Auto Parts Answer Hub: Short Answers to Real Sourcing Questions
Short, sourced answers for procurement managers and import buyers sourcing auto parts internationally. Each answer addresses one specific question — from Incoterms on a supplier quote to compliance marks on brake pads — so you can read only what you need. For a broader introduction to international sourcing, see the B2B Buyers Sourcing Guide. For the underlying part specifications, see the Automotive Spare Parts technical guide; and for destination-market certification, see the Export Compliance country-by-country guide.
In this guide:
- What FOB means on a supplier quote and where your risk begins
- Who pays ocean freight and insurance under FOB
- FOB or CIF: which term to accept when sourcing auto parts
- FOB vs FCA for containerized shipments
- What a WVA number on a brake pad means
- How to read an ECE R90 approval mark
Frequently asked questions
What does FOB mean on an auto parts supplier quote, and exactly where does my risk start?
Under Incoterms 2020 (published by the International Chamber of Commerce), FOB — Free On Board — means the seller fulfils its obligation when goods are loaded on board the nominated vessel at the named port of shipment. That is the precise moment risk transfers to you, the buyer. From that point forward, any loss or damage during the ocean voyage is your responsibility. Before that moment, the seller bears risk and covers inland transport to the port, export customs clearance, and loading onto the vessel.
If the supplier quotes FOB, who pays the ocean freight and insurance — the supplier or me?
Under FOB (Incoterms 2020), you — the buyer — contract and pay for the main ocean freight and cargo insurance. The seller covers only inland transport to the named port, export customs clearance, and the cost of loading goods onto the vessel. This split is common in auto-parts export RFQs because it gives buyers the ability to consolidate shipments from multiple suppliers and negotiate freight rates directly with carriers, rather than paying a seller's mark-up on freight.
Should I accept FOB or ask for CIF when sourcing auto parts from overseas?
There is no universal right answer — it depends on your freight experience and order volume. FOB gives you control: you select the carrier, negotiate freight rates, and can consolidate shipments from multiple suppliers. CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) shifts ocean freight and minimum insurance cost to the seller, which is operationally simpler but removes your ability to shop rates. Experienced importers with established freight relationships typically prefer FOB. First-time importers managing a single small shipment often find CIF easier to administer.
My supplier ships containers — should the quote say FOB or FCA? What is the difference for containerized parts?
For containerized auto-parts shipments, the International Chamber of Commerce recommends FCA (Free Carrier) over FOB. Under FOB, containers are delivered to the terminal before the vessel arrives, creating a risk gap: the goods leave the seller's control before they are loaded on board. FCA closes this gap — risk transfers when the carrier takes charge of the goods. Incoterms 2020 also added an FCA provision allowing the buyer to instruct the carrier to issue an on-board bill of lading to the seller, satisfying letter-of-credit requirements that buyers and banks commonly rely on.
What is a WVA number on a brake pad, and why does the supplier list it instead of an OEM part number?
A WVA number (Waren-Vertriebs-Artikel-Nummern) is a product-identification and cross-reference code for brake linings, clutch facings, and other friction materials. The system is owned and maintained by VRI e.V. (Verband der Reibbelagindustrie), the German Federation of Friction Industry. Suppliers list WVA codes alongside — or instead of — an OEM part number because WVA codes are application-neutral: a buyer can confirm vehicle fitment without relying on a single manufacturer's numbering system. Important: a WVA number does not confirm ECE R90 type-approval compliance — that is a separate certification with its own E-mark number.
How do I read an ECE R90 approval mark on a brake pad?
An ECE R90 mark follows the format E[country number] 90R-[unique approval number]. For example, E1 90R-0123456 means Germany (country code E1) granted the type-approval; 90R identifies Regulation 90. The same number must appear in three places: stamped or laser-etched on the brake pad's backing plate, printed on the retail packaging, and stated in the manufacturer's technical documentation. The core R90 performance requirement is that replacement brake components must not deviate from the frictional characteristics of the original-equipment counterpart by more than ±15%, tested both cold and hot on an inertia dynamometer.
Where can I request quotes from auto parts suppliers on Altonex Global?
Buyers can browse registered suppliers' product listings on Altonex Global and submit a Request for Quote directly from any product or supplier booth page. The platform does not process orders or payments — the RFQ connects you with the supplier, who responds with pricing, lead times, and terms directly. There is no checkout; the commercial agreement is reached between you and the supplier off-platform.
Sources: International Chamber of Commerce, Incoterms 2020 rules (ICC Publication No. 723E); VRI e.V. (Verband der Reibbelagindustrie), WVA cross-reference system; UNECE Regulation No. 90 (ECE R90), Uniform provisions concerning the approval of replacement brake lining assemblies, drum brake linings and discs and drums for power-driven vehicles and their trailers. Last reviewed 26 Jun 2026.