Market entry
Shipping HNB Products From the UAE: A Buyer's Guide
By KOKEN Editorial Team · Published · 3 min read
Most HNB programmes ship from the UAE by sea freight for regular orders and by air for samples or urgent top-ups. Agree the incoterm up front, ship in sealed cases, and store sticks in cool, dry conditions away from direct sunlight.
Sea vs air freight
| Sea freight | Air freight | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Regular programme orders | Samples, launches, urgent top-ups |
| Cost per unit | Lower | Higher |
| Transit time | Longer | Shorter |
| Planning need | Higher, so book ahead | Lower |
Choosing an incoterm
Incoterms define who handles and pays for each part of the journey. Common choices include EXW (buyer collects from the factory), FOB (seller delivers onto the vessel at the port of origin) and CIF (seller pays freight and insurance to the destination port). Choose based on your freight forwarder relationships and how much control you want over shipping.
Packing and storage
- Keep sticks in sealed packs and cases until sale.
- Store in cool, dry conditions away from direct sunlight and strong odours.
- Avoid long dwell times in hot containers or yards where possible.
- Rotate stock first-in, first-out and keep batch codes recorded.
Planning lead time
Total lead time = production (including packaging) + inland and port handling + transit + customs clearance + a safety buffer. Agree production timing when you confirm your order, and keep import documents ready to avoid delays at the border.
KOKEN ships from Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. Read why source HNB products from the UAE, then share your destination and preferred terms in a quote request.