China offers a perfect opportunity for an importer to import quality and affordable goods from China to New Zealand.

For this reason, you need to equip yourself with the relevant information when importing from China to New Zealand.

I have prepared this guide to assist you in with all the relevant information you may need while you are importing from China to New Zealand.

From goods that you can import to New Zealand to the customs regulations, you will find this guide helpful in your venture.

How to Use NZ Import Tax Calculator?

The customs will charge you an import duty based on the value of your imports.

If it occurs that your goods will attract a duty of less than or equal to NZ$60, then you won’t be charged any duty.

Generally, all your imports will attract a 5.11% import duty.

You will also have to pay GST tax of 15% of the value of your imports.

GST is by the sum of the CIF value.

There is also the IEFT that you will pay for all your import.
The rate usually is NZ$29.26 but it ought not to exceed NZ$60,

Lastly, you will have to pay a system entry levy on all your imports which usually is at NZ$19.98.

However, there are some goods that you won’t have to pay the import duty when you are importing them.

They include books, laptops, and some electronics.

When does importation to New Zealand begin and end?

Importing to New Zealand starts when your goods are in the territory of New Zealand with the intention of unloading.

You will say you have finally imported your goods once you pay the necessary taxes and duties.

Which parties are allowed to file for an import entry?

Generally, there are two categories of parties that can file for an import entry for your goods.

They include you if you are the holders of the bill of lading or if you as the owner of the goods authorize your customs broker.

If you are still not sure about a particular area, you can get in touch with us today, and we will be glad to offer a clarification.

Why do I need to use a freight forwarder or a customs broker import to New Zealand?

Freight forwarders are conversant with the importation process.

They will assist you in finding the best method of shipping your goods from China to New Zealand.

They will also negotiate for the best price for a carrier when you are importing.

On the other hand, customs brokers are conversant with the customs laws and regulations.

They will facilitate faster clearance of your cargo when you are importing.

In the long run, these two parties will help reduce your importation cost as well as facilitate for speedier clearance of your goods.

Chapter 1: Importing to New Zealand Tips – Is Importing from China is Good for You?

No one goes ahead with a business without proper consultation.

You may want to inquire how profitable the business is and how you can go about importing from China to New Zealand.

To help you in your analysis, here are a few tips that can get through when you want to import from China to New Zealand.

1) Consider Local Market in New Zealand

Understanding the market that you want to engage in will indeed play an essential factor when you want to import to New Zealand.

Different markets will need different strategies and products to conquer.

This may be regarding different products to import and different sizes.

Understanding this aspect of importing can lead you to cut a niche for your business.

High demand for goods means that you can quickly get a market if you import them.

One thing that you need to avoid is maintaining a high stock.

High stock means that you will have to consider other charges such as warehousing charges.

To prevent this, always ensure that there is a high demand for your product.

2) Know New Zealand Restricted and Prohibited Imports

You need to pay close attention to the customs rules and regulations when importing from China to New Zealand.

This includes understanding the prohibited and restricted goods when importing.

If you import these goods, the customs will slap you with a hefty fine plus confiscation of the items.

When importing restricted goods, always ensure that you obtain the necessary permits before doing so.

3) Evaluate the Risks of Importing from China to New Zealand

Just like any business, there are risks that you may want to evaluate when importing from China against purchasing locally.

A careful analysis of these potential risks is essential.

It is from this analysis that you will choose between either importing to New Zealand or not.

Here is a look at the risks that you are likely to face when importing to New Zealand from China.

The first risk has to be the distance which affects the quality of your goods.

Since the distance is considerable, you are not in a position to determine the quality of your goods.

The effect of this is that your supplier may deliver poor quality goods.

This risk increases by the fact that since the distance is to larges, you cannot return the goods in time.

This leads to your suffering loss.

To minimize this, always ensure that you run a background check on the supplier before engaging their services.

Also, you can ask for several samples before settling on a supplier to supply you with a particular product.

However, you need to keep in mind that even though the samples are free, you will pay for the shipments cost.

Also, there is a risk of losing your clients as a result of your goods taking longer to arrive.

This can be a significant setback as you will end up with a stock that you cannot sell.

To minimize this, always ensure that you plan early enough for your shipment so that you still have a constant stock.

4) Know Your Financial Capability

Another consideration that you need to make is understanding your financial strength.

Finances will play a significant role in your importation from New Zealand.

For instance, you will need finances to purchase your goods in China, and also to ship them to New Zealand.

You will also require capital for customs clearance as well as inland transportation of your goods.

Lack of proper finance may lead to either you importing less than what you wanted or goods of poor quality.

You may also experience delays in customs clearance of your cargo.

Always pout into consideration all the financial input that you need before setting out to import from China to New Zealand.

5) Prepare to Deal with Exchange Rate Fluctuations

Since you will be dealing with foreign currency to buy your imports, you need to understand the effect of exchange rate fluctuations.

An increase in the fluctuation rate may cause you to pay more for your goods.

There are various ways you can use to minimize this risk.

First, you can have a savings account that you can use to top up your payments.

You can also purchase a forward cover which you can use to when the exchange rate fluctuates.

Lastly, you can also transfer the risk to your supplier by agreeing with them that you will use the New Zealand currency to trade.

At the time, the exchange rate fluctuation may be in your side.

That is, the value of the international currency may decrease meaning that you will pay less of the amount you were to pay initially.

6) Choose Cost Effective Trading Terms

The choice of a particular trading term will influence the risk and the cost of your shipment.

To assist you with choosing the correct trading term for your importation, here is a look at the common terms that are in use.

· FOB

Under this incoterm, the responsibility and control of your cargo are with you during the shipping period.

You will pay for shipping the cargo as well as taking an insurance cover for your goods.

At the customs, you will be responsible for all the cost associated with customs clearance at your port of destination.

Your supplier will avail your cargo to the port of origin in China as well as pay for the transportation cost from their warehouse to the port.

At the port, they will pay for loading your goods to the carrier and clear them at the customs.

With this incoterm, you can pick a carrier and negotiate with your forwarder.

· CIF

This incoterm allows you to cater for the cost of your goods as well as the customs clearance at your pot of destination.

Also, you will have to make arrangements for transporting your goods to your warehouse.

The role of your supplier includes making available your goods to your port of origin, clearance at the port of origin and paying the carrier of your cargo.

Other responsibilities for your supplier will be to pay for an insurance cover for your goods as well-paying port charges.

· EXW

EXW works allow you to pay for the cost of handling your cargo at the port as well as the customs clearance at both ports.

You will also be in charge of taking an insurance cover for your cargo as well as paying for a carrier for your goods.

On the other hand, your supplier will deliver your goods to the agreed place and issuing you with the relevant documents.

This incoterm allows you to have maximum responsibility for your goods during the importation process.

Chapter 2: What to Import from China to New Zealand

There are several items that you can import from China to New Zealand.

Depending on your market niche, here is a look at the top imports from China to New Zealand.

· Vehicles and machinery

Under this category, you can import cars, tractors, or even heavy machines for use in industries.

· Medical apparatus

This is another area where you can find products to import.

Among the top medical apparatus that you can import include medicinal drugs, syringes and general apparatus for use in hospitals.

You can also import screening and dialysis equipment.

· Electrical equipment

If you want to cut a niche on the importation business, then this needs to be your specialty due to its vastness.

Among the items in this category include television sets, computers, radio, and transformers.

· Iron and steel items

These are items that you can find commonly in the construction items, from steel nails to construction steel; you can import various items from China to New Zealand.

· Aerospace industry

There are several items that you can import from China for use in the aerospace industry in New Zealand.

They include body parts for aircraft as well as their accessories.

Chapter 3: How to Find a List of Suppliers in China

The people who will play an important role in the importation of your goods are your suppliers.

They are the ones who will organize for timely production and delivery of your goods from China to New Zealand.

As such, you need to have a supplier who you can trust to engage.

Here is a look at the various methods you can use to find reputable suppliers.

1. Visit Online Marketplaces

Online Marketplace offers you the perfect place f interacting with your suppliers without having to go to China.

Through these online platforms, you get to engage with different manufacturers and suppliers who can deliver your goods at different prices.

Though there are various online platforms that you can use, here is a look at the major ones:

The first one is Alibaba which offers you an opportunity to interact with different Chinese suppliers and manufacturers.

The use of this Alibaba is common among most Chinese suppliers and manufacturers.

The erase and security of Alibaba ensures that you get the right supplier or manufacturer for your goods.

Again, since clients are allowed to leave feedback about a particular supplier, you can always check for a supplier with more positive feedbacks.

Another advantage of using Alibaba is that there is an availability of Alipay which you can use to pay for your transactions.

Alipay ensures that you get the goods that you wanted and your supplier or manufacturer gets paid for delivering those goods.

AliExpress works in the same way as Alibaba since it is the sister company.

However, unlike Alibaba that lets you interact with manufacturers and wholesale suppliers, AliExpress allows you to interact with small-scale traders.

As such, it is ideal if you are importing small volume of goods from China to New Zealand.

And with the security measures in place, you are assured of your transactions.

Made in China is another online platform that lets you interact with your suppliers.

However, before you engage with a particular supplier, always ensure that you have done a background search on the supplier.

The perspective is typical that online marketplaces are places for scams and fraudsters.

However, not all these sites have such characters.

Before using any online marketplace, check on the reviews to ensure it is legit.

Also, engage with a particular supplier only after being sure of their operations.

2. Use China Sourcing Agents

If you are a new importer, the services of a China sourcing agent can be of great help.

This is because you can capitalize on their networks to find yourself a supplier or manufacturer for your goods.

Sourcing agents usually have a network of suppliers and manufacturers from whom you can get a particular supplier.

What happens is that you will contact a sourcing agent with all the specifications of your supplier.

Your sourcing agent will then look at the available supplier or manufacturers and come up with a list for you.

They will then help you go through the list by discussing the positive and negative aspects or each supplier.

By doing so, you will be able to get a supplier who you will engage for the importation of your goods from China to New Zealand.

3. Attend China Trade Fair and Exhibitions

China Trade Fair and Exhibitions offer a perfect way of interacting with potential suppliers of your goods.

Attending a trade fair and exhibition gives you an opportunity of getting a fair price since there are several suppliers and manufacturers.

Another importance of these trade fairs is that you can identify the market trends which will give you an edge when selecting your imports.

There are different trade fairs and exhibitions in China where you can get to interact with several suppliers.

Here is a look at the common ones.

· The Canton Fair

The Canton fair also known as the China Import and Export Fair is the standard trade fair that you can attend in China.

This fair exhibition is held in Canton in Guangzhou province in the autumn and spring season each year.

The organizers of this fair are the government of Guangzhou and the ministry of commerce in China.

The most common goods you can find here include electronic foods, vehicles, machinery, and consumer goods.

However, that is not to mean you cannot find other goods since virtually every product is at display during this exhibition.

· The Yiwu Commodities Fair

If you are a small volume importer and you are looking for consumer goods that are at an affordable price, then you need to attend the Yiwu Commodities Fair.

It is usually is a permanent fair unlike other types of fairs in China.

The culmination of this trade fair is the annual Yiwu International commodities fair which is in October.

The location of this trade fair is in Zhejiang province at a Yiwu International Expo Center.

The most common items on display at this trade fair are crafts, stationery, knitwear, toys, ornaments, accessories.

· Beijing International Auto Show

If you want to specialize in the importation of automobiles and their accessories, then you need to pay a visit to this show.

The Beijing International Auto Show is the largest automobile show in China that showcases vehicles from virtually every manufacturing company in China.

You can locate this show in Shunyi District in Beijing China though it also showcases in other cities in China.

This show is generally around April to May after every two years.

· Bauma China Trade fair

BaumaChina trade fair is ideal if you are importing construction materials from China to New Zealand.

In this trade fair, you can find construction machinery, construction vehicles and equipment, and building materials machines.

This is a bi-annual event held in Shanghai around November.

· East China Import and Export Commodity Fair (ECF)

This is a four-day event that is held every year with the support of the ministry of commerce in China and nine Chinese provinces.

By far, it is the largest trade fair in China that showcases products from around China.

Among the common items, you can find in this fair include Garments, Home Textiles, Consumer Goods, and Art Deco Gifts.

ECF is in early March.

You can attend these events in one of the following cities: Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Fujian, Jiangxi, Shandong, Nanjing, and Ningbo.

· China Electronic Fair

This is the largest trade fairs in China that specialize in electronic and electronic products.

The trade fair usually happens in multiple cities in a road show fashion.

The event takes place thrice per year, that is, in Spring, summer, and autumn.

The cities where these events take place are Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Chengdu.

Chapter 4: Understand New Zealand Import Regulations

One thing is a car when you are importing; you need to understand the customs regulation in New Zealand.

This is because you don’t want to get in trouble with the customs authorities.

To help you understand the import regulations in New Zealand, here is a breakdown of the regulation process.

· New Zealand Customs Clearance Process

The customs authorities in New Zealand will demand a couple of things before your goods are allowed to enter the country.

First, if you are importing any restricted item, you will be required to submit the relevant documents.

Confirm with the customs where you can get the relevant permits for such goods.

Always check with the customs that whatever you are importing is not a prohibited item.

Doing so will lead to the customs fining you.

After that, the customs will require that you submit an Electronic Cargo Entry (ECI) lodgment.

You can obtain the ECI from the following: Your customs broker, your freight forwarder, Trade Single Window (TSW) or an Electronic Data Interchange Software.

Remember, you are required to submit your Import Entry Clearance within 20 days of your goods arriving at the port of entry.

Alternatively, you can submit this clearance before your products arrive.

You can choose from one of the three Import Entry Clearance available depending on your goods.

That is, you can have standard Import Entry if your products have a value of NZ$1,000 or more.

You can also have a temporary Import Entry if your goods will be in New Zealand for only a year.

Lastly, you can have a Simplified Import Entry.

The use of the Simplified Import Entry is for private imports that have a VFD value of not more than $1000.

You can also use it if you are importing unaccompanied goods regardless of their VFD value.

Lastly, you can use it when you are importing private goods that have a value of not more than $1000.

In case your goods arrived at the port less than what you ordered, and you have to order a separate shipment, you will have to register for Permit Entry for the products.

Remember, if you cannot give out the full information for your goods at the time of customs clearance, you will need to apply for a Single-Entry permit.

You also need to note that your goods will be released to you once you have paid the necessary duties and inspection is complete on your goods.

Chapter 5: Calculate Shipping Cost from China to NZ

It is important that you understand the cost of shipping from China to New Zealand.

For a fact, there are a number of factors that determine the shipping cost.

https://youtu.be/isIcqkYUHws

Let’s have a quick overview of some of the most critical factors:

1. Fuel cost

The price of fuel keeps fluctuating depending on the global oil price.

As such, this may affect your shipping cost since it may increase or decrease during the shipping period.

Your invoice will indicate this change as a fuel surcharge.

2. Season

Your shipping cost will be affected by the shipping season or Chinese holidays.

During high season, the shipping cost will tend to be higher because many importers are importing their cargo hence scramble for space.

You can always reduce your shipping cost by importing during the low season.

3. Distance

If you are importing far off area in New Zealand, then your shipping cost will tend to be higher.

On the contrary, if the distance is small, your shipping cost will be lower.

4. Port charges

Different ports charge different port charges for importing through them.

Such charges go towards maintaining the port.

5. Weight and volume of your cargo

Whichever is heavier between the weight and volume of your cargo, the customs will use it to calculate the shipping cost.

If your cargo is heavy, you will pay more.

6. Size of your cargo

If you are importing irregular items such as machinery, the size of your cargo matters.

This is because you will have to pay for the lost slots that your cargo occupies.

Lost slots refer to the spaces left that your carrier cannot use once your cargo has occupied the ship.

Chapter 6: Find a Reliable Chinese Freight Forwarder

Logistics is a significant part of your importation from China to New Zealand.

You will, therefore, need a forwarder to handle this part of your importation.

Many forwarders can handle your goods from China to New Zealand.

However, finding a reliable forwarder who can handle your goods can be a tiresome experience.

Here is a look at some of the tips you can use to find a reliable freight forwarder.

· Check on the experience

A reliable forwarder needs to have the necessary knowledge that you need to be able to import your goods from China to New Zealand.

This experience may be in the form of advice on the best shipping route as well as the best Carrier that you can use.

These experience needs to enable you to have a smooth customs clearance of your cargo.

Remember, any delay in importing your cargo may lead to severe losses.

· Financial strength

Another element that you can check on is the financial strength of the forwarding company.

If there is anything that you need to avoid during importation is having surprises.

A forwarding company with less financial muscles can make you pay for some charges even when it is there duty to do so.

Failure to pay may lead to your cargo being held by various stakeholders till you pay them.

A reliable forwarder will always give you time to settle your bill.

As such, they may cover all the bills and deliver your goods then you pay them.

Always analyze the financial strength of a forwarding company before engaging them.

A reliable forwarder will be willing to share this information.

· Check if they have the services you need

The forwarding industry is a massive industry.

