Shipping & Customs Policy
PANOAR.com
Effective Date: January 2025 | Last Updated: January 2025
This Shipping & Customs Policy outlines the terms governing the shipment of products purchased from PANOAR (“we,” “us,” or “our”). As a B2B manufacturer and wholesale supplier of tactical equipment—including Tactical Vests, K9 Tactical Gear, Tactical Backpacks, and Tactical Belts—we ship to business customers worldwide. Please review this policy carefully before placing an order.
1. Shipping Methods
PANOAR offers flexible shipping solutions tailored to the nature and volume of your order. We work with reputable international carriers and freight forwarders to ensure timely and secure delivery of your tactical equipment.
Sample Orders (Express Courier)
For pre-production samples, prototypes, and small-quantity evaluation orders.
- Carriers: DHL Express, FedEx International Priority, UPS Worldwide Express, TNT
- Transit Time: Typically 3-7 business days (destination dependent)
- Tracking: Full door-to-door tracking with real-time updates
- Recommended For: Orders under 50kg or requiring urgent delivery
- Customs Clearance: Courier handles customs brokerage; duties/taxes billed to consignee
Bulk Orders (Sea Freight – FCL/LCL)
The most cost-effective solution for large-volume wholesale and distribution orders.
- Options: Full Container Load (FCL) or Less-than-Container Load (LCL)
- Transit Time: 15-45 days depending on destination port
- Container Sizes: 20′ GP, 40′ GP, 40′ HQ available
- Recommended For: Orders exceeding 2 CBM or 500kg
- Cost Advantage: Significantly lower per-unit shipping cost for high-volume orders
Bulk Orders (Air Freight)
Balances speed and cost for medium-to-large orders requiring faster delivery than sea freight.
- Transit Time: 5-10 business days to most international destinations
- Recommended For: Urgent bulk orders between 50kg-500kg
- Airports: Departure from Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN), Shenzhen Bao’an (SZX), or Hong Kong (HKG)
- Customs: Buyer typically arranges customs brokerage at destination airport
The appropriate shipping method will be recommended based on your order specifications and confirmed in the Proforma Invoice (PI). Shipping costs are calculated based on actual weight or volumetric weight (whichever is greater), destination, and selected service level.
2. Incoterms & Delivery Terms
All shipments from PANOAR are governed by Incoterms 2020 (International Commercial Terms) as published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). The applicable Incoterm determines the point at which risk, cost, and responsibility transfer from PANOAR to the Buyer.
2.1 Default Trade Terms
Unless otherwise negotiated and specified in the Proforma Invoice, PANOAR’s default trade term is FOB Guangzhou (Free On Board, Guangzhou Port, China).
2.2 Available Incoterms
- EXW (Ex Works) – Guangzhou/Shenzhen: Buyer assumes all risk and cost from our warehouse. Suitable for buyers with established freight forwarding arrangements in China.
- FOB (Free On Board) – Guangzhou/Shenzhen Port: PANOAR delivers goods to the vessel nominated by the Buyer. Risk transfers when goods pass the ship’s rail. Buyer arranges and pays for ocean freight, insurance, and destination charges.
- CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight) – Named Destination Port: PANOAR arranges and pays for freight and marine insurance to the destination port. Risk transfers at the port of origin when goods are loaded.
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) – Named Destination: PANOAR assumes maximum responsibility, delivering goods cleared for import at the buyer’s premises. Available upon request for select destinations with additional charges.
2.3 Transfer of Risk
Under FOB and CIF terms, risk of loss or damage to goods transfers to the Buyer when goods are loaded onto the vessel at the port of origin. The Buyer is strongly advised to arrange adequate cargo insurance from this point forward.
The specific Incoterm, port of loading, and destination details will be clearly stated in the Proforma Invoice (PI) and Commercial Invoice for each transaction.
3. Customs, Duties & Import Compliance
CRITICAL NOTICE: Tactical equipment, including tactical vests, plate carriers, K9 tactical harnesses, and related gear, may be classified as controlled, restricted, or prohibited items in certain countries and jurisdictions. It is the Buyer’s sole responsibility to verify import regulations before placing an order.
3.1 Sensitive & Controlled Products
PANOAR manufactures professional-grade tactical equipment designed for law enforcement, military, security, and legitimate civilian applications. Please be aware that the following product categories may be subject to import restrictions, licensing requirements, or outright prohibitions in various jurisdictions:
- Body Armor & Plate Carriers: Classified as controlled items in the EU, UK, Australia, Canada, and many other countries
- Tactical Vests & Load-Bearing Equipment: May require end-user certificates or import permits
- K9 Tactical Gear: Harnesses with MOLLE systems or armor inserts may face restrictions
- Tactical Belts & Pouches: Generally less restricted but may be classified as military equipment in some regions
3.2 Buyer’s Responsibilities
The Buyer bears full and exclusive responsibility for ensuring compliance with all import laws, customs regulations, and licensing requirements applicable in the destination country.
Specifically, the Buyer must:
- Verify Import Eligibility: Confirm that the ordered products are legally importable into the destination country before placing an order
- Obtain Required Permits: Secure all necessary import licenses, end-user certificates, and regulatory approvals prior to shipment
- Customs Clearance: Arrange customs brokerage services and handle all import formalities at the destination
- Pay All Duties & Taxes: The Buyer is solely responsible for paying all import duties, customs fees, VAT/GST, and any other government-imposed charges
- Provide Accurate Documentation: Supply correct HS codes, product descriptions, and end-user information as required
3.3 Customs Seizure & Detention Disclaimer
PANOAR expressly disclaims any and all liability for goods that are seized, detained, confiscated, destroyed, or returned by customs authorities in the destination country.
