Portugal is one of Europe's leading furniture and woodworking manufacturing hubs, with a strong cluster of coffin manufacturers serving EU and global markets. Sourcing directly from Portugal bypasses distributors, cutting 15–35% from your cost per unit. This guide covers the full import process from first contact to warehouse receipt.
Incoterms: Which to Use?
Supplier handles everything: export customs, freight, import duties, and delivery to your door. Best for funeral homes without logistics expertise. Slightly higher cost but zero administrative burden.
Supplier delivers to your address but you handle import duties. Good middle ground — lower cost than DDP but you must arrange duty payment before unloading.
You collect at the factory gate and handle all logistics. Lowest unit cost but requires a freight forwarder, customs broker, and full logistics management. Best for high-volume buyers.
EU Internal Market: No Customs for EU Buyers
Portugal is a full EU member state. Buyers in other EU countries (Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, etc.) benefit from:
- Zero import duties (EU single market)
- Reverse-charge VAT on B2B intra-EU transactions (with valid VAT number)
- Simplified customs — standard commercial invoice and CMR Road Waybill only
- No border delays — road freight moves freely within Schengen zone
For non-EU buyers (UK, Switzerland, Turkey, MENA, etc.), standard import duties and VAT apply at the country of entry. Nova Coffin can arrange DDP delivery to any country — contact us for a formal quote including all duties.
Step-by-Step Import Process
Request Samples & Confirm Specs
Before placing any volume order, request physical samples of the models you intend to purchase. Evaluate material, finish quality, interior lining, handle attachment, and corner strength. Confirm custom dimensions if needed at this stage.
Get a Formal Quote (DDP or EXW)
Request a quote specifying your preferred Incoterm. For most funeral homes, DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) is simplest — the supplier handles all logistics and customs to your door. EXW (Ex Works) gives you freight control but requires your own freight forwarder.
Receive Compliance Documentation
Obtain REACH/CLP compliance certificates, Safety Data Sheets, and SVHC declarations before signing any order. These documents are also needed for customs clearance in most EU countries.
Place Order & Pay Deposit
Standard payment terms: 30% deposit to begin production, 70% balance before shipment. For volume buyers (100+ units) or long-term contracts, Net 15–30 terms are negotiable.
Production (10–15 Business Days)
Production at Nova Coffin typically takes 10–15 business days depending on order size and any custom requirements. You will receive a production confirmation and tracking once goods are dispatched.
Road Transport to Your Location
All Nova Coffin shipments are via refrigerated or standard curtainsider trucks. Transit times: France 3–5 days · Germany 5–6 days · Netherlands 5–6 days · Poland 7–8 days · Romania 7–9 days.
Receive & Inspect Goods
Inspect all units on delivery before signing the delivery note. Note any transit damage on the POD (proof of delivery). Nova Coffin's standard warranty covers manufacturing defects up to 30 days from delivery.
Transit Times from Torres Vedras, Portugal
| Country | Major City | Road Days | Total Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | Paris | 3–4 | 13–19 days |
| Germany | Frankfurt | 5–6 | 15–21 days |
| Netherlands | Amsterdam | 5–6 | 15–21 days |
| Spain | Barcelona | 2–3 | 12–18 days |
| Italy | Milan | 4–5 | 14–20 days |
| Poland | Warsaw | 7–8 | 17–23 days |
| Romania | Bucharest | 7–9 | 17–24 days |
| Belgium | Brussels | 5–6 | 15–21 days |
* Total lead time = 10–15 business days production + road transit. Rush orders available — contact us.