You will, therefore, find that there are categories of forwarding companies who offer different forwarding services.

For instance, there are forwarding companies that offer general services while there are others that provide specialized services.

You will, therefore, need to look for a forwarding company that has the services that you need.

This is important especially when you are looking for specialized services such as RORO and REEFER services.

· Communication

For the efficient importation of your cargo, you will need a forwarding company that is in constant communication.

Such a company will always inform you of the progress of your import up to when they reach you.

Communication is essential when I come to international trade.

With the various risks that can occur during importation, you will need to be informed to prepare early enough.

Always look out for companies that are in constant communication with their clients.

· Membership of an accredited international body

The easiest way you can find a forwarding company s by checking if the company is a member of an internationally recognized institution.

There is a particular way in which companies with such membership offer their services to maintain their membership status.

Choosing such companies will make you enjoy world-class forwarding services

· Customers’ feedback

The feedbacks of previous customers can help in determining if a freight forwarder is reliable or not.

A reliable forwarder will always have positive feedback from their customers which is a positive sign of engagement.

On the other hand, you need to avoid interacting with forwarding companies that have negative feedback from their clients.

Such companies may end up ruining your importation business.

Here is a useful resource when it comes to this: 7 Tips to Finding Freight Forwarder in China.

Chapter 7: How to Start Import Export Business in New Zealand

If there is a business opportunity that you need to focus on is the Import Export Business in New Zealand.

This is because, despite several attempts, it remains untapped.

Let me take you through the process of starting up your own Import Export Business in New Zealand.

Take a look.

Step 1: Choose a business name and establish a website

Importing from China to Nigeria is a booming business that you need not miss out if you are an importer.

But how do you go about importing from China to Nigeria?

The answer to this question lies in this guide.

The guide seeks to unravel all the details that you need to know when you want to import from China to Nigeria.

In this guide, you will learn about the customs procedure in Nigeria as well as which goods you can import from China to Nigeria.

Let’s get straight into the details to help you understand.

How do I avoid fake suppliers for our goods importing to Nigeria?

You will need to be extra vigilant when you are sourcing for your suppliers.
Some scammers supply you with fake or low-quality goods.
Before engaging your supplier, you need do a background check to ascertain if they are genuine.
This includes requesting their physical address and their licenses.

How to pay importing from China to Nigeria?

There are several ways you can use to pay for your goods.
· Telegraphic Transfer
· Western Union
· PayPal
· Alipay
· Escrow
· Letter of Credit

How to buy goods from China to Nigeria?

The starting point of your importation is to order goods from China to Nigeria.
There are several ways you can order your goods from China to Nigeria.
· Use Chinese Sourcing Agents
· Order Goods Directly from Chinese Factory or Supplier
· Use Online Market Places

Which products you can Import from China to Nigeria?

i. Electronics appliance and gadget
ii. Fashion Accessories
iii. Home and Office appliances
iv. Automobile.

• Things to Import from China to Nigeria

Things to Import from China to Nigeria

As an importer, you need to import products that will sell quickly and those that will increase your profit margin.

There are a variety of products that you can import depending on your market niche.

Here is a look at these products.

i. Electronics appliance and gadget

• Under this category, you can import a wide variety of products. They include:
• Tablets and laptops which people can use as an alternative for Computers
• Memory cards and flash disks for file storage
• Smartphones and smart watches for communication and accessory purposes

ii. Fashion Accessories

Products that you can import under this category include:

Makeup which women use for beautification purposes

Shoes – You can either import casual or formal shoes which are in high demand in Nigeria.

Sportswear especially football kits which much Nigerian youth uses for training and playing purposes.

Clothing – Here, you can import any clothing be it formal or informal clothing.

Children wear especially those that toddlers and youth wear to look fashionable

iii. Home and Office appliances

This category includes those items that you can find in most homes and offices in Nigeria.

These products include the following:

• Computer and laptops. The demand for laptops and computers is in high demand in Nigeria especially among business people and in offices.
• CCTV cameras and their security surveillance systems. If you want to specialize in the security market of importing, then this needs to be your segment
• From cameras to security software like fingerprint scanners, you can win big by importing these items.
• Projectors which go in hand with laptops or computers when making presentations during board meetings or in seminars.
• Safety appliances such as fire extinguishers. These items are important for preventing fire outbreaks and safety of the occupants in offices and houses.
• Printers and scanners which play as an important accessory in offices.

iv. Automobiles

Items which you can import under this category include:

• Motor vehicles
• Tractors and heavy machinery
• Motorcycles commonly known as “Okada” and tricycles
• Automobile spare parts.

Other items that you can import from China to Nigeria include:

• Batteries
• Agricultural machinery including plowing and harvesting machines
• Musical instruments which have a niche in the entertainment industry
• Solar based equipment such as generators or panels which are in use as an alternative source of electricity.

List of Prohibited and Restricted Imports from China to Nigeria

One aspect of your importation that you need to be careful when importing from China to Nigeria is understanding the prohibited and restricted imports regulations.

Here are some goods that you should never import from China to Nigeria.

These are the prohibited goods which the customs will confiscate if you import them.

They include the following:

• Pork
• Nuclear industrial waste
• Alcoholic substances
• Drugs and narcotics
• A medicament which falls under the headings of 3003 and 304. You need to confirm which ones are they before importing them
• Waste pharmaceuticals
• Corrugated paper and paperboards
• Used motor vehicles above 15 years from the date of manufacture
• Bagged cement
• Certain furniture items
• Water including mineral water
• Carpets and certain textile floor covering
• Used compressors and used fridges and freezers
• Second-hand clothing

How to Order Goods from China to Nigeria

The starting point of your importation is to order goods from China to Nigeria.

There are several ways you can order your goods from China to Nigeria.

Whichever methods you use, you need to ensure that it is secure and that at the end of the day you will have your goods.

Here is a look at the most commonly used methods of ordering your goods from China to Nigeria.

· Use Chinese Sourcing Agents

The best thing about using Chinese sourcing agents to order your goods is that you can capitalize on their networks.

Most sourcing agents have a wide network of suppliers and manufacturers which you can use to order your goods.

What happens is that you will contact your sourcing agents detailing the kind of goods that you want to import.

Your sourcing agent will search for a list of your favorite products

They will use parameters such as cost, MOQ, and delivery time to source for suppliers and manufacturers for you.

Once they come up with a list of possible suppliers and manufacturers, they will present it to you.

They will then take you through each of the suppliers or manufacturers giving you the advantage and disadvantage of each.

This will enable you to settle for the best supplier for your goods.

Though ordering using a sourcing agent is beneficial as it can help you order quality goods at a lower price, there are some limitations.

For instance, your sourcing agent may not be in a position to disclose the details of your supplier.

Also, they may slow down your importation process since they are middlemen in your importation process.

· Order Goods Directly from Chinese Factory or Supplier

You can opt to order goods directly from a Chinese factory or supplier.

This is common especially if you are old in the industry and thus has established a lasting relationship with your supplier.

If you are a newbie, it will take a lot than ordering directly from your supplier.

For instance, you will have to visit the factory of your supplier to check on the production process.

You will also have to request for samples to confirm that the products that you will be importing are of the right quality.

Once you are OK with your supplier, you can now go ahead and order your products.

The advantage you will have with this method is that you have control over your order.

As such, you can contact them in case of any problem relating to your products.

Also, the fact that you are dealing directly with your manufacturer or supplier means that you have eliminated intermediaries.

You are therefore able to order goods at a lower price.

Apart from that, you are in a position to negotiate with your supplier or manufacturer on the details of your products.

This includes the price, the delivery time and the MOQ.

· Use Online Market Places

Online Marketplaces are the other method you can use to order your product from China to Nigeria.

These refer to secure and trusted sites on the internet that you can use to order your goods from China to Nigeria.

There are a couple of sites.

However, the common ones are Alibaba, AliExpress and DH gate.

If you are an importer who wants to import a large volume of goods in wholesale, then you can check out Alibaba.

Alibaba allows you to interact with several suppliers depending on your needs.

You can engage your suppliers or even your manufactures on the cost of your products.

You can also consider the MOQ and the delivery lead time for your products.

The advantage of using Alibaba is that you can easily see the reviews of your supplier based on their previous works.

You are therefore able to pick a reliable supplier based on how well they handled their previous customers.

AliExpress, on the other hand, offers you an opportunity to import small quantities preferably for retail purposes.

Being a sister company to Alibaba, there is a guarantee of quality and delivery of your products from your supplier.

Other online sited that you can use to search for your suppliers include Made in China and DH gate.

However, whichever site you pick, it needs to be secure and offer you protection from scammers.

You also need to do a background check on the suppliers before you engage them for your importation.

Calculate Cost of Importing from China to Nigeria

The cost has a significant role when you are importing from China to Nigeria.

You need to be aware of the various costs that you will pay during this process.

To assist you with this aspect, here is a look at the main elements of cost when you are importing from China to Nigeria.

1) Know Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) & Unit Price of Imports

One thing you will notice with all Chinese suppliers is that they always insist on the MOQ.

In most cases, this MOQ is usually on the higher side.

The reason for their MOQ being on the higher side is due to the low-profit margins that they enjoy.

The competition is high in China that they have to lower their price so as t get a competitive edge.

The reason why you will find most Chinese supplier requesting for MOQ is that they don’t keep stock.

For this reason, they set an MOQ s that they can start production as soon as you place an order with them.

For this reason, you need to check on the production time of your supplier before you engage them for your goods.

However, you can have a variety of ways that you can use to lower your manufacturers MOQ requirements without having to compromise on the quality.

For instance, you can reduce your customization requirements only to have requirements necessary customization.

You see, too much customization let’s say branding of your products will tend to attract a higher price than having plain products.

By doing this, you will be able to meet your supplier’s MOQ without affecting the quality of your goods.

The other way you can do this is by quoting a higher price for less quantity of the goods.

Since Chinese suppliers depend on large volume to make a profit, by reducing the volume, you lower their profit margin.

The only way they can still earn their profit is by increasing the value of your product if you are lowering the quantity.

Lastly, you can consider purchasing your goods from small manufacturers and suppliers.

Most of their MOQ is normally lower when you compare to big manufacturers and suppliers.

By doing this, you will get the same quantity of goods at a better price.

2) Calculate Cost of Shipping from China to Nigeria

Here is a look at the shipping cost of the various containers from China to Nigeria

If you are using ocean shipment, it will cost you the following when shipping to different ports in Nigeria from China.

• Shipping a 20ft container

• Shipping a 40ft container

• Shipping an OOCL container

If you are shipping via air, there are several factors that you will have to consider when you are determining the shipping cost.

They include the distance between the ports.

The farther the distance is, the higher the shipping cost that you will pay.

Also, you will have to factor in the different port charges that ports charge.

Other factors that will determine your shipping cost include the nature of your goods, fuel surcharge and the paying currency for your shipping.

The fuel surcharge and the paying currency keeps fluctuating during the shipping process.

The fuel surcharge is as a result of the changing prices of fuel while currency is as a result of a change in the strength of the currency.

Having a reliable forwarder will always inform you of any change in the price of fuel.

You will find this change indicated in your shipping cost.

To avoid instances of having less money when you are shipping, always factor in the currency fluctuation in your cost.

Having a reserve will help you pay for your air shipping cost without having troubles.

3) Calculate Nigeria Import Tariffs

The method for valuation of your import duty is the CIF.

The total import duty will include surface duty which is a percentage of the CIF, a surcharge ta of 7% and an administrative charge of 1%.

Also, you will also have to pay a 5% VAT and an ECOWAS levy of 5% on your imports.

Also, there are other duties which you will have to pay depending on the goods you are importing.

An automotive levy of between 10-20% when you are importing automotive.

A rice levy of 20% when importing rice.

When you are importing cigarettes, you will have to pay a 50% levy of the CIF value of your goods.

You will also have to pay a levy of between 10-20% when you are importing sugar into Nigeria.

However, there are some goods such as books that you can import duty-free.

You can check with the customs to determine if you can import your goods duty-free.

Know Nigeria Import Customs Clearance Procedures

Understanding the customs procedures when importing from China to Nigeria will help with the faster clearance of your goods from China to Nigeria.

Not following these procedures would mean paying fines for delays in clearance and having to wait longer at the customs.

If you are in the importation business, this is something you don’t want to happen to your importation.

To help you in understanding this, here is a look at the details involved.

· Nigeria import regulations

Let’s go through the important import regulations that you need to consider when importing to Nigeria from China

You will be required to submit a dully completed e-form M electronically to your dealer bank which must be authorized by the CBN.

You must attach this with the following documents

Proforma Invoice, insurance certificate and the necessary regulatory certificate such as NAFDAC or SONCAP.

There are some original documents which you will have to submit to your dealer bank before the validation process takes place.

Your dealer bank will do the following after they have received the duly completed copy of the e-forms.

First, they shall check the forms to ensure that you have filled them properly.

They will then have to compare the forms with the original documents.

Once the customs finish, they will validate and transmit your e-form to the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS)

· Import marking and labeling requirements in Nigeria

First, you will have to ensure that your supplier labels your imports in English before importing them.

You will also have to indicate the country of origin which in this case is China.

When importing perishable goods, you will need to indicate the date of manufacturer and expiry of the goods.

Also, on all imports, you need to indicate the name of the product, the batch number, and their specifications.

Always remember to remind your supplier that they have to indicate the standards for producing the goods.

Electronic equipment that you import to Nigeria must include the instruction manual and a warranty of at least six months.

They should also have safety signs or information where applicable.

· Quality compliance in Nigeria

You will have to be issued with a Certificate of Conformity by SONCAP when importing to Nigeria.

You can obtain this certificate from an accredited firm.

There are three levels of SONCAP certification that you must adhere.

These levels are known as routes.

Let me explain these routes for you and depend on your products.

· Route A

You can use this route if you are importing unregistered or unlicensed products.

You can also use this route if you don’t frequently import to Nigeria.

· Route B

If you are importing registered goods, then you can conveniently use this route to import your cargo.

Also, if you are a regular importer and you have frequently complied with the quality system in place, then you can use this route.

· Route C

If you have shown consistency with the compliance of route B, you can apply for your goods to be certified under route C. mainly the goods that are certified here are the licensed products.

· How to get an import license in Nigeria

The important thing before you start importing is to obtain an import License for your business.

This is a license that permits you to import your cargo from China to Nigeria.

The following are the guidelines you will follow when seeking an import license for your business.

The first step involves registering the name of your company in Nigeria after which you will give you a certificate of incorporation.

You can do this by registering with the Federal Inland Service (FIRS) where you will be given a Tax Identification Number once you have paid tax.

You need to open an account with any commercial bank of your choice in Nigeria.

It is this bank that shall act as your dealer bank.

Your dealer bank will process your forms for you including e- form M and act as a link between you and the Nigeria Customs Service, you and other parties to your imports.

Remember that the e- form M is an important document when importing to Nigeria as the customs use it for statistics and other functions

You will have to get the necessary permits such as SONCAP or NAFDAC depending on the kind of gods you are importing.

After completing the above steps, you will have to register as an importer on the Nigeria Single Window Trade Portal.

You can locate this portal on the FIRS site.

The purpose of the portal is to facilitate the import procedure for your goods.

It does this by linking the government, you as an importer, your forwarding agent and your supplier in China.

Depending on your imports, there is three import categories procedure that your imports will have to follow.

You can have a one-time registration procedure which will make you an importer in Nigeria.

You can also have a special import license to import certain goods to Nigeria.

Lastly, you need to have a certification like SONCAP or NAFDAC or any permit as prescribed by the Nigeria Customs Service.

You will only start your importation from China to Nigeria after you have completed the above procedures.

· Documents required for importation in Nigeria

Proper documentation is a key element if you want to have a successful importation of your goods.

Lack of these documents may lead to you paying higher fines as well as a delay in you getting your cargo.

Here are the important documents that you need to have when importing to Nigeria from China.

1. Form M

Form M is a mandatory document that you must have when you are importing into Nigeria from China.

You can obtain this document from the Central Bank of Nigeria through your commercial bank.

The requirements or obtaining this document include a proforma invoice and an insurance cover for your imports.

Remember to source for the insurance cover locally.

You will also have to submit your Taxpayers Identification Number (TIN).

You can access the document through the Federal Government of Nigeria Single Window for Trade portal.

The importance of this document is that it enables the customs to monitor the importation of goods into Nigeria.

It also aids in the collection of taxes and duties.

The content of the document includes the Harmonized code for your import duty and the total amount that you need to pay.

2. Insurance certificate

An insurance certificate is an important document since it covers your goods against risks that might occur during importation.

The customs authorities require that you obtain an insurance cover from a local insurance company.

Insurance is a compulsory step when you are importing your goods to Nigeria.

3. Agency certificate

Depending on the type of goods you are importing from China to Nigeria, you will need to have an agency certificate.

For example, if you are importing food products, you will obtain a NAFDAC certificate.

Similarly, if you are importing manufactured goods, you will have to obtain a certificate from SONCAP.

For ease of importing your goods, always seek the services of a freight forwarder on which agency certificate you need to have.

