Plain summary. Default terms are FOB Melbourne (Incoterms 2020). Title and risk pass to you when goods are loaded onto the vessel at the Port of Melbourne. International freight, marine insurance, and destination-side handling are the buyer's responsibility. CIF and CFR can be agreed by written notice on the quote.
Default Incoterms: FOB Melbourne (Incoterms 2020)
Unless the buyer requests otherwise in writing, all quotes are issued on a Free On Board (FOB) Melbourne basis under Incoterms 2020. This is the standard arrangement for Australian export trade and gives the overseas buyer maximum control over freight choices.
Under FOB Melbourne:
- Avalon's responsibilities — deliver goods cleared for export to the Port of Melbourne, loaded on board the buyer's nominated vessel
- Buyer's responsibilities — nominate the carrier, arrange marine insurance, pay all freight and destination charges, handle import customs
- Risk transfer — passes from Avalon to the buyer once goods are loaded on board the vessel at Melbourne
Alternative Incoterms by agreement
We can quote on alternative Incoterms when requested at the enquiry stage. Common alternatives:
- CFR (Cost and Freight) — Avalon arranges and pays sea freight to your destination port. Marine insurance is the buyer's responsibility.
- CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) — Avalon arranges sea freight and basic marine insurance. The buyer handles destination clearance and onward delivery.
- EXW (Ex Works) Melbourne — buyer collects from our Melbourne facility. Suitable for buyers with their own Australian freight operation.
Whichever Incoterm applies, the relevant version is always specified in the written quote and the commercial invoice.
Container options & lead times
| Container type |
Best for |
Typical lead time |
| 20ft FCL |
Mid-volume orders, single-category shipments |
2–4 weeks from order |
| 40ft FCL / 40ft HC |
Large-volume orders, mixed brand categories |
3–5 weeks from order |
| LCL (Less than Container Load) |
Smaller orders, sample shipments, trial runs |
2–3 weeks from order |
| Air freight |
Urgent / high-value lines (by negotiation) |
5–10 business days |
Lead times are estimates only. Actual time from order to vessel departure depends on stock availability, supplier pickup schedules, and Port of Melbourne sailing schedules. We confirm the exact ETD (estimated time of departure) when we issue the commercial invoice.
Documentation provided
For every export shipment, Avalon provides:
- Commercial invoice — itemised pricing, quantities, Incoterm, and currency
- Packing list — carton counts, weights, dimensions, container/seal numbers
- Country-of-origin declaration — confirming Australian origin where applicable
- Bill of lading — issued by the freight forwarder once goods are loaded
Where the destination country requires additional documentation (certificates of free sale, health certificates, halal certificates, etc.), we can request these from the brand owner — note that lead time may extend and additional fees may apply.
Buyer's responsibility. Goods are supplied in original Australian retail packaging. The buyer is responsible for all destination-country requirements — import licences, product registrations, labelling, language, INCI declarations, and customs clearance. Avalon is not responsible for goods being held, refused, or destroyed at the destination port due to non-compliance.
Need a quote with specific Incoterms?
Email us with your destination port, preferred Incoterm (FOB / CIF / CFR), and rough container size. We'll come back with pricing within one business day.