What is the minimum order for shipping plywood to Africa?
Most first orders start at one container. A 20-foot container holds around 180 to 200 sheets of 18 mm film-faced plywood, and a 40HC holds about 380 to 420. For a count on your exact thickness and format, run it through the
container loading calculator.
How long does shipping take from Vietnam to Kenya, Nigeria or South Africa?
From Hai Phong, ocean transit runs roughly 20 to 25 days to Mombasa, 25 to 30 days to Durban and 30 to 35 days to Lagos. Once production and booking are added, total lead time usually lands between about 5 and 9 weeks depending on the port. Your broker at the discharge port will add clearance time on top of that.
Which film-faced grade suits hot, humid African sites?
Pick by glue class first, because the glue line decides whether a panel survives humid site storage between pours. Form Basic, Form Extra and Eco Form Plus use MUF glue to EN 636-2 under a 165 gsm face film, while Pro Form and the HDO range use phenolic glue to EN 636-3, with Pro Form carrying a 125 gsm film. For long programmes or sheets that will sit out in the wet, Class 3 is the safer choice.
What certifications does Vinawood plywood carry?
Vinawood's certifications include FSC chain of custody, PEFC, CE marking under EN 13986, EPA TSCA Title VI for formaldehyde (CARB P2) and ISO 9001 for quality management. When a bank-funded project writes FSC, CE or CARB into the spec, that paperwork comes with the export pack. Ask for the certificates you need at RFQ stage so they match the grade being quoted.
What documents come with a container to Africa?
Every container ships with a bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list and a certificate of origin showing Vietnam origin. Pallets are ISPM 15 heat-treated with a phytosanitary certificate, and a fumigation certificate is added where the destination requires one. If you want the stack checked before it sails, you can book SGS, Bureau Veritas or your own inspector at origin.
What payment terms do African buyers usually use?
First orders usually run on a letter of credit, or on T/T with 30% on confirmation and 70% against the bill of lading copy. We quote FOB Hai Phong or CIF to your nominated African port, and most first-time importers choose CIF so they don't have to book ocean freight themselves. Accounts that order on a regular rhythm can move to quarterly pricing or a standing order.