4. Bill of Lading or Airways Bill

Depending on which shipping method you use to import your goods from China to Nigeria, you will need to have a bill of lading or an airways bill.

Your carrier will issue your customs agent with this document.

The information on this document include the details of the goods that you are shipping, the details of your supplier and your details.

Your forwarder will use this information as reference when computing your import duty.

Always ensure that the information therein matches the information that is in your commercial invoice.

5. Commercial Invoice

This is a document that your supplier will issue your forwarder which they need to present to the customs.

The information in this document includes the number of products you import, the unit price as well as the total price for the imports.

Also, it includes the information on the supplier and your information.

The customs will use this document when they are calculating the duty that you are supposed to pay for your cargo.

To avoid complications when dealing with the customs, always ensure that the information in the commercial invoice is accurate.

Importing from China to Nigeria Payment Terms

There are several ways you can use to pay for your import from China to Nigeria.

However, not all these payment options are secure for you to use.

Whichever method you choose for payment of your imports, needs to be secure and one which you pay for goods that you ordered.

Some of the factors you can consider when selecting a payment option include the relationship between you and your supplier.

You can also include the risks of using the payment option, the hidden charges for using the option and the speed of using the option.

Let’s have a look at the commonly used payment options that you can choose to pay for your imports from China to Nigeria.

· Telegraphic Transfer

Telegraphic Transfer is an electronic method of making payments to your supplier or manufacturer in China.

Under this method, you have to make payments first befor

I know importing from China to the U.K. is a profitable business.

However, you can only achieve this by adopting cost-effective and reliable importation procedures.

And, in this guide, I am going to walk you through the tricks and tips to successfully get your products from China to the U.K.

You learn what U.K. imports from China, calculating importing cost, importation documents, compliance standards, shipping modes, customs clearance process, etc.

Let’s dive right in.

What is the Role of China to UK Freight Forwarder in Importing from China to the UK?

1. Provides advice
2. Preparation of import documents
3. Tracking the cargo

How to Find Goods to Import from China to UK?

· Searching online
· Referrals
· Online outlets

How to eveluate the cost of Importing Goods from China to UK?

1. Estimate cost of a shipping container from China to U.K
2. Evaluate Cost of Goods to Import from China to U.K.
3. Calculate importing from China to U.K. Duty & VAT Charges

What is the UK Import Documentations?

· Commercial invoice
· Packing list
· Certificate of origin
· Bill of lading
· Commodity code
· CHIEF
· EORI Number
· CR Number
· UK import license

• What Does UK Import from China?

Chapter 1: What Does UK Import from China?

Well, what we must all agree on is that China for the longest time has been one of the leading producers of numerous products in the world.

Nevertheless, UK has also for a long time been one of the largest markets for Chinese products.

For your information, China is the second largest non-EU UK’s import partner.

Presently, Chinese imports to the UK accounts for close to 10%.

Therefore, it makes perfect sense to have this kind of discussion right now in this guide.

It is imperative to know that the UK offers a significant market for Chinese commodities, but there are those which are majorly imported.

For that matter, let’s find out in much details regarding some of these major import commodities to UK from China.

Main Imports from China to U.K.

UK is also known for quite a number of manufacturing and processing industries.

It means that this country produces most of its commodities to use locally and also export.

However, they also import several products from China, which as stated earlier on, accounts for almost 10%.

Now, most of the main commodities that UK imports from China include the following;

· Office machines

Most of the equipment that different businesses and institutions in the UK use are mainly imported from China.

One is that a number of office machines from China that the UK import is somewhat of high quality and meet the necessary expectations.

So it has always been easy for UK to purchase such items from China given that the market is also responsive in a positive way.

Some of the office machines that UK import from China includes printers, photocopying machines, and other relevant equipment.

· Data Processing equipment

It also forms a more significant percentage of the goods that China export to the UK.

In most instances, you’ll find that equipment such as computers and other such machines in UK come from China.

In fact, we can sum it up that most of the technology-oriented equipment in the UK are majorly imported from China.

In most instances, such products are widely accepted in the UK hence making it easy to sell them once they arrive in the country.

Electrical machinery

These are the other types of commodities that UK imports largely from China.

You see most of the industrial, commercial as well as residential establishments use different types of electrical equipment.

And since they use them in large quantities, the only ideal way of making sure that they have enough is by importing from China.

Of course, the quality of such machinery that the UK imports from China have to meet the minimum necessary standards.

The bottom line nonetheless is that China exports a large percentage of electrical machinery to the UK.

Clothing and accessory

These commodities also form a large percentage of the total imports that UKobtains from China.

The Chinese clothing industry is magnificent, andUK offers a ready market for such and related items.

The UK apparently import different types of clothing and accessory including men’s, women’s as well as kids’ apparels.

Of course, some of the clothing and related accessories get to the UK as unfinished products.

Industrial machinery

You see, as much as the UK also manufacturers most of her products, it also requires the machines and components to do so.

And China is one of the leading manufacturers of such industrial machines.

So in most instances, you’ll find that UK imports most of these machines from China to go and use them in furthering manufacturing needs.

Power-generating equipment

These also form a better part of the types of items that UK imports from China.

In most industries, commercial and residential settings in the UK use different types of power generating equipment.

And China has always been at the forefront as the leading manufacturers of such equipment.

For that reason, UK always sees it reasonable to import such units from China for the betterment and efficiency of many processes.

Indeed, there are other types of equipment which the UK obviously import from China, albeit on a small scale.

But the ones described above form better percentage of the items that China export to the UK in most instances.

U.K. Prohibited Imports from China

Probably you didn’t know about this, but the truth is that UK is one of the countries with the highest levels of standards.

What I mean here is that the civilization level in this country is among the leading all over the world.

And for that reason, you can be pretty sure that you can never import particular items to this country, regardless!

Well, of course, several reasons contribute to the fact that the authorities in this country prohibit the importation of particular products.

In most instances, the prohibition of such imports always arises as a result of strategic economic concerns.

However, other reasons could be due to health measures, environmental conservation and general wellbeing of the residents among others.

Therefore, as an importer, you ideally need to understand all the reasons for importing prohibited commodities as well as the restricted goods too.

You see, there are always severe repercussions for failure to adhere to such set rules.

And I bet you never want to get into such inconveniences.

So let’s first look into some of the prohibited goods to import to UK from China.

a) Illegal drugs

You can never import banned drugs substances to the UK not only from China but from any destination in the world.

The UK has put stringent measures at the customs to ensure analysis of every consignment that gets into the entry points.

And trust me should your consignment contain illegal drugs, then it shall be seized and further actions were taken against you.

In other words, what I’m saying here is that the UK authorities do not accept the importation of any form of illegal drugs from any country.

b) Obscene materials

This is also another category of imports that is prohibited in the UK.

Ordinarily, the UK government ensures that all the materials that get into the country match the moral standards and civilization.

So anything that contravenes such standards are never accepted to get into the country.

And believe me, even if you try to import such materials, the authorities will seize them accordingly.

c) Meat and dairy products

What often happens with the UK is that you can never import personal dairy and meat products if not from specific non-EU nations.

And China is apparently one of the non-EU nations that UK cannot import such products from.

In simple words, meat and dairy products from China are prohibited for importation in the UK>

The essence here is that the cultural differences matter significantly hence the prohibition of such imports.

Also, the need to promote local and regional agricultural products also contributes to a prohibition of importing such products from China.

d) Rough diamonds

UK bans the importation of rough diamonds not only from China but from all countries.

It is a commodity which the authorities do not deem ideal for importing, and they attribute several reasons for that directive.

e) Counterfeit Goods

These refer to the types of goods which are either imitation, forged or fake.

Like I did mention earlier on, UK has strict standard measures which help in making sure that only quality products get into the country.

Of course, the key reason is for prohibiting such goods in this country is because they limit the economic growth of respective industries.

Furthermore, importation of counterfeit products also limits the growth of the local industries which subsequently derail revenue collection.

Also, the counterfeit products lower the quality standards of commodities which are superlatively is the most significant concern in the UK.

f) Hazardous waste

You see, hazardous wastes are often associated with high health risks as well as environmental degradation.

They also cause adverse effects to the plants and animals in the country.

And so it is quite apparent why the UK authorities prohibit the importation of such products, be it from China or anywhere else.

Definitely, there are quite a number of other prohibited import goods to UK from China.

And that’s why it would be ideal to ensure that you carefully check all of them before finally deciding to make a move.

Also, and I don’t want this to sound like a threat.

But the truth is that the UK customs authorities are stringent.

Therefore, you should never have anything in mind that you can perhaps sneak in a restricted or prohibited import.

Incidentally, it is next to impossible because of the well-established structures, facilities, and technology.

Nonetheless, you should also be aware of the fact that the penalties for importing prohibited consignments to UK vary.

The bottom line, however, is that some penalties may never be favorable to you and perhaps the inconveniences may be extreme.

So to be on a safe side as a UK importer, you must make sure that you read all the regulations surrounding importation of prohibited goods.

Nevertheless, let’s move on to the next section and find out more ways of determining the goods to import to UK from China.

How to Find Goods to Import from China to U.K.

Now, as you already know China is arguably one of the leading industrialized countries in the world.

This is to mean that you can virtually find any type of commodity that you’re looking for if at all you need to import to UK.

However, given that this nation is somewhat vast, geographically, it poses a significant challenge to find the specific commodity anywhere.

What I mean here is that as much as China produces various commodities, there is a manner manufacturing is regionalized.

That is to say, that specific cities or towns are known for production or manufacturing of particular types of products.

So you need to be diligent when seeking goods to import from China to UK because the search alone can be tedious more than the importation process.

That notwithstanding, I’m here to give you a few ideas of how to find some of the goods in China which you’d want to import to UK.

First of all, you need to determine the kind of products you’re looking for.

You see, there’s no way you can just come to China and you start looking for goods randomly.

One of the most critical elements is making sure that you identify what you need.

Once you identify this aspect, then you can go ahead and start looking for how you can find it.

Some of the ways of finding the best goods to import from China to UK include the following;

· Searching online

Well, in this day and age, one thing that you can never run away from is the internet.

This platform provides an opportunity for anyone to search for anything regardless of where they are.

Ideally, before you even think of what to import from China and how to import it, you need to peruse the internet exhaustively.

This platform has rich information, resources and materials like this particular guide to help you in determining the different commodities.

So doing random searches online will undoubtedly enable you to come across some if not all of the best products you need to import.

It is also ideal since it provides you with as many options as possible.

Therefore, making an informed choice becomes easy depending on your preference and other surrounding factors.

The other good thing with online search is that you tend to get more information than you ever had before.

· Referrals

This is unquestionably one of the best techniques which you can use to find any type of item in China to Import to UK.

What you need to know is that several people have been in this kind of business before.

So they understand all the aspects surrounding finding and importing goods from China to UK.

These types of people are the ones you can get in touch with to assist you in getting the particular items you’re searching for in China.

Referrals work excellently given that the individual you deal with has the knowledge, experience, and networks.

Listen, referrals in this case simply mean that you get in contact with an individual who has previously imported goods from China.

In this case, they direct you to specific places where you get such commodities, buy and the ship them to the UK.

The good thing with referrals is that chances of getting precisely what you need are always high.

And for that reason, it makes it possible for you to obtain them as well as making your general work relatively easy.

· Online outlets

Nowadays, several online sites that offer a wide range of goods have come up and are available on the internet.

So you don’t necessarily need to scratch your head too much about it.

In most cases, such as online vendors like Alibaba and AliExpress have a comprehensive database of Chinese manufacturers.

And so it becomes easy for you because you’ll find a list of several suppliers that supply various types of product categories.

Therefore, the most important thing that you ought to do in this case is making sure that you countercheck their credentials keenly.

This is necessary since it will enable you to prevent incidences of purchasing poor quality products. Better still, it also enables you to prevent issues todo with fraud.

The bottom line nonetheless is that you ought to search on such sites to get a general idea of how to find the particular products.

Chapter 2: Calculate the Cost of Importing Goods from China to UK

The number of importers ferrying products from China to UK is increasing day by day.

And this is a clear indication that trade relations between these two countries are also expanding.

Of course with this influx, there have to be control measures in place to ensure that the entire process moves smoothly.

As an importer, however, one of the core elements which you must always have in mind is understanding all the cost involved in shipping goods.

There is no way you can merely wait for everything to take place and just decide to make your payments.

It doesn’t matter whether you use an agent, which incidentally is preferable.

You need at all times to ensure that you understand all the processes and the costs involved.

So in this chapter, I want to shed some light in regards to the understanding of the shipping cost when bringing in goods to UK from China.

As you’ll find out in this guide, the costs tend to vary depending on a wide range of elements revolving around the entire process.

But before we discuss that, let’s first learn about the common incoterms when shipping products from China to UK.

Understand Shipping Incoterms

Like I did mention earlier on, you ought to know that there are specific international policies which guide every aspect of shipping consignments.

What this means is that you have to meet all the stipulated rules, terms and conditions that guide shipping goods to UK.

Indeed importing goods from China to UK is an international affair.

Therefore, it is a clear indication that it derives its policies from the International Chamber of Commerce.

At the moment though, let’s first explain some of these common incoterms in brief;

First of all, incoterms refer to a set of rules and regulations which outline the responsibilities of businesspeople for goods delivery.

In most instances, they vary from a number of commercial transaction, contracts, and means of shipping.

Comprehending the shipping incoterms gives you the foundation for international shipping.

Some of the shipping Incoterms when importing items from China to UK include the following;

· EXW Shipping to UK from China

It is one of the key incoterms you’ll always encounter when shipping consignments from China to UK.

Essentially, it refers to factory price for items which do not include shipping.

In other words, EXW shipping, therefore, means that you have to arrange for your transportation as the importer.

Also, remember that this transportation has to be all the way from the factory floor or supplier’s warehouse to your location in the UK.

It is imperative to understand this incoterm because it enables you to make rather quick decisions, especially when transporting the containers.

Furthermore, you also need to know that this particular incoterm also doesn’t require or involve several documents.

FOB Shipping to UK from China

This is also another common shipping incoterm that many importers bringing in good to UK from China have to understand.

Apparently, it is an abbreviation for Free on Board.

Well, what you need to know regarding this particular incoterm is that it somewhat requires or involves a number of documents.

What this obviously implies is that several costs, responsibilities, as well as risks involved in the importation process, are equally and fairly shared.

In most instances though, it is always the responsibility of the seller or supplier to cover for all costs involved in shipping the consignment.

But you also need to know that this can be to a limited point where the container is loaded on a vessel at the port.

In simple words, it means that your supplier will be responsible for the transportation of goods from their floor to the port of loading.

However, the responsibility shifts back to you as the importer the moment the vessel leaves the dock in China.

Additionally, FOB shipping terms also indicate that as the buyer, you must also take care of all the charges revolving around export clearance.

By the way, this is way important since the Chinese customs authority can seize your shipment if you fail to produce clear export information.

CFR Shipping to UK from China

It is also another common incoterm that you’ll always come across as an importer shipping good from China to UK.

CFR shipping is an abbreviation for cost and freight, and it is also a legal term in international commerce.

Nevertheless, it is a term that is strictly used for consignments transported by sea or inland waterways.

In general, CFR explains stipulates that it’s the responsibility of the seller to arrange for transportation of the container to port of destination.

So all you need to do as the importer is to obtain the necessary documents from the supplier to enable you to get the goods from the carrier.

Also, the seller should not necessarily purchase marine insurance to cover the risks of loss or damage of shipment during transit.

Still, this does not vindicate the seller from taking responsibility for any risk, loss or damage before clearing and loading the goods at the port.

Well, these are the common incoterms that you’ll possibly come across upon deciding to import goods from China to UK.

Of course, you may also come along other ones that are not mentioned here.

However, all you need to do is to ensure that you understand every detail of that particular shipping policy before appending your signature on it.

The most significant thing to do is ensure that you determine a specific incoterm which guarantees efficiency and reducing cost.

The bottom line is to ensure you get an incoterm which is simple, transparent and offer reasonable cost control.

On the other hand, you also need to be conscious of the fact that the particular incoterm you choose also depends on various factors.

Of course, you can use several ways to obtain the ideal incoterms as long as you get value for your money, efficiency, and convenience.

For instance, you may choose to obtain let’s say FOB from your seller and maybe DAP shipment from your freight forwarder.

It is all dependent on how you look at it and whichever way you deem ideal, convenient and cost-effective for the entire process.

Estimate cost of a shipping container from China to U.K

Let make it clear; shipping cost for containers from China to UK is dependent on a wide range of factors.

Also, it is something which involves many aspects that tends to alternate on a daily basis also depending on various elements.

The truth, however, is that you’ll find many costs involved when you’re importing products from China.

It thus makes perfect sense to ensure that you understand all the varying costs to ensure you have a clear insight into your actual price.

You see, understanding the shipping cost is fundamental since it enables you to price your products accordingly.

So that at the end of the process, you’ll be able to record reasonable profit margins to run your business.

Basically, the main determinants of shipping cost from China to UK include the size of the container, size of product, insurance, duties and cartage costs.

The cost also depends on the distance from the port of loading to port of destination as well as the mode of shipping.

In most cases though, many goods from China to UK are often shipped by sea.

But there are instances where some use railway transport as well as plane carriers.

For the sake of this guide though, I’ll give you a general overview of the cost of shipping a container from China to UK.

For example, shipping a 20” FCL container from Shanghai to let’s say Felixstowe is approximately $750.

And shipping a 40” container over the same distance may cost approximately $1400.

But as I always say, the cost can vary depending on several factors.

In this case, the port of loading and that of destination is what significantly determines the general shipping cost.

You also need to factor in the cost for hiring a freight forwarder.

By the way, if you want to make all the shipping process smooth, it’s imperative to work with a freight forwarder.

Of course, the charges for their services are also dependent on numerous factors.

Still, you need to find one that offers cost-effective services given that this is also business.

An ideal way would probably be to get referrals from your networks.

Better still, you can search online and read reviews of some of the well-established entities which offer such services.

The good thing with freight forwarders is that they always provide room for negotiation depending on the nature and load of work.

So you should never at any specific time rule out seeking their services for fear of cost.

Evaluate Cost of Goods to Import from China to U.K.

Well, different goods available for importation from China to UK have varied rates.

What happens typically is that suppliers and manufacturers often price their goods differently.

So the truth of the matter is that there is no specific or fixed amount of a particular product available for importation.

And to make it better, the availability of the several goods in different parts of the country also makes it necessary for you to get the best deals.

The secret in getting these best deals is to ensure that you search for the product exhaustively in various possible outlets.

You can also choose to use the services of an agent who can help you in getting the best prices for the goods you want to import.

You see, if you’re a first timer, it becomes somewhat difficult to know all the points where the particular products are manufactured.

So when you choose to deal with a local agent, it becomes easy to maneuver around and find such products at better rates.

The upshot nonetheless is that you need to carry out due diligence if at all you have to get the best prices for goods you’re importing from China to UK.

Calculate importing from China to U.K. Duty & VAT Charges

Listen, for you to import products from China to the UK, you have to know how to calculate the total costs surrounding the process.

Whether you’re shipping the items merely for residential or commercial use, you have to determine the total cost.

But the trick here often arises when it comes to calculating the charges and coming up with the correct figure.

In short, what I’m trying to say here is that for any business to thrive, it’s necessary to understand all the aspects revolving around it.

It is imperative to understand first how the tax system in UK works.

This, of course, gives you an idea of the approximate cost you might incur.

Understanding how to calculate the tax is also essential as it allows you to know the price which conforms to the UK market.

As a first-timer, you’ll always find it difficult to calculate the import tax.

However, you need to know that it is a simple task as long as you understand the basics.

So let’s look at how to do it, and we start with the understanding of what duties and taxes involves;

What do import duty and taxes involve?

In the UK, whenever you bring in goods outside the EU region, you have to pay duty and tax to the UK customs department.

The authorities will only release the goods once you pay the amount.

In other words, when calculating the cost of importing goods from China, you have to take UK duty and VAT charges into account.

The UK customs department have provided a duty and VAT tax estimator which indeed simplifies the entire calculations.

Furthermore, you may find yourself importing goods from China but still uncertain of how to pay the duty and VAT.

In most instances, it is the company that you use for shipping that shall contact you to inform you of the amount you need to pay the HMRC.

You also need to note that there are specific goods which have different duty and VAT charges from others.

Therefore, you may find that perhaps this time you bring in some products and the cost becomes lesser or higher than another time.

In a nutshell, it is significant to ensure that you research thoroughly on how the tax system works in the UK.

It is what will

Kenya and China share a bilateral trade relationship that keeps strengthening day by day.

China’s economy as we know is also ever growing.

The country as of today is the largest exporter of goods to regions across Africa, Asia, America, and Europe.

These, among other things, has created a host of opportunities for Kenyan entrepreneurs, especially in the import business.

Nonetheless, for many Kenyans, importing from China to Kenya has never been mean meat.

Sourcing, shipping, and customs clearance are some of the challenges that Kenyan importers have had to deal with over the years.

It is for these reasons, therefore, plus the many questions we’ve been getting on how to import from China to Kenya that I’ve written this guide.

Here, I intend to share all the information relevant to the import from China to Kenya business.

What are the paperwork requirements for importing from China to Kenya?

You will need to file quite a number of documents to be able to import goods from China to Kenya successfully.

These documents include;
1. Certificate of origin
2. Bill of lading/airway bill
3. Commercial invoice
4. Inspection certificate
5. ISM (imports standard mark) certificate
6. Packing list
7. Import license

Which are the best shipping companies from China to Kenya?

There are many shipping companies from China to Kenya, and all of these provide quality shipping services.

The most popular ones however are:
1. China ocean shipping company (COSCO)
2. EMC(evergreen marine corporation)
3. Hapag Lloyd
4. CMA
5. MSC

Which is the cheapest way to ship imports from China to Kenya?

Honestly, there is no cheapest shipping method.

It all depends on what you’re shipping, how you’re shipping it and which company is shipping it.

To ship 1000kgs of goods by air will be costly than if you shipped the same shipment by sea.

What considerations should I make when choosing a sourcing agent from China to Kenya?

Professionalism, experience, market knowledge, credibility, and good communication are excellent indicators of a good sourcing agent.

I hope by the end of the read, you’ll be an expert in this.

So let’s begin.

Chapter 1: Best Products to Import from China to Kenya

As I said, Kenya enjoys close trade ties with China.

As a matter of fact, close to 60% of Kenyan imports are from China.

In 2017 alone, Kenyan imports from China made up an estimated USD 3.8 billion.

This is in 2017 alone, and the figure is said to have jumped by 20% from the USD 3.4 billion recorded in 2016.

Now, with the way things are going between China and Kenya, the trade relationship shared is only bound to strengthen.

This means that Kenyan entrepreneurs should look forward to more business opportunities arising from this relationship.

For now, these are the most popular import from China to Kenya businesses you can explore;

1. Import diapers from China to Kenya

The diaper business is one that’s currently booming in Kenya.

Diapers are a necessity today that thousands of families spend hundreds of dollars on for their infant children.

This demand, therefore, presents a very ripe opportunity for importers from China to Kenya.

You should thus take advantage of the hassle that mothers are going through in accessing baby diapers.

And, not just accessing diapers but diapers that are suitable for their children at an affordable price.

So to venture into the diaper importation business successfully, you should do three key things.

First of all, identify your market, find a suitable brand and supplier and then venture out.

That’s it.

2. Importing building material from China to Kenya

Like the diaper business, the real estate industry is also rapidly expanding in Kenya.

Everybody is spending on construction materials in Kenya today.

And, this I must attribute to the rapidly growing population, rural-urban migration and the need for better housing and accommodation.

The huge need for accommodation and rapid urbanization are the most factors that are forcing governments and investors to build.

Due to this, I can tell you for sure that building materials can fetch you the right amount of profit.

Cement, wood, steel, ceramic tiles, prefabs, glass, electrical and plumbing fittings are the most in demand.

So you have no excuse in this, trust me.

The idea of founding a building material importation business in Kenya is still a soft spot that you can take on.

All you need to do is to put in a little more effort than everyone else in the industry.

3. Importing clothes from China to Kenya

The clothes importation business is a successful venture not just in Kenya but all over the world.

This is primarily because clothing is one of the basic human needs.

We can’t do without clothing, and that means that demand will always be there.

Unfortunately, success in this business does not come easy, especially when importing to Kenya.

You see, the Kenyan government restricts the importation of clothing as a means to protect and boost the local textile industry.

Therefore, you must adhere to all the Kenyan customs requirements for clothes importation which include licensing and adherence to quality.

4. Importing cars from China to Kenya

Importation of cars is one of the most lucrative businesses in Kenya.

This is especially if you own a car bazaar and are considering sourcing for your cars from abroad.

Used cars are especially fast moving in Kenya.

Why?

They are easy to find and sell at cheap prices-Kenyans love affordable products.

The best part?

Times and needs change.

And thanks to technology, people will always dispose of old cars and acquire new ones.

Thus, providing an opportunity for you to import and sell used or even new cars.

You can import and sell cars from any country that’s allied to Kenya.

Cars from China are notably easier to get, import and sell.

5. Importing electronic from China to Kenya

Electronics whether new or used are hot sellers in Kenya.

You can import a wide range of these from smartphones, computers, kitchen appliances, etc.

Chinese suppliers sell these items at very affordable prices.

You can import them and resell in Kenya at a profit.

Note that electronics importation doesn’t have to be for business purposes only.

You can also import them for personal use.

If you’re building a house and need new electronics,i.e. TV’s, fridge, kettles, cooker, etc. you can easily import good quality products from China.

Just remember that when importing electronics for personal use, the landing price of the goods shouldn’t be over the top when compared to local prices.

6. Importing watches from China to Kenya

If you’re looking for an import business that doesn’t cost much to start and is easy to manage, then this is it.

Watches don’t cost much.

With USD 300, you can quickly start and set up a lucrative wristwatch business.

USD 300 may seem small for an importation business, but trust me with small Chinese merchandise like watches, this is more than enough.

Besides, you don’t even need to set up a store or shop from where to sell the watches.

You can easily do this from the comfort of your home.

All you’ll need is a good computer, excellent internet connection and above all excellent customer service skills.

7. Importing furniture from China to Kenya

Quality furniture is very profitable in Kenya.

You can import anything from office desks, chairs, beds, sofa sets, entertainment consoles, tables, dining sets, and so on.

Like electronics, you can also import quality furniture from China to Kenya for domestic use.

I can bet you that Chinese furniture is unique.

They present a certain elegance and beauty that you’ll love to have in your home.

8. Importing phones from China to Kenya

It is apparent that Kenya is not yet manufacturing phones.

While this is sad, it is also great as it provides a lucrative business opportunity for entrepreneurs.

Bearing in mind of how affordable Chinese phones are, importing them and selling here in Kenya can be very profitable.

9. Importing shoes from China to Kenya

Shoes are as in demand as clothes in Kenya.

According to the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), the annual demand for shoes in Kenya stands at 24 million to 30 million pairs.

This is a demand that the local industry can’t meet on its own- the local industry currently produces just about 4 million pairs annually.

The deficit, therefore, has to be filled with imports from other countries like China.

Although there is mistrust among Kenyans for China-made shoes, the market response is not at all bad for quality wear.

So if you’re venturing into the importation of shoes, you’ll need to pay attention to quality and price affordability.

These are the two things that will ensure your success in the business.

10. Importing tiles from China to Kenya

We all know how much interior décor is valued in Kenya today.

Tiles, in this case, are highly valued in ensuring quality interior decors for homes and businesses.

And where else to import the tiles than from the world leading ceramic tiles manufacturer, which is China.

I promise you, the wholesale prices in China are very cheap, and product availability is just excellent.

Besides, importing from China provides you with a wide array of designs to choose from.

As I said, you have no excuse not to succeed in importing goods from China to Kenya.

There are very many products whose importation you can venture in.

All you need is capital, a good supplier and good knowledge of the import business.

As you do this, remember that the business of importation from China to Kenya has its ups and downs.

But then, once you get established, everything becomes easy.

What about finding suppliers? Well, let’s find out below.

Chapter 2: Finding Suppliers for Kenya China Importers

Most Kenyan entrepreneurs find Chinese suppliers online.

It doesn’t matter whether they are buying in a large or small scale, the fact is that Kenyan importers seldom go to China to find suppliers.

You may wonder the reason for this; well, to be honest, the cost of traveling from Kenya to China is quite high.

This starts with the air ticket, accommodation, and transport fees.

That is just one reason; another is that finding a reliable and trustworthy Chinese supplier can be quite tough.

Unless, if you had already contacted potential suppliers before traveling to China.

Or, if you go directly to fairs, exhibitions and other places where suppliers are known to be found like Yiwu.

Now let me not scare you much because there is an upside to all this.

You see, with the advent of technology and the racing minds of the Chinese population, there are more convenient ways of locating trustworthy Chinese suppliers.

Allow me to explain some of these ways:

· Get AliExpress Suppliers

For small-scale importers, AliExpress is a perfect place to locate suppliers for Chinese merchandise.

If you’re starting or are looking to venture into drop shipping, AliExpress maybe an excellent place to begin with.

Maybe I should explain this a little bit.

AliExpress is an e-commerce platform for Chinese retailers.

Now, retail prices are often known to be over the top; but then, with AliExpress, the prices there are very affordable.

You can still buy goods on AliExpress and sell them back in Kenya at a good profit.

· Search for Alibaba Suppliers and Manufacturers

When looking for the best wholesale supplier, I recommend that you lookAlibaba’s way.

As you may be aware, Alibaba is the largest B2B site in the Far East and is known to contain valuable information about a majority of suppliers in it.

Nonetheless, you need to note that not all suppliers on Alibaba are top quality.

This means that you will have to do due diligence in ensuring that your only source for reliable and trustworthy suppliers.

We have an article has a section that explains more about finding and verifying suppliers on Alibaba.

Please read it for more insight.

· Use China Sourcing Agents

Alternatively, you can hire a sourcing agent from China to help you find suppliers and source for goods to import to Kenya.

To be honest, for someone who has little knowledge about the importation process from China to Kenya, this is a good option.

All you will need to do is identify a trustworthy sourcing agent, and they will do all the work for you.

They will identify the best supplier for your chosen product, source the goods and with your guidance arrange for shipping to Kenya.

Good news?

Finding a sourcing agent in China is no hard task as there are thousands of them waiting for your signal.

Just ensure that the agent you chose is professional, reliable and most of all trustworthy.

· Visit China Yourself

Now, the above are options on the internet.

But if you don’t want to source online or to work with a sourcing agent, there is a third option that you can explore.

This is to visit China yourself.

You see, you can get plenty of firsthand information about suppliers by attending some trade shows.

In China, the “Canton Fair” is known to be the largest trade fair and is held twice in a year.

Here, you can interact with clients and get to know the products they offer and even see them personally.

The bottom line here is that getting a Chinese supplier is not difficult.

The challenge is getting reliable suppliers.

And to run an efficient China to Kenya import business, you need to ensure that you have dependable suppliers.

This is both regarding quality and timely delivery of supplies.

Besides, you also need to pay attention to cost.

Allow me to explain this in detail below.

Chapter 3: Calculate Cost of Importing Goods from China to Kenya

Cost when importing from China to Kenya is a very critical element.

And, this being a business, it is essential that you get your math right.

You see, apart from the cost of buying goods, there are other costs that you’ll incur when importing from China to Kenya.

You will have to pay for shipping, clearance, duties and taxes, inspection, warehousing among other fees.

With this, it is essential to know how much you’re going to spend in the process of importation.

This way, you can easily predict your profits even before importing the product.

You don’t want to go through all the importation trouble only to find out that you’ve spent more on a product that you can sell it for.

Besides, knowing the costs of importation can also help you organize your budget better as well as avoid getting conned.

So here’s how to calculate the cost of importing goods from China to Kenya?

Step 1: Know Cost of Products in China

Before anything else, you need to know the cost of products in China.

Product prices vary depending on various factors including the type of product and supplier.

Now, to be able to calculate your product ‘landed cost” you need first to know how you’ll potentially spend on a product.

My advice for this would be that you do your research and compare product prices from different suppliers.

Go to Alibaba and find out the majority price range of the product.

Find out also from other platforms and then pick the average price.

So let’s say that the product ranges between USD 15-25 per unit.

The average cost should be about USD 20.

So use this to estimate how much it’ll cost you to import the product to Kenya from China.

Step 2: Calculate Kenya Import Duties and Taxes on Different Imports from China

When calculating the cost of goods importation, taxes and duties shouldn’t be ignored as they make up a large part of these costs.

You see, every country imposes duties and taxes on imports and Kenya is no different.

The only difference is the amount charged by each country for this tariff.

Kenya, in particular, imposes a tariff on all imports.

This tariff note is applied based on the harmonized system code and the requirements of the East African community.

Generally, the tariff for Kenyan imports ranges from 0-100% with an average of 25%.

Apart from this, imports into Kenya are also subject to VAT tax at a rate of 16%.

The VAT tax is determined based on the sum of the CIF value, duty and other taxes of the import products.

So when calculating your products’ landed cost, first find out the HS code for the product and its applicable tariff.

Then apply the VAT tax to this to get the applicable import tariff.

You can learn more from the Kenya Revenue Authority Website.

Step 3: Pay for Logistics Fee –Sourcing Products, Packaging, Labelling and Freight Forwarder

First of all, you will need to pay for the cost of sourcing products.

Then pay for the packaging, and labeling of the products.

Besides, there is also the freight forwarder fees that you will have to pay up when importing from China to Kenya.

So you see, it’s quite some costs.

This means that you need to be careful when estimating these costs as they make a significant percentage of your total cost of importation.

