Delivery Time

Delivery Time refers to the time limit within which the seller delivers the contracted goods to the buyer or the carrier, and is one of the core clauses in international trade contracts. It is usually used in conjunction with trade terms (such as FOB, CIF) to specify the exact time by which the seller completes delivery at the port of shipment or hands the goods over to the carrier. Application scenarios include: contract signing, letter of credit requirements, production scheduling, and logistics arrangements. Precautions: The delivery time should specify a clear date or period (e.g., "before May 30, 2024" or "within 45 days after receipt of the letter of credit"), avoiding vague expressions; it should be distinguished from the Shipment Date — under FOB/CIF, the delivery time is often equivalent to the shipment date, but under terms such as DDP, the delivery time refers to the time when the goods arrive at the destination; if delivery is delayed, the seller may bear liability for breach of contract. Compared with the "shipment date," the delivery time focuses more on the point at which actual control of the goods is transferred. Foreign trade practitioners should ensure that the delivery time matches the validity period of the letter of credit, the shipping schedule, etc., and reserve a reasonable buffer.