Trade and customs
Lead time
Definition
The time from order confirmation until the goods are ready to ship or delivered, depending on how it is quoted.
Ask suppliers to state lead time clearly, for example ready for dispatch 15 days after advance payment, plus transit time to your port. For made to order or custom synthesis products it can be several weeks or months.
Lead time also depends on testing and documents, such as a third party analysis, a pre shipment inspection or a licence, which should be included in the plan.