Shipping Policy

As a 100% Export-Oriented Unit (EOU) and a leading direct manufacturer of home decor items, Laxmi Handicraft is highly experienced in managing complex global supply chains. This Shipping Policy details our procedures, timelines, packaging standards, and responsibilities regarding international B2B shipments originating from our facilities in Hathras, India.

1. General Shipping Terms

All international wholesale orders, including bulk purchases of brass heritage sets, drawer knobs, and wall hooks, are shipped in accordance with standardized Incoterms agreed upon during the quotation phase. Commonly used terms include:

• FOB (Free On Board): Laxmi Handicraft handles costs and risks up to loading the goods onto the vessel at the designated Indian port. The buyer assumes all risks and costs thereafter.
• CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight): We arrange and pay for the cost, insurance, and freight to transport the goods to your destination port.
• Ex Works (EXW): The buyer is responsible for picking up the goods directly from our Hathras facility and handling all subsequent logistics.

2. Order Processing & Lead Times

Production and shipping timelines vary depending on the scale and complexity of the order.

• Standard Catalog Orders: Typically manufactured and ready for dispatch within 30 to 45 business days.
• Custom OEM Orders: May require 45 to 60 business days, depending on tooling, mold creation, and sample approvals.
• Once production is complete and the final quality check is passed, cargo booking and port transfer generally take an additional 3 to 7 business days.

3. Shipping Methods

We offer flexible shipping methods tailored to your budget and urgency:

• Sea Freight (LCL & FCL): The most cost-effective solution for large volume wholesale orders. Transit times typically range from 25 to 45 days depending on the destination port.
• Air Freight: Faster delivery for time-sensitive bulk orders, usually taking 5 to 10 business days.
• Courier Services: For product samples and small volume urgent orders, we partner with DHL, FedEx, and UPS (3 to 7 business days).

4. Export Packaging Standards

Brass and metal hardware require robust protection. We utilize strict export-grade packaging protocols to ensure your home decor items arrive in pristine condition:

• Individual items are wrapped in anti-tarnish tissue or PE foam to prevent scratching and oxidation.
• Items are packed into heavy-duty, 5-ply to 7-ply corrugated master cartons.
• For larger shipments, cartons are strapped, shrink-wrapped, and secured onto fumigated wooden or plastic pallets for safe forklift handling.

5. Customs, Duties & Taxes

Laxmi Handicraft will provide all necessary documentation for export clearance from India, including the Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading/Airway Bill, and Certificate of Origin.

Please Note: The Buyer is solely responsible for obtaining any required import licenses and for paying all customs duties, import taxes, VAT, and port handling fees levied by the destination country.

6. Tracking & Comprehensive Insurance

Once your order leaves our facility, we will provide tracking numbers for courier shipments or vessel/flight tracking details for commercial freight.

We Insure the Order: We provide 100% comprehensive marine and transit cargo insurance for applicable CIF and door-to-door delivery shipments. This guarantees that your investment is fully protected against loss, theft, or damage from the moment it leaves our factory floor until it safely arrives at your warehouse.

7. Damage or Loss in Transit

While we pack our goods to the highest standards, transit accidents occasionally happen. If goods arrive damaged or if there are shortages:

• The Buyer must notify Laxmi Handicraft in writing within 14 days of the shipment arriving at the destination port.
• Claims must include clear photographic evidence of the damaged cartons and the defective items.
• Depending on the shipping terms (Incoterms) used, claims may need to be filed directly with the freight forwarder or insurance provider. We will assist by providing all necessary manufacturing and packing evidence.

8. Contact Information

If you have specific questions about our logistics process or require a shipping quote to your destination, please contact our export department: