Buyer guide
Rug production capacity and lead time planning
Plan a container programme in four blocks: sampling (5 to 20 days, cost credited against the order), approval, bulk production (8 to 16 weeks) and sea transit (about 4 to 10 days to Jebel Ali up to about 35 to 55 days to Canada, port to port). Two illustrative plans below show 12 and 20 weeks to ready-at-port; your quote confirms real dates.
Last updated: 31 October 2026
The stages and their ranges
| Stage | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sampling, including lab dips | 5 to 20 days | Cost credited against the order |
| Sample approval and purchase order | Your decision time | Allow for one revision round |
| Bulk production | 8 to 16 weeks | From sample approval; confirmed on your quote |
| Export documents and loading | Confirmed on your quote | FOB Nhava Sheva is usual |
| Sea transit, port to port | See table below | Approximate; clearance and delivery extra |
Sea transit ranges from Nhava Sheva
| Region | Days |
|---|---|
| Gulf (Jebel Ali) | 4 to 10 |
| Australia (Sydney, Melbourne), low confidence | 18 to 30 |
| Europe (Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp) | 20 to 35 |
| UK (London Gateway, Felixstowe) | 22 to 35 |
| US East and Gulf | 25 to 40 |
| US West | 30 to 45, low confidence |
| Canada (Halifax, Montreal), low confidence | 35 to 55 |
These are planning ranges, not promises. Cape routing, transshipment, congestion and blank sailings extend them. Use the sea freight transit finder and fit cartons with the container loading calculator.
Two illustrative plans
Illustrative only. These plans combine our stated ranges to show how a programme can be laid out. They are not commitments; your quote confirms the real dates.
| Weeks | Stage |
|---|---|
| 1 to 3 | Sampling and lab dips (within the 5 to 20 day range) |
| 4 | Sample approval and purchase order, 50% advance |
| 5 to 12 | Bulk production, 8 weeks |
| After week 12 | Export documents, loading at Nhava Sheva, then sea transit |
| Weeks | Stage |
|---|---|
| 1 to 3 | Sampling and lab dips |
| 4 | Sample approval and purchase order, 50% advance |
| 5 to 20 | Bulk production, 16 weeks |
| After week 20 | Export documents, loading, then sea transit |
In both plans, add sea transit for your region from the table above, plus destination clearance and delivery, to reach your warehouse date. The 50% balance is due before dispatch.
Capacity: what to ask
- Ask how many pieces of your construction and size can be made in your window, and in how many shipments. Shipments can be split on wholesale orders; we confirm quantities per order on your quote.
- Mixed orders and several designs can be planned together; ask how sizes and materials affect timing.
- Plan buffer weeks for revisions, festival and holiday periods, and booking cut-offs.
Related reading
See how to order, the sampling process, how to read a quote, rug trade data and the country guides, for example the EU and the UAE.
Plan your first container
Send your design, size and estimated quantity. We reply within two business days, usually within one. Minimum order: 1 piece. Sampling cost is credited against your order. Payment: 50% advance, 50% before dispatch.
Buyer questions
Planning lead times: your questions
How long does a rug order take from sample to shipping?
Sampling takes 5 to 20 days and bulk production 8 to 16 weeks, then export loading. Our illustrative plans show 12 and 20 weeks to ready-at-port; your quote confirms dates.
Is the 12 week plan guaranteed?
No. It is an illustration using the short end of our bulk range. Real timing is confirmed on your quote.
Does bulk start before the sample is approved?
No. Bulk follows the approved sample.
How long is sea freight?
It depends on the region, from about 4 to 10 days to Jebel Ali to about 35 to 55 days to Canada, port to port. See the table above and the transit finder.
Can I split an order into several shipments?
Yes. Shipments can be split on wholesale orders. Tell us the delivery sequence you need when you enquire.
What can delay a programme?
Late sample approval, design changes after approval, booking cut-offs, transshipment and port congestion.
When is payment due?
50% advance and 50% before dispatch.