrangement
- Required documents or inspections
- Labelling requirements
- Any delivery deadline
Request a transparent FMCG quotation
Ortu Wholesale BV supplies branded FMCG products from Europe and supports professional buyers with consolidation, delivery planning and available export documentation. Quotations are prepared around the requested products, quantities, destination and agreed commercial term.
Request a wholesale quotation and include your delivery location and preferred Incoterm so the relevant costs and responsibilities can be reviewed from the beginning.