Step 4: Estimate the Cost of Shipping Container from China to Kenya

Like I said, getting your products from China to your doorstep in Kenya involves a myriad of costs.

First of all, you’ll have to pay for inland transportation costs which cater for transporting products from factory to port of loading.

Then cater to the export clearance cost in China.

After that comes the port to port freight cost and then the import clearance cost that you’ll pay in Kenya.

Other shipping costs will include warehousing, distribution inland transport in Kenya among other charges.

Remember that when importing from China to Kenya, shipping costs will be based on the incoterm used.

This means that your supplier in China can quote a product, including the cost of freight to the loading port in China, to the destination port in Kenya (including or excluding port charges) or including delivery to a specific location in Kenya,i.e. your doorstep.

So remember the sourcing costs when calculating the overall cost of importing a product from China to Kenya.

To get the math right, do the following;

i. Choose the mode of shipping from China to Kenya

Decide if you’re going to ship by or by air.

Also, decide if you’re shipping FCL or LCL.

Note that in all the cost of shopping will vary.

ii. Choose the best Incoterm when Shipping from China to Kenya

As I said, there are several incoterms used when shipping from China to Kenya.

FOB, CIF, are CFR however the most commonly used incoterms, and each of these has their pros and cons.

So choose the right incoterm for you, understand the terms of the incoterm and estimate the costing as per the incoterm.

iii. Airfreight shipping cost

Remember that airfreight cost is calculated based on the weight and volume you’re shipping.

Air carriers use what is known is known as a chargeable weight to calculate shipping costs.

Chargeable weight note is the higher weight between the actual weight and volumetric weight of the cargo.

And the cost of shipping is charged by Kg of goods.

iv. Shipping cost per container size

Well, in sea freight, goods are shipped in different types of containers.

There 20 ft., 40 ft. And 40 HQ containers.

Depending on the container you’re using to chip, the cost of shipping will vary greatly.

Also, it will depend on whether you’re shipping FCL or LCL.

FCL costs are calculated based on the volume of goods shipped.

Charges for shipping LCL are calculated like in air shipments.

Well, I don’t want to say much about this as we already a detailed guide in this regard.

Here it is: shipping from China to Kenya read it for more insight.

Chapter 4: Mode of Paying for Imports from China to Kenya

A lot of things can impact your success when importing from China to Kenya.

Among those things is how you choose to pay for the imports as one wrong move in this can lead to drawbacks.

Because of this, it is imperative for you to exercise extra caution when paying for imports from China to Kenya.

Now here is the thing; there are several payments options that you can use when importing from China.

However, not all of these options are safe nor convenient.

You just need to be able to identify a method that works for you at that particular time – a safe and convenient option.

In this chapter, therefore, I will look at some of the most common payment options used to pay for imports from China to Kenya.

· PayPal

When people talk about payment options for imports from China, PayPal always features among the top of the list.

You see, PayPal is a very popular payment service that is used far and wide.

It is convenient and most especially fast, thus readily acceptable by suppliers in China, especially those that are tech-savvy.

Besides, PayPal is very easy to use.

No matter if you are a seasoned or new-to-China importer, the interface is very user-friendly.

It is also safe, and there are several ways to fund it including funding via bank transfer, credit card, mobile payment, etc.

The only disadvantage with PayPal is that its fee is percentage based thus making it unsuitable for large transactions.

Unless if you agree that your supplier bears the PayPal fees which will also have an impact on your costing.

So generally, PayPal is best to use for smaller transactions.

· Letter of credit

A letter of credit or as its popularly known LOC is a form of insurance on payment for goods issued by your bank.

LOC among all other payment options for imports from China is by far the safest and most convenient.

If you’re engaging in large transactions, then LOCs are the best.

However, if you’re a small time trader, using a letter of credit for payment may not be your best option.

Why?

Well, first of all, it is because of the expensive bank charges per transaction.

Secondly, LOCs are quite complex and involve tedious paperwork.

If you’re new to China importer, understanding the details in a letter of credit may be problematic.

You may even be forced to hire a documentary credit specialist for consultation and compliance.

This is at least before you get a hang on how LOCs work.

Last but not least, not many suppliers like using letters of credit for transactions.

This is due to language barriers and the complexity of the documents.

So if you’re to use a letter of credit, I recommend you use it for large transactions and when dealing with large-medium sized suppliers.

· Credit card

Credit cards are hardly an option when it comes to paying for imports from China.

You see, unlike in America and Europe, credit cards are not readily accepted as a form of payment in the east.

Chinese suppliers, especially, are often reluctant about credit cards due to charge back issues and the high fees associated with them.

E-commerce websites and a few tech-oriented suppliers accept credit cards though.

So if you’re importing from either of these, then you might be lucky to use your credit card to pay for goods.

· Western union

Like credit cards, western union is also not readily accepted by Chinese suppliers as a payment option.

Mostly, this is because it is known to be a high-risk payment option for suppliers due to its anonymous nature.

You see, in methods like wire transfer, you get to know the billing address and name of the company you’re sending money to.

With Western Union, however, there is total anonymity as to whom you’re sending money.

This in its every sense is suspicious as it’s hard to tell if you’re dealing with a legitimate supplier or not.

Besides, there is very little recourse once you send money via western union.

So unless you’re sure that you’re dealing with a trusted supplier, avoid it as much as you can.

· Cash

Cash is significant as a form of payment. It is in China and will be for years to come.

It doesn’t matter the size of your transaction; cash can be used to pay for large, medium and large-sized imports.

Also, no matter if you’re personally in China or are using a sourcing agent, cash still works.

Suppliers love cash payments.

Importers love it too as it enables them to access relatively lower pricing for supplies.

Note however that like all other forms of payment, there is a disadvantage to paying by cash.

This is that it has minimal resource.

Thus, cash payments should be used to pay trusted suppliers and for smaller transactions.

· Escrow transfer

Escrow is quite similar to LOCs.

It is safe and convenient, especially for smaller transactions.

In China, Alipay is the most common escrow service.

Alibaba owns it, and it enables importers to pay for goods ordered via the website securely.

You may ask how an escrow transfer works.

Well, first of all, the escrow service looks into the transaction process.

It then receives and holds the payment until there is confirmation that goods have been received i

Importing from China to Mexico is a good business that an aspiring entrepreneur should give it a priority.

But to gain from it, you must adopt a cost-effective and efficient strategy.

This guide highlights in details the best imports from China to Mexico, import requirements and import duties among other vital information that you need to be in a position to know as an importer.

Guess what – by the end of this guide, you will find importing from China to Mexico a simple process.

Let’s dive right in.

What you can do in Order to Import Low MOQ from China to Mexico?

Being that China is known worldwide for its ability to manufacture large amounts of goods.

They do set minimum quantity that could be quoted for supply in the overseas, Mexico is one of the countries.

Well, in order to import from China in low volume and sell at in Mexico at higher prices, you need to do the following;

i) The initial part of it is to start by sourcing the suppliers and manufactures on Alibaba or Made in China among other sourcing agencies.

ii) You can consider contacting some sources and you can quote with them as well.

iii) You can then receive the quotations but with a high MOQ which may your expectations.

Having done this, you will be in a position to pick the lowest MOQ from these sourcing agencies.

What is Mexico import requirements?

In this section, you will be able to know as an importer what entails Mexico import license as well as the documents you need to have in order to import to Mexico.
· Mexico import license

· Markings on the goods being imported

· List of Mexico import documents: Commercial invoice,Packing List,Bill of lading,Certificate of origin,Weight or volume certificate.

How to get suppliers for goods from China to Mexico?

As an importer, you need to consider reliable online marketplaces as well as taking some interventions in order to get reliable goods from China to Mexico.
Here, you will be able to get reliable sources.
· AliExpress
· Alibaba
· Visit China Trade fairs in Mexico
· China Trade Fair
· Visit China
· Made in China

What are the necessary criteria for considering efficient sourcing agency?

i) Over 5 years’ experience in sourcing operations

ii) The staff of more than 20 people to mitigate the risk of service failure as a result of staff attrition.

iii) Experience with your company’s categories and industry

iv) Staff well-trained in QC, audits, and negotiations

v) Documented Sourcing Process and training regime

vi) Language and management skills.

• Top Mexico Imports from China

Chapter 1: Top Mexico Imports from China

China is currently at the climax due to the varieties of goods that are being produced from China to other parts of the world.

From a statistical point of view, Trading Economics indicated that China’s trading surplus was up to USD 44.74 billion in November 2018 from USD 38.43 billion in the same month and a year earlier.

The following are the top imports to from China to Mexico;

· Importing Vehicle Parts from China to Mexico

China has been rated as the leading manufacturer of vehicle parts and thus Mexico has been importing a variety of these products from China.

The car parts are in variety and are designed to suit a variety of car types that are available in the market.

Some vehicle parts from China may include carbon fiber meter hood, truck windshield wipers, universal wiper blades, sprinter steering rack, disc brake pads, auto parts for Toyota Honda, engine mount, spark plugs, front brake pads among other various products.

These products normally made available to Mexico through air freight or sea freight and they normally reach Mexico in bulk quantities and are often in the containers.

· Importing Refined Petroleum from China to Mexico

Mexico has been in the demand of various refined petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel oil, light oil among other products.

China has been exporting these products in large quantities and the costs of these products depend on the commodity in question as prices do vary from one petroleum product to the other.

The Mexican government does charge import duties depending on the quantity of the product imported.

Oil tankers are normally used in order to ensure that petroleum products are transported from China to Mexico thus sea freight is the most preferred route to ensure that these products reach Mexico.

It is also important as an importer to build barrels for the storage of its refined petroleum imports.

· Importing Integrated Circuits from China to Mexico

China has been the leading manufacturer of many electronic devices one of them being integrated circuit.

China being the leading manufacturing hub for these products has resorted to the exportation of some of these products to overseas countries in order to meet the demands of the consumers.

The market analysis in Mexico is also booming since these products are in higher demand and this is possibly due to the advancement in technology.

These products are normally transported to Mexico from China via sea freight and also via air freight services and this will depend on the importer’s preference.

The government of Mexico do charge import duties base on the quantity and the value of these products and thus as an importer you need to be aware of these.

· Importing Computers from China to Mexico

Computers are another major export from China and due to the fact that China has been leading in the manufacturing of various computer models.

It has resorted to the overseas markets, Mexico is one of the markets.

Due to the fact that there is growth in information technology in Mexico, the demands of Mexican consumers tend to outweigh its supply and thus Mexico has been importing large amounts of computers mostly from China.

The freight services being used in order to transport these products from China to Mexico is the sea freight.

These goods are transported in the containers and this may vary due to the importer’s ability.

The government also charge import duties based on the quantity and the value of that given model of the computer.

· Importation of Cars, Delivery Trucks, and Tractors from China to Mexico

China has been making headlines on its high production of machineries such as cars, trucks, and tractors.

Mexico does not have the capacity of manufacturing of cars, trucks, and tractors; therefore, it does import them mostly from China.

The demand of these products are growing since many people need cars for personal use, some use the trucks for business purposes while tractors may serve the multipurpose tasks as some are used in the agricultural sector as well as business.

These products are normally transported to Mexico via sea freight due to the fact that they are heavy and bulky.

They are transported in containers and this is safer means of ensuring that the goods reach Mexico.

The government also charge import duties on these products and the amount normally depends on the quantity of the goods.

· Importing Telephones and other Electronic Devices from China to Mexico

Mexico has been in the demand for telephones and electronic devices such as:

• Semiconductor devices
• Video displays
• Electrical control boards
• Radio receivers
• Electrical ignition
• Electrical transformers
• Low-voltage protection equipment
• Electrical motors
• Insulated wires
• Valves
• Electrical power accessories among other many products

These products are in high demand due to technological advancement in Mexico and since Mexico is unable to meet the demands of its consumers, it has opted to import them from China.

Most of the importers prefer shipping of their goods but some importers opt to use air freight.

They are parked in containers and handled with a lot of care since these electronic devices are always fragile thus once they reach Mexico there are delivered to the market.

· Importing Beauty Products from China to Mexico

The beauty industry is very large and thus as an importer, you need to know what you import and how it can be delivered in the market.

China has been producing various beauty products that are exported to various parts of the world.

Mexico has opted to import various Chinese beauty products and these include electrical beauty equipment, skin care, human hair, stitching bags, facial care, wigs, lip treatment, glitter sequins for nails, cosmetics vanity carry box, cosmetic eyelashes among other products.

As an importer of these beauty and cosmetics products, you need to comply with the regulations and ensure that they do not contain the products which are prohibited in Mexico.

Importers of these products are charged import duties and as an importer, you need to be aware of this.

Freight services such as ship and airplanes are used to transport these products from China to Mexico.

· Importing Office Machine Parts from China to Mexico

Mexico does not produce many office machine parts and therefore in order to ensure that its market has enough of these products, they have opted to import most of these products from China.

China has been leading in the production of various office machine parts such as double A4 copy print papermaking machine, EP-42S economy office paper folder machine, tape slitting machine, automatic book cutting machine, cross fold office paper cutting machine, SM-460 manual ceasing and perforating machine among many others.

These products are normally transporter from China to Mexico via sea or air and the importer may decide to use one of his or her choices.

· Importing Air Pumps from China to Mexico

China is producing varieties of air pumps to the global market and one the target market in Mexico.

Various air pumps produced from China include 4kw water ring vacuum pump, economic brush 12V air pump, air operated diaphragm pump, pneumatic double diaphragm air operated reciprocating oil transfer pump, rechargeable portable air compressor, RD 15 air operated diaphragm pump among many others.

These products are made available to from China and the importers may decide to use sea or air freight services.

Sea freight may be used since these products are durable and hence even reliable even if it takes a longer time before goods are delivered to Mexico from China.

Chapter 2: List of Prohibited and Restricted imports to Mexico

Mexico being a sovereign nation has limitation to some of the imports and it is against the law as an importer to go against them.

Prohibited goods are those that the country does not allow to enter while those which are restricted may be allowed to enter only after clearing.

As an importer, you can review some of the restricted and prohibited imports here: Prohibited and restricted imports.

Some of the prohibited imports are;

i) Narcotics and some of the habit-forming drugs

ii) Live fish

iii) Images representing children in a degrading or ridiculous way.

iv) Used clothes

v) Firearms and ammunition

vi) Explosives

vii) Toxic and hazardous products

The link above also indicates the reasons for the prohibition and restriction and it is, therefore, important to read it so that you are not caught unaware.

Chapter 3: Mexico import requirements

In order to import to Mexico, there are some requirements that you need to meet as an importer.

In this section, you will be able to know as an importer what entails Mexico import license as well as the documents you need to have in order to import to Mexico.

· Mexico import license

First, as an importer, you need to file your business with Mexico’s Registry of Importers which is found under Mexican tax authority.

Well, after doing so you also need to update your tax obligations and as well with customs laws.

Also as an importer, you need to have documents proving the country of origin.

You will also ensure that you are meeting quotas among other measures which may be applicable to the same effect.

These laws are provided and enforced based on the Laws of Foreign Trade.

· Markings on the goods being imported

An importer should ensure that the merchandise imported into Mexico has the following;

i) Name or business name and the address of the importer

ii) Trademark or the commercial name of the product

iii) The total amount or net contents

iv) Use, handling, and care instructions for the given product.

v) Warnings or precautions on hazardous products

List of Mexico import documents

As an importer, you need to have the following documents in order to import your goods into Mexico.

1. Commercial invoice

This document normally contains the official registered business name, the name of the importer, description of goods, price as well as terms of sale.

2. Packing List

This document supplies all the content as per the shipment, number of pieces, total weight as well as unit weight.

This document is normally recommended for consolidated freight.

3. Bill of lading

This document is normally issued by the shipping agent at the country of origin and submitted by the supplier.

It is important as an importer to take care of this bill of landing as it is normally needed in order to deliver the goods.

But an importer having Express bill of landing will only need to provide this document during customs clearance.

4. Certificate of origin

As an importer, you need to have this document proving the country of origin.

More of this document may be required depending on the type of the product you are importing.

5. Weight or volume certificate

As an importer, it is recommended that this document is produced by the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit in order to for it to be certified.

Chapter 4: How to Get Goods to Import from China to Mexico

This is a crucial process that you need to know as an importer and you will as well be able to understand various sourcing agents and the criteria for sourcing.

What should you look for in order to know the capability of a good sourcing agent from China?

i) Fluency in Mandarin and Cantonese

ii) Thorough knowledge of the Chinese business culture

iii) Experience in managing Chinese suppliers

iv) Category and sourcing process experience

v) Quality control experience

vi) Audit experience

vii) Logistics experience

How to get suppliers for goods from China to Mexico

As an importer, you need to consider reliable online marketplaces as well as taking some interventions in order to get reliable goods from China to Mexico.

Here, you will be able to get reliable sources.

· AliExpress

AliExpress is one of the online platforms that an importer may rely on.

It is owned by Alibaba and it can assist importer who imports goods on small quantities from China.

The advantage of this AliExpress is that it works with small retail buyers and also the prices of goods here are also cheap.

