A clear understanding of the import process is critical for overseas businesses looking to source products from China. This article breaks down the end-to-end operations from supplier sourcing to cargo delivery, using container logistics as a main reference, to help you efficiently connect the trade pipeline from “Chinese factories to overseas warehouses.”
1. Supplier Sourcing: Multi-Channel Precision Engagement
1. Offline Trade Fairs: Golden Opportunities for Deep Connections
- Key Exhibitions: Canton Fair (spring and autumn sessions), China International Import Expo (CIIE), Shenzhen International Electronics Fair, etc., gathering over 20,000 high-quality suppliers across all industries.
- Exhibition Strategies:
• Pre-check exhibitor lists on the fair’s official website and flag target companies;
• Bring a sample requirement list and quality inspection standards to align needs efficiently during on-site communications.
• Focus on the “Export-to-Domestic Sales” zone, where some companies offer more flexible minimum order quantities (MOQs).
2. B2B Platforms: Efficient Gateways for Digital Procurement
- Leading Platforms:
• Alibaba International Station: Supports supplier screening by “Gold Supplier” (paid certified vendors) and “Trade Assurance” (secured orders), with a platform arbitration mechanism to ensure transaction safety;
• Made-in-China: Focuses on manufacturing niches like machinery and building materials, with most suppliers holding ISO certifications; - Operation Tips: Use the platform’s “RFQ (Request for Quotation)” function to obtain multiple supplier quotes, comparing core terms such as delivery time and payment methods (e.g., L/C letters of credit, T/T telegraphic transfers).
3. Industry Network Recommendations: Leverage Professional Networks to Reduce Risks
- Join industry associations (e.g., American Furniture Association, German Textile Industry Federation) to access supplier whitelists via member directories;
- Participate in cross-border e-commerce communities (e.g., Facebook Groups “China Sourcing Agents”) to seek recommendations from peers with hands-on cooperation experience.
2. Contract Signing: Details Determine Transaction Security
1. Core Clause Checklist
| Clause Type | Example of Key Content |
|---|---|
| Product Specifications | For electronics, specify model (e.g., Huawei Mate 60 Pro) and certification standards (CE/FCC); for textiles, indicate fabric composition (95% cotton + 5% spandex) |
| Quantity and Delivery Date | For partial deliveries, specify quantity and port arrival time for each batch (e.g., 5,000 pieces in Q2 2024, remaining 5,000 pieces in Q3) |
| Payment Methods | For L/C, stipulate document submission deadlines (e.g., within 15 days after bill of lading date); for T/T, split into 30% deposit + 70% balance |
| Dispute Resolution | Designate arbitration venue (e.g., China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission) or litigation jurisdiction (usually defendant’s location) |
2. Risk Prevention Tips
- Avoid “soft clause L/Cs” (e.g., “payment subject to buyer’s inspection approval”) to prevent passive default;
- For customized products, specify design approval processes in contract annexes and retain email/chat records as evidence.
3. Customs Clearance: Compliance Accelerates Processing
1. Required Document List
- Basic Documents: Commercial invoice (indicate FOB/CIF price), packing list (gross/net weight/number of packages), ocean bill of lading (B/L, consignee must match customs clearance entity);
- Special Documents:
• Textiles: Certificate of origin (preferential COs like FORM E/RCEP for tariff reduction), fabric composition test reports;
• Electronics: CE certification, RoHS test reports (mandatory for EU markets).
2. Common Customs Issues and Solutions
- Customs Inspection: Pre-detailed “container number-contents” tables in packing lists to avoid vague declarations (e.g., specify “smartphones” instead of “electronics”);
- Commodity Classification Disputes: Refer to the People’s Republic of China Customs Import and Export Commodity Specification Declaration Catalog and provide detailed technical parameters (e.g., “material/use/brand” for furniture) during declaration.
4. Transportation Solutions: The Art of Balancing Cost and Timeliness
1. Transportation Mode Comparison and Selection
| Mode | Application Scenario | Cost (China to Europe) | Timeliness | Risk Control Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight | Bulk cargo (e.g., furniture, textiles) | ~$2,000-$3,000/20ft container | 25-40 days | Purchase All Risks insurance |
| Air Freight | High-value/urgent goods (e.g., electronics) | ~$5-$8/kg | 5-10 days | Choose direct flights to reduce transit loss |
| Land Freight | Southeast Asia/Central Asia (e.g., Vietnam, Russia) | Charged by ton/km | 7-15 days | Confirm border crossing efficiency |
2. Logistics Provider Selection Criteria
- Prioritize WCA (World Cargo Association) member companies to ensure global network coverage;
- Request “door-to-door” (DDP) quotes to avoid hidden fees (e.g., destination port delivery order fees, storage charges).
5. Cargo Delivery: Inspection and Exception Handling
1. Port Arrival Inspection Process
- Verify B/L and packing list information before pick-up, confirm container seal numbers are intact.
- Sample inspection (recommended per AQL standards): Power-test electronics, check colorfastness, and size deviation for textiles.
2. Exception Handling
- Shortage: Keep photos of damaged packages and notify the logistics company and insurer within 24 hours.
- Quality Non-Conformance: Initiate claims with suppliers based on third-party inspection reports (e.g., SGS), with claim deadlines pre-stipulated in contracts (typically within 30 days of port arrival).
Recommended Tools
- Pre-Customs Declaration: China International Trade “Single Window” (https://www.singlewindow.cn) supports online declaration submission;
- Logistics Tracking: 17TRACK (https://www.17track.net), covers 200+ logistics providers worldwide;
- Tariff Inquiry: National customs websites (e.g., EU TARIC database, U.S. HTS code lookup system).
Next Preview: How to accurately calculate import costs? We’ll break down core elements like product costs, freight, and tariffs, teaching you to develop profit-optimized procurement strategies – stay tuned!
