When a Tunisian importer compares offers for a container from China, the sea freight is usually the number everyone looks at. But it is only one line of the bill. Between the factory in China and your warehouse in Tunisia, the container passes five stages, and each one has its own charges. Knowing them helps you compare offers fairly and avoid surprises when the goods arrive at Radès.
Five stages, and who pays them
The Incoterms rule you agree with your supplier decides where the seller’s costs stop and yours begin. The chart shows the four rules importers from China use most:
- Factory in China
- Chinese port
- At sea
- Radès
- Your warehouse
EXW · ex works
FOB · free on board
CFR / CIF · cost and freight
DAP · delivered at place
Under every rule, import duties and taxes in Tunisia are paid by the importer, unless the supplier sells DDP.
The charges, stage by stage
| Collection at the factory and export customs in China | Origin |
| Terminal handling and documents at the Chinese port | Origin |
| Sea freight, with fuel and seasonal surcharges | Main leg |
| Cargo insurance, if you take it | Main leg |
| Terminal handling, delivery order and port charges at Radès | Destination |
| Import duties and taxes in Tunisia | Destination |
| Delivery to your warehouse and return of the empty container | Destination |
A quote that shows only the sea freight leaves the other lines for later. Ask for every line, or for a door-to-door price.
Why the sea freight changes
Sea freight rates from China move with fuel prices, the balance of ships and cargo, and the season. Carriers add surcharges for fuel and, before holidays such as Chinese New Year, for the peak season. That is why rates are quoted with a validity date: book within it, or ask for a new rate.
The costs people forget: at Radès
Destination charges are paid in Tunisia whatever the price of the freight: terminal handling, the delivery order and port charges. If the container stays at the port or at your site longer than the free days, demurrage and detention follow. Planning customs clearance and delivery before the ship arrives is the best way to keep these at zero.
How to compare offers fairly
- Compare the same scope. A low freight price under FOB and a door-to-door price are not the same offer.
- Check the validity date and the surcharges included or left out.
- Ask for duties and taxes separately, based on the tariff code of your goods, so you know the landed cost before you order.
How Kyranis can help
We quote containers from China to Tunisia door to door, with every line listed: collection at your supplier, the sea freight to Radès, customs clearance and delivery. See our page on sea freight from China to Tunisia and its current rate, or our guide How a freight quote is built.
Planning a shipment? Request a quote with every fee included upfront, or talk to our team in Tunisia: +216 70 295 255, info@kyranislogistics.com.