· Alibaba

This is also one of the online platforms that you can use at your doorstep through visiting their website.

You can be able to get various suppliers as well as manufacturers with reliable goods that you are in need of as a supplier.

Alibaba has also included various methods that you can use to ensure that you pay for your goods promptly.

You can use either of the following; Alipay, Credit cards, Telegraphic transfer, Western Union among other methods of payments.

· Visit China Trade fairs in Mexico

As an importer, you need to visit China trade fairs and exhibitions in Mexico since you will be in a position to know all that you need to know about importing from China to Mexico.

You will also be able to know various sourcing agents as well as reliable suppliers.

From these trade fairs, you will also know various goods that are on higher demand in Mexico from China.

The advantage of taking this initiative is that you will be able to even meet various importers and thus you will be able to learn from one another.

· Visit China

Taking this initiative as an importer will enable you to meet your suppliers face to face.

This will assist you as a supplier by ensuring the credibility of the same suppliers.

From this visit, you will be able to negotiate on various issues such as the costs involved.

Besides, you will be able to know the maximum and minimum quantities you can order through them.

· Made in China

This is an online platform which you can be able to access at your doorstep.

You will be able to select suppliers and then agree on the terms of service as well as the initiative you will use to ensure that payments are affected.

Chapter 5: Cost of shipping from China to Mexico

The cost of shipping from China to Mexico varies depending on so many factors. For instance, the type of shipping, cargo type, distance, etc.

In this section, I am going to take you everything you need to know about the cost of shipping from China to Mexico.

Sea Freight from China to Mexico

Sea freight is normally the main shipping method which is used to ensure that goods are transported from China to Mexico and other global countries.

Sea is normally the first choice because of its low prices, large volume, FCL or LCL options.

When it comes from China, CFC has been good at providing ocean cargo services for both small and medium businesses as well as individuals all over the world.

Basically, how much of shipping you pay the supplier to handle is based on the Incoterm you select as an importer.

Container Type – 20’GP/40’GP/40’HQ

These three types of containers are the most commonly used to carry cargo from China to Mexico.

20’GP = 20’feet general purpose

40’GP =40’feet general purpose

40’HQ = 40’ feet high cube

General purpose often means Dry Container (DC).

And sometimes if fluid goods are parked by a flexible container bag, it can as well be delivered by standard DC.

Freight Cost- Ocean costs

As an importer in order to be fully satisfied, you can use freight calculator to calculate the costs of transporting various cargo based on weight and sizes of different containers from China to Mexico here – ocean freight cost.

In that website, you can be able to know the cost incurred in order to import cargo from various ports in China and as well deliver them to your most convenient location in Mexico.

LCL rates

This will depend by the loading port, the destination port, the volume, weight, the volume/weight ratio.

You should also note the other costs during an import process, they include;

i) Transportation to the port of loading

ii) Export customs declaration

iii) Loading port fees

iv) Ocean freight charge

v) Insurance

vi) Destination port fees

vii) Import customs clearance

viii) Customs duty/tax

ix) Transportation from the port of Destination

The following prices are based on FOB Guangzhou/Shenzhen

Upon arrival of your cargo, there is clearance and pickup.

The goods may only be entered by the owner, purchaser, or a licensed customs broker designated by the buyer.

The following will also take place at the port you are intending your goods to arrive at in Mexico.

Customs official will process your shipment after;

i) Inspecting the paperwork

ii) Determine duties if apply

iii) Request duty payment

iv) Following confirmation of payment, release the shipment for pickup

Air freight from China to Mexico

Air freight is the fastest and safest means that an importer who needs hi or merchandise to arrive faster should prefer.

Air Freight Terminology when Importing from China to Mexico

• AWB

Air Waybill, this normally referred to as non-negotiable transport document issued by the carrier or the agent indicating the carrier has accepted the goods listed therein.

AITA

International Air Transport Association which supports airline activities and helps formulate industry policy as well as standards of the world’s airlines.

• ETD – Estimated Time of Departure
• ATD – Actual Time of Departure
• ETA – Estimated Time of Arrival
• ETT – Estimated Transit Time

ULD

As an importer, you can simply take it as air container just like sea container.

If the cargo exceeds below the weight and volume, the carrier can determine the allowable minimum limit and volume cargo based on the flight model, departure and the destination airport handling the equipment condition.

How is air freight calculated?

1: Pickup fee + Customs

2: The cost per kilogram multiplied by the chargeable weight.

3: Destination charges, such as customs clearance, tax, delivery

The air freight costs vary depending on many factors such as origin airport, destination airport in Mexico, weight, quantity among other factors.

Calculation of Mexico Import Duty

Import duty will also affect the total importing costs from China to Mexico.

Of course, you need to follow the appropriate import procedure as I will explain below.

· Import Procedure

Importing agents are the ones mandated in the handling of all the administrative as well as requesting the necessary authorizations for customs clearance.

Therefore the importer is advised to work with more experienced importing agents.

Hence, to apply correct taxes/duties, the importing agent need to present an import declaration issued by Secretariat of the Economy, a commercial invoice, bill of lading, proof of exemption as well as a certificate establishing the origin of the goods.

Companies that are importing goods that appear on Annex 10 of the Foreign Trade General Rules (FTGR) have to be registered in the Mexican Register of Importers in Special Sectors.

A special tax on production and services (IEPS) is assessed to the importation of alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, and cigars among others from 25 to 160% depending on the product.

Importing samples

The Mexican government requires that samples must be classified according to the custom list 9801.00.01 of the Legislation of General Tax for Imports and Exports.

Customs Duties and Taxes on Imports

Customs threshold is required

Products valued up to USD 50 are exempt from duty and VAT.

Average Customs Duty excluding agricultural products

Mexico Customs Classification

Mexico uses the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System and often referred to as the Harmonized System.

This Harmonized system is composed of about 5,000 commodity groups.

From these groups, you can be able to select where the commodity you intend to import falls under.

Normally each of the groups can be identified by a six-digit code used by many countries.

Method of Calculation of Duties

Customs duties are normally calculated Ad Valorem on the CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) value of goods.

You also need to know that this CIF method is in exception of goods originat

Have you been having problems importing from China to Ireland?

Problems such as lack of adequate information may prove a challenge when importing from China to Ireland.

But you don’t have to worry anymore. Here is a guide that solves all your problems when importing from China to Ireland.

In this guide, we give you a simple walkthrough into the details of a door to door shipping from China.

Sea freight from China to Ireland

To help mitigate factors such as importing huge volume of goods from China to Ireland conveniently, you can use ocean shipment.

This kind of shipment is ideal if you are not in urgent need of your goods.

Furthermore, by using ocean freight, you can import virtually anything from China to Ireland.

The other advantage when using ocean freight is the cost.
Ocean freight is relatively cheaper when you compare to air shipment implying that you will save by using it.

However, you will have to factor in time when importing using ocean freight.

This is because ocean freight normally takes time to arrive in Ireland from China.

You will, therefore, have to make prior arrangements before settling on ocean freight.

Air freight from China to Ireland

The advantage of shipping your goods via air from China to Ireland is that your goods will take the shortage of time to arrive.

If you are in urgent need of your import, this is the best option that you can use.

Also, if you are importing sensitive goods such as jewelry and weapons, then this is the secure way of shipping them.

However, shipping via air has several limitations.

First, the cost of shipping via air is relatively high.

You, therefore, need to factor in this cost when choosing which method to import your goods.

Another limitation that you will have is that there is a limit to the volume of goods that you can import.

This can be serious when you are in urgent need of a large volume of gods.

Ireland Import Duty and Tariffs

There are several taxes that you will incur while importing your cargo.

These taxes and duties will depend on the kind of imports you are bringing into Ireland from China.

It is important to understand these duties as they will affect the cost of your goods when you import them.

Here is a look at the duties and taxes that you will pay when importing different kinds of goods.

The basis upon which the customs will use to calculate your taxes and duties is the CIF value of your imports.
The customs will do this at the port of entry of your goods.

The customs will use the Harmonized system to classify your goods according to the customs duties that you need to pay.

The average customs duty that you will pay on your imports is 8% which depends on the goods you are importing.

If you are importing raw materials, you won’t have to pay any customs duty.

You will have to pay an exercise tax which varies depending on the kind of import you are bringing to Ireland.

On top of these, you will have to pay a standard VAT rate of 23% on your imports.

However, there are goods which you can import without paying VAT.

Such goods include books and children clothes.

Also, you won’t have to pay customs duty on certain goods.

How to Buy from Alibaba to Ireland?

1) Select a product to import
2) Search for potential suppliers
3) Supplier interaction
4) Cost consideration
5) Choosing your supplier
6) Port of origin and port of destination selection
7) Goods collection

• Why Import Products from China to Ireland

Here, we unpack all the relevant information so that you are confident when importing from China to Ireland.

Have a look.

Chapter 1: Why Import Products from China to Ireland

One of the frequent questions that I encounter is – why should I import goods from China to Ireland?

Though it is an important question, the truth is, there are many benefits of importing your goods from China.

Here is a look at some of these benefits.

1. Reduction in cost

The key benefit of importing from China is that you can reduce your total cost.

This cost includes the cost you would have incurred producing the goods in Ireland.

The production cost of Chinese goods is much cheaper than you producing the same goods in Ireland.

With this in mind, you can cut cost which is the main objective of all importers.

2. Unique products

Chinese manufacturers offer unique products that you can import to Ireland.

The advantage of having unique products is that you will have a unique niche for your products.

To be able to utilize this opportunity ultimately, you need first to conduct market research to understand the market needs.

Once you have known what the market needs, you can go ahead and import your cargo from China.

3. Increase in profit

The main intention of any importer importing goods from China to Ireland is to make a profit.

You achieve this by choosing unique products which are fast selling in Ireland.

The more customers buy your goods, the higher the profit you make.

Also, the products in China are cheap, and when you add up with the shipping cost, you will notice that the cost is lower.

The implication of this is that you will be able to increase your profit margin through importing from China.

4. A wide range of goods

The availability of a wide range of manufacturers in China implies that you can virtually import anything from China.

Chinese manufacturers can produce different versions of the same product.

This gives you the advantage of selecting a product that will suit the market that you want to venture in.

5. Importing quality products from China to Ireland

If there is one thing that your clients will appreciate is the kind of quality of your goods that you will import from China to Ireland.

Chinese manufacturers can produce high-quality goods at a relatively low cost.

Proper planning and analyzing of the market are important before you realize the benefits of importing.

Don’t be in a rush to import anything to benefit from importing from China to Ireland.

Chapter 2: Top Imports from China to Ireland

If you want to engage in the importation business, you will have to look for top imports from China to Ireland.

These are goods that will sell quickly and give you a high-profit return.

The advantage of going for the top imports is that it will save you of the inventory cost.

You won’t have to spend a lot looking for a warehouse since you will be importing to sell.

But what are these top imports?

Let’s have a look at the answer to this question in this segment.

• This includes any legally approved medicines in Ireland.
• Under this, you can import different types of machinery including agricultural machinery like tractors, heavy industrial machinery or even basic home appliance machinery.
• Electrical and electronic appliances. This may include simple appliances such as home theatre and television sets to heavy appliances such as transformers computers and laptops.

Under this, you can also import items like spare parts for a variety of electrical and electronic device.

• Beauty products. This is an attractive market segment for women that you can target your imports. Among the products that you can import under this include perfumes and cosmetic products.
• Medical apparatus. If you are in the medical field, you can import various products under this. For instance, you can import lifesaving machines such as medical ventilators, incubators, and anesthetic machines.

You can also import diagnostic machines like ultrasound and MRI machines, PET and CT scanners, and x-ray machines.

Lastly, under this category, you can import medical laboratory equipment

• Organic chemicals. The agricultural sector can benefit from the importation of organic chemicals from China to Ireland. These are important in the agricultural sector as they help increase the yields of the farm.
• Aircraft and spacecraft. Importing these goods include the importation of their spare parts as well. They are important in the aviation industry
• Perishable products. This covers a wide of your imports. You can import animal products from China to India including milk, meat including goat, bovine and pig meat, cheese and butter.

You can also import poultry products such as eggs.

Apart from that, honey is in high demand in Ireland which makes it an important import you can choose from China to India.

• Industrial Chemicals. If you want to specialize in industries, you can import industrial chemicals from China to India. Industries use these chemicals for the various manufacturing process.
• Specializing in this category involves the importation of vehicles and motorcycles.

Chapter 3: Customs Clearance Ireland – How it Affects Importing from China to Ireland

For the safe imports of your goods, you need to be careful when dealing with the customs authorities in Ireland.

Complying with the customs implies that you will have your goods as soon as possible.

However, failure to comply with the customs will mean that your goods will have to be confiscated by the customs.

You may also have to pay fines for these delays.

To prevent such issues, let me take you through the customs clearance in Ireland.

3.1. Prohibited and Restricted Imports from China to Ireland

While you can import goods of your liking from China to Ireland, there are some goods which you cannot import to Ireland.

These include restricted and prohibited goods in Ireland.

Restricted goods are those which you can import only after receiving a necessary permit from authorities in Ireland.

These goods include the following:

• Animals, Animal Products and remedies
• Wrappers and bags
• Books and periodic publications
• Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
• Explosives, firearms, and ammunition
• Endangered Species
• Drugs
• Dairy products
• Footwear
• Iron and steel products
• Medicinal products
• Any pesticide
• China Porcelain
• Seed potatoes
• Plant and plant products
• Radioactive substances
• Tobacco
• Traps and snare
• Tableware and kitchenware
• Waste
• Wild animals

On the other hand, prohibited goods are goods which you cannot import to Ireland.

The customs will confiscate these goods if you import them.

They include the following

• Any product that has traces of biocide dimethylfumarate (DMF)
• Counterfeit and imitations
• Pornography and indecency or obscene materials
• Collectible coins
• Copyrights
• False Trademarks
• Smokeless tobacco
• Offensive weapons
• Food imitations

3.2. Ireland Import Requirements and Documentation

Documentations will help facilitate the customs clearance of your goods from China to Ireland.

You will, therefore, need to have all the proper documents when clearing your goods in Ireland.

The following are the important documents that you need to have when clearing your goods in Ireland

· Certificate of origin

You will need a certificate of origin when importing from China to Ireland to indicate where the imports are coming from.

In this case, you will indicate your imports are coming from China.

The certificate helps the customs authority in estimating the trade volume between countries.

It also helps in cases where there is a trade agreement with a particular country as well as a basis for Tax calculations.

· Commercial Invoice

A commercial invoice is a document that indicates the value of your goods.

Among the information that you will find include the value of your imports and the total quantity, you are importing.

It must also indicate the value of each unit of your import if possible.

The importance of this document is to enable the customs to estimate the value of duties and taxes that you are to pay.

You need to ensure that your supplier indicates the correct information to avoid cases of paying incorrect taxes and duties.

· Airway bill or Bill of lading

The airway bill or bill of lading is a document which the carrier of your goods will issue your forwarder.

In the case of air, the carrier will issue out an airway bill while a bill of lading in the case of ocean shipment.

The bill of lading has vital information that the customs require.

Such information includes the value of the goods as well as the nature and quantity of the goods you are importing.

They will use this document as a cross-reference document when estimating the duties and taxes that you will pay.

It is therefore important to ensure that the information of this document is the same information as that of the Commercial invoice.

· Special permits

In case you are importing goods that are regulated, you will need to have a special permit depending on which goods you are importing.

The purpose of these documents is to give importing access to your goods.

Besides this, there are special documents that you will need to have when importing from China to Ireland.

For instance, you will need to have agricultural certification when you are importing any agricultural product.

Some of these agricultural documentations include Sanitary certificate which checks into the safety of foodstuffs that you import to Ireland.

· Single Administrative Document

The Single Administrative Document is an important document when importing to Ireland as it acts as the import declaration form.

The information that you will find in this document includes the nature of the goods.

You will also find the harmonization code and the customs procedure code.

The customs will use these codes to classify your goods according to the taxes that you are to pay.

You will also find your information or that of the person you have designated to do customs clearance for you.

You or your customs broker will be responsible for filling of this document which you can either do manually or electronically.

3.3. Ireland Customs Regulations and Clearance Process

Let me take you through the customs clearance process and the regulations that will affect your imports to Ireland from China.

First, when importing your goods from China to Ireland, you or your customs broker will have to fill a Single Administrative Document.

This is a requirement for all importers to the Eu to which Ireland is a signatory.

You can do this electronically via the Revenue’s Automated Entry Processing (AEP) system.

Always ensure that you check the type of goods you are importing to ensure they comply with the customs regulations.

That is, if you are importing restricted goods, ensure that you have the required permits.

If you are importing goods that require testing before getting into Ireland, ensure that you do so and you have the approval certificates.

Again, ensure that what you are importing is not among the prohibited items.

Before the customs release your goods, you need to pay the necessary taxes and duties.

You can do this using Electronic fund transfer.

Ensure that you have paid the total duties and taxes.

By doing this, you minimize situations that can lead to a delay in releasing your goods.

