Purchasing industrial recycling machinery from overseas involves more than choosing the right equipment. Delivery terms shape how your order moves from the factory floor to your facility, who pays for shipping, and who bears the risk if something goes wrong during transit. For buyers working with San Lan Technologies, a recycling equipment supplier based in Jiangxi Province, China, understanding these terms upfront prevents costly surprises and keeps projects on schedule.
How San Lan Structures International Deliveries
San Lan Technologies has shipped e-waste recycling plants, battery recycling systems, and mining equipment to over twenty countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. With nearly two decades of export experience, the company offers flexible delivery arrangements that match the scale and complexity of each order.
Most machinery sold by San Lan falls into two categories: complete plant systems and individual machines. A complete lead acid battery recycling equipment line, for example, may include a battery cutter, breaking and separation unit, rotary furnace, refinery kettle, and pollution control system. These components often occupy multiple shipping containers and require coordinated logistics. Individual machines such as a cable recycling equipment granulator or shredder may fit into a single container or even ship by air if the buyer needs spare parts urgently.
Because every order differs in size, destination, and timeline, San Lan does not apply a one-size-fits-all delivery policy. Instead, the sales team negotiates terms on a per-project basis, typically using internationally recognized Incoterms.
Common Incoterms San Lan Buyers Choose
Incoterms define where responsibility shifts from seller to buyer. San Lan regularly works with three main options, each suited to different levels of buyer experience and control.
EXW (Ex Works)
Under EXW terms, San Lan prepares the machinery at its factory in Ganzhou and makes it available for pickup. The buyer arranges every subsequent step: inland transport to the port in China, ocean freight, insurance, customs clearance at destination, and final delivery to the plant. EXW gives the buyer full control over shipping costs and carrier selection. It often works well for experienced importers who already have freight forwarders in China or who are consolidating multiple purchases into one shipment. The trade-off is added administrative work on the buyer's side.
FOB (Free On Board)
FOB is the most frequently chosen term among San Lan's international clients. The company delivers the crated machinery to a named Chinese port—commonly Shenzhen, Guangzhou, or Shanghai—handles export customs clearance, and loads the cargo onto the vessel. Once the goods pass the ship's rail, risk transfers to the buyer, who then pays for ocean freight, marine insurance, and destination charges. FOB strikes a practical balance: San Lan manages the complexities of Chinese export procedures, while the buyer retains control over the international shipping leg and can ｓｅｌｅｃｔ a forwarder they trust.
CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight)
With CIF, San Lan extends its responsibility further. The company pays for ocean freight and basic marine insurance up to the buyer's destination port. This simplifies budgeting for buyers who prefer a more inclusive upfront quote. However, buyers should note that risk still transfers at the port of loading in China, not at arrival. Once the vessel departs, any damage during transit falls under the insurance claim process. Also, CIF rates may include a markup on freight and insurance, so buyers who shop around independently might find lower shipping costs under FOB.
Shipping Methods for Heavy Recycling Machinery
The physical nature of recycling equipment dictates shipping choices. A lead acid battery recycling plant can weigh several tons and require multiple containers. A cable granulator might fit into a single crate. San Lan's logistics team evaluates each order and recommends the most suitable method.
| Method | Best For | Transit Time | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean FCL | Complete plants, multiple machines | 30–50 days | Exclusive container, lowest damage risk |
| Ocean LCL | Single machines, smaller orders | 35–55 days | Shared container, requires sturdy crating |
| Air Freight | Urgent spare parts, small components | 5–10 days | Cost-prohibitive for full machines |
For the majority of San Lan's orders, ocean freight in full container loads remains the default. It protects heavy steel machinery from the rough handling that can occur in shared LCL containers, and it allows the factory to load containers in the exact sequence needed for installation.
Packaging and Factory Loading Standards
San Lan packages machinery for long-haul ocean transit. Equipment is secured in plywood crates treated to ISPM-15 standards, which prevents customs delays related to wood-borne pests. Internal bracing, moisture barriers, and foam padding protect sensitive components such as control panels, hydraulic lines, and cutter blades. For especially heavy units, lifting eyes are welded to the crate so port cranes can load and unload safely.
Buyers receive detailed packing lists and dimensional drawings before shipment. These documents help plan unloading at the destination, ensuring the receiving facility has adequate crane capacity and doorway clearance.
Documentation and Customs Preparation
San Lan provides the standard export documentation required for industrial machinery. This includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and certificate of origin. For buyers in regions with specific certification requirements, the company can supply CE documentation or material test reports upon request during contract negotiation.
While San Lan handles Chinese export clearance, buyers remain responsible for import customs procedures in their own countries. Engaging a licensed customs broker at the destination port is strongly recommended, particularly for first-time importers of industrial equipment. Brokers help classify machinery under the correct HS codes, calculate applicable duties, and identify any environmental or safety permits required for recycling plant imports.
Installation Support Beyond Delivery
Delivery terms cover transport, but successful commissioning requires more than unloading crates. San Lan offers optional on-site installation and commissioning services. Experienced technicians travel to the buyer's facility to assemble equipment, train local operators, and run initial production trials. This service is quoted separately from delivery and is typically arranged after the machinery arrives and the site is prepared.
For buyers who prefer self-installation, San Lan supplies detailed manuals, wiring diagrams, and video guidance. Remote technical support via video call is also available during the startup phase.
How to Confirm Your Delivery Terms
The best way to establish precise delivery terms is to discuss them during the quotation stage. Buyers should share their destination port, preferred Incoterm, and any timeline constraints. San Lan's sales team then prepares a proposal that includes production lead time, estimated shipping schedule, and a breakdown of who pays for each logistics segment.
Key questions to address before signing a contract include:
- Which port will the cargo depart from, and which Incoterm applies?
- Does the quote include marine insurance, or should the buyer arrange it separately?
- What is the estimated production and shipping timeline?
- Is on-site installation available, and what does it cost?
- What after-sales spare parts support is offered?
Clarifying these points early avoids misunderstandings and ensures both parties share the same expectations about cost, risk, and schedule.
Final Thoughts
International delivery of recycling machinery is not a generic add-on; it is an integral part of the project plan. San Lan Technologies approaches logistics with the same attention applied to equipment design, offering buyers clear options and practical guidance. Whether you are an experienced importer comfortable managing FOB shipments or a new buyer seeking the simplicity of CIF, the company's export team can structure terms that fit your operational needs and budget.
By understanding the responsibilities tied to each Incoterm, choosing the right shipping method, and preparing documentation in advance, buyers can move from contract signature to production startup with fewer delays and lower risk.