In the event that a shipment is detained or rejected by customs due to:
- Import prohibitions or restrictions on tactical equipment
- Failure to obtain required import permits or licenses
- Incomplete or inaccurate customs documentation provided by the Buyer
- Non-compliance with local regulations on body armor or tactical gear
- Any other customs-related issues attributable to the Buyer
PANOAR shall not be liable for:
- Any refunds for the purchase price of seized goods
- Shipping costs incurred for the original shipment
- Storage fees, destruction charges, or return freight costs
- Fines, penalties, or legal fees imposed by customs authorities
- Any consequential, incidental, or indirect damages
3.4 Recommended Due Diligence
Before placing an order, we strongly recommend that Buyers:
- Consult with a licensed customs broker in the destination country
- Review the official customs tariff schedule and import regulations
- Contact the relevant government agency responsible for import controls (e.g., Bureau of Industry and Security in the US, Home Office in the UK)
- Request product specifications and HS code suggestions from PANOAR for customs pre-classification
Need Assistance? PANOAR can provide product specifications, suggested HS codes, and export documentation to assist with your import compliance efforts. Contact us at io@panoar.com for documentation support.
4. Production Lead Time & Delivery Schedule
4.1 Estimated Lead Times
Production lead times vary based on order complexity, quantity, customization requirements, and current production capacity. The following are general estimates:
- Sample Orders: 7-15 business days for standard products; 15-25 days for customized samples
- Small Batch Orders (MOQ-500 units): 10-15 business days
- Medium Orders (500-2,000 units): 20-30 business days
- Large Orders (2,000+ units): 30-40 business days or as negotiated
- OEM/ODM Custom Orders: Lead time determined based on design complexity and material sourcing
4.2 Factors Affecting Lead Time
Production schedules may be influenced by various factors, including but not limited to:
- Raw Material Availability: Specialty fabrics (e.g., 500D/1000D Cordura, laminated nylon), hardware (ITW Nexus buckles, YKK zippers), and ballistic materials may have extended procurement times
- Customization Complexity: Custom colors, OEM branding, embroidery, specialized MOLLE configurations, or unique design modifications
- Order Volume: Larger orders require additional production time and quality control
- Seasonal Demand: Peak seasons may result in extended lead times due to high production volume
- Quality Assurance: Additional time may be required for rigorous QC testing on specialized orders
4.3 Confirmed Lead Time
The definitive production lead time and estimated shipping date will be confirmed in writing on the Proforma Invoice (PI) upon order confirmation and receipt of deposit payment.
PANOAR will make commercially reasonable efforts to meet the confirmed delivery schedule. However, we shall not be liable for delays caused by factors beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to raw material shortages, supplier delays, force majeure events, or shipping carrier disruptions.
4.4 Production Updates
For orders with extended production cycles, PANOAR will provide periodic production status updates upon request. Buyers may also request pre-shipment inspection or production milestone photographs.
5. Shipping Documentation
PANOAR provides comprehensive export documentation to facilitate smooth customs clearance at the destination. Standard documents included with each shipment:
- Commercial Invoice: Detailed invoice with product descriptions, quantities, values, and HS codes
- Packing List: Complete breakdown of package contents, weights, and dimensions
- Bill of Lading (B/L) or Airway Bill (AWB): Transport document issued by the carrier
- Certificate of Origin (CO): Available upon request; may be required for preferential tariff rates
- Export Declaration: China customs export clearance documentation
5.1 Additional Documents (Upon Request)
The following documents can be provided upon request and may incur additional processing fees:
- Form A (Generalized System of Preferences Certificate)
- China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement Certificate of Origin
- Fumigation Certificate (for wooden packaging)
- Inspection Certificate from SGS, Bureau Veritas, or other third-party inspectors
- Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for specific product components
- Product testing reports or compliance certificates
Please specify any special documentation requirements at the time of order placement to ensure timely preparation.
6. Cargo Insurance
6.1 Insurance Recommendation
For all shipments, particularly those under FOB or EXW terms where risk transfers early in the shipping process, PANOAR strongly recommends that Buyers arrange comprehensive marine cargo insurance covering:
- All risks of physical loss or damage during transit
- General average and salvage charges
- War, strikes, riots, and civil commotions (WSRCC) coverage
- Full invoice value plus 10% to cover additional costs
6.2 CIF Shipments
For orders shipped under CIF terms, PANOAR will arrange marine cargo insurance at minimum coverage (Institute Cargo Clauses C or equivalent). Buyers requiring enhanced coverage (All Risks, Institute Cargo Clauses A) should request this at the time of order and will be quoted accordingly.
6.3 Claims Process
In the event of loss or damage during transit:
- Document all damage with photographs and detailed notes immediately upon receipt
- Note any visible damage on the carrier’s delivery receipt before signing
- File a claim with the insurance provider or carrier within the specified time limit (typically 3-7 days)
- Contact PANOAR with claim reference number for documentation support
7. Contact & Inquiries
For shipping inquiries, customs documentation requests, or any questions regarding this policy, please contact our logistics team:
PANOAR Logistics & Export Department
Email: io@panoar.com
Website: www.panoar.com
Response Time: Within 24 business hours (GMT+8)
By placing an order with PANOAR, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the terms outlined in this Shipping & Customs Policy. PANOAR reserves the right to update this policy at any time without prior notice.