While submitting your taxes and duties, please ensure that you accompany them with all the required documents.

These documents are listed above as such you can go through them.

There are no general requirements when it comes to the labeling of your imports.

However, you need to ensure that your manufacturer or supplier includes the name of the manufacturer and their address the label.

The standardization mark of quality needs to be on the label.

The Irish authorities encourage the use of multilingual your import labels.

The packaging requirements for your imports are simple.

First, they need to conform to the EU standards that address such issues like human health safety.

The packaging also needs to consider the environment like waste management.

Also, if you are using wood to package your imports, it will have to undergo phytosanitary inspection.

You can import samples duty-free from China to Ireland, and such samples are valid for up to a year.

For a product to qualify as a sample, you will have to include a mark that will render it useless for future usage.

Such marks may include perforations on the product or cuttings on the product.

However, the customs will require that you deposit security with them for the period the goods shall be in the country.

The value of this security shall be 10% of the value of the duties and taxes that you would have paid if they were not samples.

Chapter 4: Calculate Cost of Importing from China to Ireland

Cost plays an integral part of your importation.

Even before you start importing your goods, you need to have an estimate of the cost that you are going to spend.

Lack of proper accounting of your importation cost may lead you into trouble.

For instance, you may not be able to clear your goods at the post.

You may also be at a disadvantage when purchasing goods in China.

This is because you may be forced to settle for cheap quality or less quantity of the goods that you wanted.

Let’s go through the costs that you will encounter during the process of importing your goods from China to Ireland.

4.1. Know Buying Price of Imports in China

To be able to import your products from China, you need to be able to know what buying price you are going to buy these goods.

There are several advantages to doing this.

For instance, you can plan well on the total cost that you are going to incur.

The importance of this is to ensure a smooth flow of your importation.

Different suppliers offer different prices for your goods.

Of course, this does not imply that you settle for the supplier who offers the least price.

You need to factor in other elements.

For instance, you need to consider the incentives the suppliers offer such as discounts and payment terms.

Another element you need to consider before choosing a buying price for your goods is the lead time of production.

A supplier may offer low price but takes long to deliver the goods which may disrupt your activities.

The buying price will have to consider the quality of your goods.

When it comes to Chinese goods, you will always have different quality of the same product at different prices.

You, therefore, need to be careful when choosing a buying price for your goods.

Before settling on a price, I would recommend that you request for samples from your supplier.

You will be in a position to check if the quality matches the one that you need hence settling for that buying price.

4.2. Estimate Shipping from China to Ireland Costs

Shipping cost is an important cost element that you need to consider to ensure a smooth process of importation.

You will incur different shipping cost depending on the volume of your goods and the container you will be using.

To be able to understand this, here is a look at the shipping cost of different containers from China.

I have arranged this according to different ports of origin in China and destination in Ireland.

Shipping a 20 ft container from China to Ireland

Shipping a 40 ft container

Shipping an OOCL container

During the period of your importation, you will come across several Incoterms which you need to understand them.

Here is a walk through to these incoterms.

· FOB

Free on Board is an incoterm that gives you control over the shipment of your goods.

The advantage of this is that it allows you to look for a carrier for your goods and negotiate with them.

You will be responsible for selecting an insurance cover for your goods as well as meeting the custom requirements at the customs.

Other responsibilities include freight payment and paying for your transportation cost from your port of destination to your address.

Your supplier pays for availing your goods to the port of destination including transportation fee.

The loading of your goods to the carrier and clearing your goods at the customs at the port of origin is the function of your supplier.

· CIF

Cost Insurance and Freight is an incoterm that allows you to pay for the cost of your cargo as well as clearing with the customs at your port of destination.

You will also have to make arrangements for transporting your goods from the port to your address.

Your supplier, on the other hand, avails the goods at the port of origin as well as clears with the customs at this port.

They will also look and pay for a carrier for your goods as well as taking an insurance cover for the goods.

However, there is no maximum guarantee of the nature of the insurance, and if possible, you can buy an insurance cover for your goods too.

CIF is the commonly used incoterm when it comes to international shipping.

· EXW

Ex-works allows you to have some control over your imports.

Your responsibility under this incoterm includes paying for your goods.

You will also do the customs clearance at the port of origin in China and your port of destination in Ireland.

Under this incoterm, you need to pay for cargo insurance as well as the cost of t

Are you importing from China to Canada and.

Today’s ultimate guide will walk you through all the vital stages of this process.

From customs rules and regulation, classification of imports, finding freight forwarder, shipping process, etc. – It covers everything you need to know when importing from China to Canada.

What are incoterms?

Incoterms are the terms that you will use when you are transacting the business of importing cargo.

Many of the international traders recognize the terms and the rules they spell.

You are likely to come across them when you are seeking to import goods from China to Canada.

What are the different types of sea freights available when importing from China to Canada?

The types of sea freight will bring us to discuss the different types of ships available for transporting cargo.

The main types of sea freight available include:

Containers are ships that carry goods in different container sizes.
Bulk carriers which carry goods that do not have special packages such as coal

Tankers specialize in the transportation of liquid such as vegetable oil and wine

Reefer ships are responsible for transporting perishable products such as fish and meat.

RORO ships are for transporting goods that have wheels such as cars.

What are the charges that I will incur for transporting cargo from China to Canada?

The cost of transporting cargo from China will also depend on the mode of transport and the types of goods.

Air freights will cost more than sea freights because they are faster.

Perishable and fragile goods will require more care thus increasing the cost of transport.

How long will it take for me to receive my goods in Canada?

The time it takes for the cargo to reach you will depend on the mode of transport for the goods.

You can either decide to use air freight which will take under five days or sea transport.

Sea transport will take around one month before you get the goods.

So, let’s get to the key subject of this guide:

Get a Business Number from CRA

There are many businesses in Canada that have been importing cargo from China to Canada to sell to the locals.

According to some of them, the process may seem to be difficult at the beginning but you will adjust well.

It is a complete process that requires determination and full adherence to the rules and regulations for easy movement.

The first step in getting the cargo from China to Canada involves getting a business number from CRA.

CRA is an initial for Canada Revenue Agency and they are responsible for issuing import and export accounts.

You will not pay any fee for the account and the department will provide you with the information very fast.

i. A business number is the tax ID number that you will use when you have to pay for the import duty. The account number has three main parts which include:

ii. The business number consisting of nine digits for the identification of your business

iii. An identifier with two letters that will show the type of program you are dealing in

iv. A reference number of four digits for the account of your program

The process of getting a business number from the Canadian Revenue Authority is straightforward.

https://youtu.be/5XP3ZZQ9pDc

The registration is free and you can do it through the following services:

i. Business Registration Online Service (BRO) which involves logging in to the website and applying for the business number.

ii. Making a call to the CRA and verbally communicating your request for the business number. You will answer the questions on part A of the RC1 form and get the business number as soon as possible.

iii. Filling the form RC1 requesting for the business number before mailing it to the nearest tax office.

Whenever you are registering for the business number, remember to apply for other tax identification numbers.

These include registration for GST/HST, payroll, and corporate income tax accounts for your business.

Apart from that, it is obligatory to have the GST/HST for imports or exports.

Know How to Classify Imports from China to Canada

The Harmonized system of classification of imports is customs classifications that you can use internationally.

Many countries in the world use the harmonized tariffs or codes whenever they intend to trade with other countries.

It is a factor that you will identify with whenever you intend to import cargo from China to Canada.

The customs tariff in Canada follows the same procedure set by the World Customs Organization (WCO).

You can also identify it as the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS).

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is responsible is an intergovernmental organization that is responsible for developing the HS guideline.

In Canada, HS compliance is an obligatory process of declaration and classification of goods coming and leaving the country.

As an importer, you should use the HS to correctly declare and classify the goods that you are importing.

Consequences of Non-compliance or Malpractice

i. Delays when it comes to releasing the imports

ii. Suspension of certain privileges such as the privilege to import

iii. Fines that are in accordance with the Administrative Monetary Penalty System

iv. You have to provide the HS data when you are declaring the imports. The data is important for:

v. Determination of the appropriate duty rates for the goods you intend to import

vi. Negotiation of trade agreements

vii. Maintenance of the trade statistics

viii. Identification of shipments and goods that are risky to human safety, health, and security.

New traders may not be in a position to understand the HS rules and can get more information from CBSA.

Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) has different programs, and service for educating new traders about the Harmonized System.

It is also in support of voluntary compliance for the Harmonized System from the traders.

Canada is one of the members of the World Customs Organization since 1971.

It is also part of the Harmonized System Committee and the Harmonized System Sub- Committee.

It, therefore, means that they are strict about the rules of this system and importers should respect the regulations.

Apart from understanding the Harmonized System, it is important to know how to classify the merchandise that you will import.

This includes determining the right classification number of the goods.

Knowing the country where the goods come from and the classification number will help in determining the amount of duty to pay.

Understand Canadian Import Rules and Regulations

Import of goods from a foreign country into another country is under regulation and you have to respect the rules.

The country where the goods are going to has certain rules governing the import of merchandise and Canada is no exception.

It is the responsibility of the person importing the merchandise to make sure that cargo complies to the rules and regulations.

Apart from that, the importer should make sure that the cargo has the right documentation before importing it.

Importing unsafe goods, or goods that violate the regulations set by the country attracts fines and penalties from the government.

Before you engage in importing goods from China, make sure that you understand the following rules and regulations.

Avoid Canada Prohibited Imports

There are certain goods that the government of Canada will not allow into the country as imports.

The goods can be as obvious as child pornography or less obvious as some types of motor vehicle.

The type of goods that you will not bring into Canada is in the following paragraphs.

Prohibitions mean that the item you want to import does not have access by law into Canada.

The law states clearly that there is a certain type of goods you should not bring across the Canadian border.

The prohibited goods in Canada include:

i. Fresh fruits

ii. Firewood is also prohibited and campers will have to purchase firewood in the country. They will use it on site and then leave the surplus at the camping site.

iii. Weapons such as munitions, pepper spray, tasers, and brass knuckles

iv. Certain types of knives such as the ones you will use for fishing or hunting

v. Radar detectors

vi. Obscene material such as child pornography, and hate propaganda.

vii. Certain types of food material such as live birds, poultry meat, poultry manure, feathers, and other poultry related products.

viii. Nuclear materials

ix. Narcotics

x. Softwood lumber and sugar

The Canada Border Service Agency is responsible for guiding the importer on the type of goods he can import.

They will also guide you and let you know about the goods that require certain permits before importing them.

Acquire Special Permits on Canada Restricted Imports

There are certain types of goods that require special permission before they come into the country.

The goods that are under control by the government and require special import permits are the restricted goods.

These goods will require permission, certification or inspection from different departments of the government.

The CBSA is responsible for the administration of the import requirements on behalf of the different departments of the government.

There are certain goods that will require the input of more than one section so make sure you contact every department.

Some of the goods that require special permission before importing them include:

i. There are certain items that you cannot import through the mail services. These items include perishable items, perfumes, inert munitions, replica, and flammable liquids.

You have to contact the Canada post to get further clarification on these imports.

ii. Firearms also require special permission from the Canadian Firearms Program

iii. The cultural property will require a permit or certificate for import from the Canadian Heritage

iv. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is responsible for the provision of permits for the importation of food products. Plants, food, and animals that are either terrestrial or aquatic, food labeling and recalls, wood packaging are under this department. It is also responsible for controlling user equipment or machinery and international waste coming into the country.

v. Nuclear equipment, material and technology, and radiation emitting devices are under the control of Canadian Nuclear and Safety Commission.

There are quite a number of products that require special permits due to their nature and sensitivity.

Such goods require the involvement of the government in the whole process of procurement and importation.

Tobacco or alcohol products will require special permission from the province where you are taking the products to.

The restrictions further state that there are some goods that will need special stamps and labeling from the origin country.

There are certain goods that are subject to SIMA or the Special Impact Measures Act.

The special measures include:

i. Anti-dumping duties

ii. Countervailing undertakings and duties

There are certain goods that are subject to domestic control and that is an area that requires your attention.

Apply for Relevant Inspection, Certificates, and Permits

Canada, just like any other country in the world has to know the type of goods that you intend to import.

You will have to contact the relevant agency and inform them of your intention to import certain goods.

It will be useful as it is an early application and preparation for import inspection in Canada and for the timely offer of permits.

The first step in this process is letting the authorities know about the type of goods that you will import.

The authorities will then check against their database and see if the cargo is relevant for import.

After that, they will help you in processing the relevant documents as you apply for the certificates and permits.

The Export and Import Controls Bureau will take the responsibility of providing the relevant import permits.

Normally the restrictions on getting the import certificates and permits allow the country to restrict certain types of imports.

The inspection also allows them to check on the type of goods you are bringing into the country.

Apart from that, the process of inspection involves checking if you have all the relevant documents for imports.

It goes further to see if the labeling is bilingual and the packaging is according to the right standards.

Besides, it is also important for determining the amount of tax and duties that you must pay before you get the goods into the country.

There are certain types of certificates, permits or documents that you must have as an importer.

As an importer, you should know that different provinces in Canada have different regulations on imports.

The type of documents you that will need, depends on the mode of shipping and the type of goods.

The list of the most important type of goods for imports into Canada include:

i. Canada commercial invoice or customs invoice

ii. Bill of lading

iii. Sales contract

iv. Packing list

v. Proforma invoice

vi. Insurance policy

vii. Customs declaration

viii. Certificate of origin

You will get some of the documents from the supplier and some are available at the customs office in Canada.

As an importer, you need to understand the regulations and the impacts of breaking the rules.

You might end up paying heavy fines and risk jail terms if you break the rules which are a waste of resources.

Hire Freight Forwarder from China to Canada

As an importer, the process of going through the customs regulations and the import requirements may be tedious.

It might also take a huge chunk of your time making the process very unreliable for your business.

Well, if you are unable to work it out on your own, you can decide to hire a freight forwarder to handle everything.

A freight forwarder is a company that is responsible for the arrangement of shipping goods from one place to another.

It takes care of the transport and storage of the goods within the country of origin as preparations are underway.

Note that hiring a freight forwarder is optional as you can do all the activities that they do.

The main activities of the freight forwarder include:

i. Taking care of the transport of cargo from the supplier and tracking it all the way to the stores.

ii. Storage of the cargo as they prepare the relevant documents for export and transport

iii. Preparing the documents that will be relevant for the shipping of the cargo

iv. Organizing for the type of transport and booking space for your goods on the ship or plane

v. Negotiations of the charges of freight or the charges for transporting the cargo

vi. Freight consolidation

vii. Organizing the relevant insurance for the cargo and filing of insurance claims if possible

viii. Most of the freight forwarders will ship your cargo under their personal air waybills or bill of lading.

Their agents in Canada will take care of the necessary documentation before the goods arrive in the country.

They will organize for delivery of documents, deconsolidation, and services of delivering the cargo.

Freight forwarders will not be the actual movers of the cargo but will be the intermediary between the relevant companies.

They will negotiate deals with the relevant transport agencies on the shipping of cargo, trucking, and air shipments.

The good relationship that a freight forwarder has with the transport agencies will help in getting a good price.

There are certain instances when the client decides to use the freight forwarder as the shipping agent.

They will offer the client with the relevant advice on how to move the cargo from one place to another.

The knowledge and experience that a freight forwarder has on regulations, banking and documentation ease the process of importing cargo.

The process of hiring a freight forwarder is straightforward even though you have to go through special considerations.

Some of the factors that you need to look at include:

i. The experience of the freight forwarder in the transportation of the goods from China to Canada.

ii. In many cases, you should use the freight forwarders that another importer recommends as they are reliable.

You can easily get a good freight forwarder online with the reference from importers you can trust.

Most of them are available in Canada even though they handle issues in China.

You can take advantage of Tj chinafreight to assist you in getting a reliable freight forwarder in Canada.

Consider Finding a Licensed Customs Broker

In the line of importing goods from China to Canada, you can also get assistance from a licensed customs broker.

A customs broker will assist you in preparing and submitting the relevant documents to obtain the necessary permits from the government.

They can also organize for transshipment of the cargo within the country through different provinces such as trucking services.

As an importer, you need to look for a customs broker who specializes in the type of cargo you need.

Customs brokers have specialties in clearing and transporting different types of cargo such as perishables, apparels, among other types.

You can easily find a customs broker situated at the destination port ready to receive a different form of cargo.

Be careful when looking for a customs broker as they need to obtain the necessary license before acting as customs brokers.

Some of the duties of the customs brokers include:

i. Advising you on the proper procedures of importing certain types of cargo.

ii. Transacting the business of customs clearance for the client as they have the necessary knowledge and experience.

iii. They will submit the necessary documents to the relevant authorities for processing. The process of submission can be electronic through mails or fax and then wait for feedback.

iv. They will follow up on the clearing process of the goods at the port and organize for warehousing for the goods. In certain circumstances, they can arrange for the transport of the goods all the way to the point you will specify.

v. The customs broker can either decide to pay for the goods and bill the client later. Apart from that, they can be in direct contact with a client who will be paying when it is necessary.

vi. They should also be careful with the documents and keep them well for future reference.

The customs broker has to have the relevant license and keep permits that will allow them to operate in certain provinces.

They should also get the relevant authority or power of attorney from the client to transact business on their behalf.

There are clients who allow the customs broker to have unlimited power of transacting business on their behalf.

Determine Canada Import Duties from China

Import duty is the tax that you will pay to the customs authorities of Canada for importing goods into the country.

The amount of import duty that you will pay will depend on the type and value of the goods.

You can refer to import duty as the tariff, customs duty, import tariff or import tax depending on the context.

Canada charges import duty on goods to raise income for the country and also to discourage import of certain goods.

The country will try as much as possible to discourage foreign product and give more advantage to lo0cal goods.

It is important as an importer to get goods that will not attract high import duty.

Importing from China to Canada Taxes

You will have to pay a certain amount of tax for the goods that you import from China into Canada.

With the right tariff classification number, you are in a position of determining the right tariff for your goods.

It will, in turn, be important in determining the amount of duty you will pay for importing cargo from China.

Goods originating from China will fall under the Most Favored Nation tariffs as they are subject to reductions and trade agreements.

You are most likely to enjoy the bene

fits of the trade agreement as it covers certain costs but you have to provide proof of origin.

It is also important to find out if the cargo is subject to goods and service tax (GST).

GST is chargeable on the goods at a rate of 5% of the total value of the goods under the Canadian law of excise tax and duty.

There are certain types of goods that do not require you to pay any form of tax as they enjoy tax exemption.

In case your goods fall under this category, you should indicate the code of tax exemption clearly on the documents.

Some of the goods that are subject to excise tax include air conditioners, certain passenger vehicles, and certain fuels.

Certain goods subject to excise duty are certain alcohol and tobacco products.

After determining the tariff treatment that your cargo will receive, it is important to know the value of duty to pay.

In many cases, you pay the value of duty to the vendor and he will give you a sales invoice or a receipt as proof.

The document from the vendor has to:

i. Provide a complete description of the goods that you are importing

ii. Indicate clearly the cost of purchasing the goods or the selling price of the cargo

iii. State clearly the terms and conditions for transacting the business.

Remember to indicate the value of the duty in Canadian dollars for easy reference and calculation.

There are six methods of valuation for the goods and you will have to go for the first method of valuation.

To get the real value of duty, make sure that you satisfy all the requirements in the transaction properly.

How to Use Canadian Duty Calculator

With every detail in check, you are now able to calculate the value of the duty that you must pay to the customs department.

Look at the value of the goods on the receipt and convert it to Canadian dollars using the exchange rate of the payment date.

Many importers often think that purchasing the product at a cheap price will be the end and not considering tax.

To avoid a blow when you arrive in Canada make sure you calculate the amount of duty that you should be paying.

You can use the Canadian duty calculator to assist you in getting the right value of duty to pay the customs department.

Before doing the calculation make sure that you have the following:

i. Original value or cost of the cargo

ii. The charges you will pay for the inspection

iii. Logistics and brokerage fees

iv. The complete cost of shipping

v. Province where you reside or where you have the business

vi. Category of the goods that you intend to import such as electronics, baby items, automotive among others.

vii. The type of product that you want to import

viii. Decide on the type of product and also the sales tax on the product

After filling in the entities with the information you will get an estimate of the value of duty to pay.

The value of duty will vary depending on the type of product that you intend to import.

You should know that goods will attract GST, PST and or HST according to the province the goods are going.

What are the two main classifications of incoterms available?

Identify Goods to Import from China to Canada

Business or trade is all about getting goods from one place and selling it for a profit.

In this case, you are getting goods from China to Canada for reselling.

First, you have to identify the type of goods you are importing from China to Canada.

To avoid wasting your money and time, you have to know the type of goods you need for your business.

Gather all the information about the type of merchandise you intend to import before making the order.

When you are identifying the goods, you need to look at the following:

i. Descriptive literature about the goods that you need

ii. Information about the composition of the products

iii. Samples of the product that you intend to import from China.

This information will help you when you will be determining the classification of your tariffs.

It will help you in getting a tariff classification number or the HS code.

This will be useful when identifying the rate of duty for your merchandise.

There are certain recommendations about the type of products you can choose from and they include:

i. Getting products that you are passionate about working with

ii. Getting products that are unique and will enable you to resell at a higher value

iii. Getting products that ship in bulk and have low shipping cost per unit

Apart from knowing the type of goods that you intend to import, there are other things to worry about.

You should find out if the goods you are importing are going to get access into the country.

There are some goods that Canada will not allow into the country and that has to be on your mind.

How to Find Chinese Supplier when Importing from China to Canada

Having the knowledge of all the information on tax and freight forwarding may not be useful without a supplier.

As an importer, you have to go through all the logistics of finding a credible supplier for your goods.

Finding a supplier is not so difficult as you can take a trip to China or find one in Canada.

The type of supplier that you need to find will vary depending on the type of goods that you need to import.

There are goods that are already available but there are others that require manufacturing from scratch.

These are the types of goods that wi

If you’re importing from China to Uganda, then this is a must-read guide for you.

Because it covers all the basic and fundamental aspects of importing from China to Uganda – from top imports, requirements, customs regulations, shipping process, and many more.

By the end of this guide, you’ll definitely be an expert in importing from China to any city in Uganda.

Importing from Guangzhou to Uganda

Guangzhou is a major manufacturing hub in China.
The city has opened doors for many Ugandan traders dealing in Chinese merchandise.

The city, as most Ugandan traders confess, offers cheap product prices as well as a variety of product alternatives.

This is one of the primary reasons for the influx of Africans in Guangzhou, especially Dengfeng that’s also known as Little Africa.
In other words, Guangzhou is an excellent source for made in China products to retail in Uganda.

The reasons to import from Guangzhou to Uganda

The reasons to import from this city are pretty clear.

One, it is because product prices here are cheap and there is also a variety of product alternatives.

Two, finding products is easy as there are numerous wholesale markets situated next to factories in the city.

And last but not least, the infrastructure in Guangzhou is tremendous.

The road network is superb.

There is also a major seaport as well as several airports from which you can easily and conveniently ship your imports.

Restricted Imports from China to Uganda

These are products whose importation requires authorization from their respective Ugandan authorities.

The restricted products include; live animals, medication, endangered species, hunting weapons, and used cars.

So for instance, if you want to import a live animal/s, you’ll need to have a health certificate along with complete validations and inoculations.

The same applies to hunt weapons; you will have to have authorization from the ministry of interior.

Prohibited Imports in Uganda from China

These are products that are totally prohibited for importation.

In other words, you can’t bring in these products from China or any other country to Uganda.

These products include narcotics, pornography, counterfeit items, henna, explosive material, cultural artifacts and other material of cultural importance, palm tree and any other products thereof.

Also, cosmetic products containing hydroquinone and mercury,

Now for these products, the Ugandan authorities do not allow their importation whatsoever.

They are wholly banned for import into Uganda.

But then, restrictions and prohibitions on product importation are not all there is to the Ugandan custom import regulations.

There is more.

Now, let’s go straight to the main subject of this guide.

Chapter 1: Main Uganda Imports from China

To begin with, Uganda imports a lot of merchandise from China, about 80% of its imports are from China.

As I’ve already mentioned, Chinese merchandise is cheaper and readily available.

This makes it easy for importers to avail a variety of goods to customers in Uganda at more competitive retail prices.

Among the goods that thrive in the Ugandan market include;

• Textiles and apparel
• Electrical appliances
• Toys
• Petroleum products
• Vehicles and their parts
• Foodstuffs such as beverages and oils
• machinery
• manufacturing equipment
• building materials such as ceramic tiles
• Pharmaceuticals, etc.

Understand that you don’t have to be a big brand to import from China.

With as little as $300 you can quickly get goods from China and resell for a profit in Uganda.

This is because China, unlike many other countries, caters to everyone in the market.

If you serve high-end clients, you can get high-quality merchandise for them from China.

Similarly, if you cater to the low-income earners, China has just the right products for your customers.

So give it a go and don’t be afraid of how much is in your pocket.

Also, carefully study your target market before you decide on a product to import

Chapter 2: Uganda Import Requirements

Like most countries, the Ugandan government strictly regulates the importation of products from other countries.

For instance, the authorities have regulations governing what can or cannot pass Ugandan borders as imports.

These include restrictions and prohibitions on product imports into the country, and they are;

· Uganda Quality Standards Compliance – What Uganda National Bureau of Standards Requires

As I said to you earlier, the market for made-in-China imports in Uganda is rapidly expanding.

Uganda merely is a thriving market for imported products.

Because of this, the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has put forth stringent measures to ensure quality compliance.

Some of these measures and guidelines are:

• Importers must have a certificate of conformity when importing regulated products
• Physical inspection of regulated goods before the admission of entry
• Before admission of entry, UNBS requires that you repackage your imports first
• All importers are required to use the services of a licensed clearing agent

Other than this, UNBS has also put forth standards that product imports must comply with.

These include measures on design, material, performance, manufacturing, testing, packaging and labeling.

One most crucial regulation on imports to Uganda as I had already mentioned is product inspection.

Here, inspection of products must be done thoroughly before the admission of the imports into the country.

This is done to ensure the health safety of the Ugandan consumers and to protect the environment against dangerous and substandard products.

UNBS also mandates the inspection as a measure to ensure compliance with the set standards and regulations.

The inspection, note, is not just done on the products.

UNBS conducts both document checks as well as physical inspection of products upon their arrival at entry points.

Also note that depending on the value and nature of your imports, the law requires that they are subject to PVoC, undergo destination inspection or both.

Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC), is an inspection and verification program carried out on goods by appointed inspection agents in the origin country.

Here, imports with an aFoB value of above USD 2000 and are covered by compulsory standards are subject to PVoC.

In this case, you’ll need to present a certificate of conformity at the entry point in Uganda.

PVoC also applies to used vehicle importation.

In this case, the importer is also required to present a certificate of roadworthiness to obtain clearance for entry.

Confusing?

Don’t worry.

You can find all these information in great detail on the UNBS website.

For now, let’s look at the paperwork needed to import to Uganda.

· Documents Needed in Clearance and Forwarding in Uganda

Honestly, the processing of importing from China to Uganda can be hectic.

And, this is especially if you lack a clear understanding of the paperwork needed and procedures.

So here are the documents you’ll need to import goods into the country legally.

• Suppliers invoice
• Packing list
• Air waybill ( for imports by air)
• Commercial invoice
• Freight invoice
• Uganda revenue authority for 1 for motor vehicles
• Road transit customs document (commonly known as C63) prepared at seaport and entry port in Uganda
• Certificate of origin
• Railway consignment note (for import by rail)
• Bill of lading
• Trade license
• Release order certificate of compliance
• Import declaration form
• Declaration of customs value form
• Any other relevant documents

Make sure that you have the all the required documents for your imports.

Otherwise, you will have a hard time getting clearance for your goods.

Chapter 3: Importing from Different Cities in China to Uganda

You should know that initially, Uganda wasn’t importing much from China.

It is until the early 2000s that Ugandan importers started exploring China for goods that can resell at a good profit locally.

Now, 80% of consumer and personal care goods sold in Uganda are made-in-China products.

I believe that you know most of the reasons for this.

Majorly, however, it is because of the ease in importing from China.

Yes!

Importing from China to Uganda is no hustle.

One, it is because China has excellent infrastructures for exports and imports.

And secondly, the Ugandan import authorities have streamlined their processes to ensure the smooth importation of goods into the country.

No matter the city you’re importing from in China, there are a million ways to do it.

So depending on the product you’re importing, here are some popular cities to source your products from in China.

· Importing from Shenzhen to Uganda

Like Guangzhou, Shenzhen is also a significant manufacturing hub in China.

It is in fact known as China’s manufacturing hub.

There are thousands of factories in Shenzhen producing a variety of goods from shoes, kids and women clothing, electronics, etc.

The city simply is a scene of bustling trade with hundreds of retail and wholesale shops spread across entire streets.

Note that Shenzhen is located in southeastern China, it is a major city in Guangdong province.

The city is a modern metropolis that links HongKong to mainlandChina.

This proximity to HongKong has Shenzhen at the center of global trade.

The city benefits from the Pearl River, the third longest in China that runs through Guangdong.

· Importing from Shanghai to Uganda

Shanghai, the largest city in China, is located on the eastern coast of China.

It sits on both banks of the Huangpu River near where the Yangtze (Chang) River empties into the East China Sea.

This is why it is known as Shanghai which means ‘on the sea.’

Geography aside, Shanghai is China’sleading commercial, financial and manufacturing center.

Here, you can find a variety of goods ranging from iron and steel, machinery, electronics, textiles, pharmaceutical and a variety of consumer goods, etc.

The city, note, is also one of the county’s largest printing and publishing centers.

On shipping, Shanghai is home to the largest container shipping port in China.

The ports annual container throughput surpasses all of China’s other ports.

As at this moment, the port of Shanghai has 145 berths, 75 of which can serve vessels of over 10,000 tons.

This port also operates more than 20 major international shipping lines among them lines shipping from China to Uganda.

Shipping by air from Shanghai is also a breeze.

The city hosts a large international airport that is strategically located about 40km away from the city center.

This airport, please note, is the main aviation hub of China.

It is also the central Asian Pacific hub for UPS and DHL airlines.

· Buying from Yiwu to Entebbe and Kampala in Uganda

Yiwu is a remarkable city in China.

The city is regarded as the biggest commodity market in the world where you can buy anything that you want.

This city houses lots of wholesale shops, over 40,000 in total and a majority of the suppliers here are wholesalers.

Also, most goods that you can buy cheaply in Yiwu are small value products such as fashion accessories, shoes, etc.

So if you want to buy directly from manufacturers, you may have to consider going to Shenzhen or Guangzhou.

Most suppliers in Yiwu are just wholesaler sourcing goods from Shenzhen and Guangzhou.

Yiwu is an excellent source for those of you looking to import small commodities with many varieties in small quantities.

The good thing about importing from Yiwu is that you can consolidate all your goods in place.

You don’t have to go through the hassles of commuting, sourcing, and shipping as occasions with most other cities in China.

Please note:

Yiwu is a huge shopping center with very many shops.

It is tough to patronize all the shops by yourself and on time to meet your supply chain demands.

As such, it advisable that new-to China importers seek the services of a professional and reliable import agent.

The agent will help source the right products for you in Yiwu and also help you ship the products successfully to Uganda.

Well, these are main cities to import from China.

As you can see, Shenzhen, Guangzhou,andShanghai are manufacturing cities.

They are best for those looking to import goods in large quantities.

Yiwu, on the other hand, is a wholesale and retail center.

It is an excellent source for small commodities as mentioned above.

Remember that importing from any of these cities has its pros and cons.

To ensure success, however, observe the following tips;

• Only choose credible traders,e. for Yiwu importers, choose traders with good credit badges. (They always hang these in front of their shops.
• Always carry out quality inspections on goods to ensure that they meet the set standards for importation.
• Use a China agent whenever you feel the need to
• The language barrier may be a limitation especially when sourcing from Yiwu. So either uses a translator or seek out traders that are familiar with the English language.

That is all.

Let’s now factor in the costs of importing from China to Uganda.

Chapter 4: Uganda Custom Tariff Guide – How much will You Pay for Imports from China?

Cost is often something importers have a hard time dealing with when importing from China.

You see,

is quite broad.

Apart from the cost of the product, you’re importing; there are others that you’ll have to incur that make up the total cost of importation.

These include freight charges, surcharges and mostly taxes and duties.

Ultimately, if you’re importing for reselling purposes, this is something you’ll have to consider.

At least then, you’ll be able to estimate the landed cost of your product and know if you’ll be able to make a profit or not.

So then, what are the costs of importing from China to Uganda?

Let’s find out below.

1. Product price

Well, first there is the price of the product.

This is the amount you pay to a product supplier for goods you order.

If you’re trying to calculate the landed cost of a product, the product price is the unit price of the time you’re importing.

2. Freight cost

Freight cost also known as shipping cost is the transportation cost of the goods from China to Uganda.

This cost includes inland transportation and carrier costs from loading port in China to the destination port.

It also includes ports fees and other surcharges such as fuel surcharge.

3. Taxes and duties

So there is the cost of cargo, transportation cost and then the biggest markup which is the import taxes.

You see, it is essential to understand the taxes and duties that apply to your goods when importing to Uganda.

Import taxes in Uganda depends on the VAT of the product as well as the product category as per the harmonized system tariff.

Taxation also depends on the declared value of the imports, the CIF value.

Uganda, note, is a member of the East African Community.

As such, it adopts the EAC duty structure that is three-tiered.

The duty structure is as follows;

Finished products are subjected to an import duty of 25%.

Intermediate products face a 10% levy.

This is on top of a VAT tax of 18% that customs charges on these goods and a 6% withholding tax that’s reclaimable.

According to Ugandan customs taxes, raw materials can enter the country duty-free, apart from foodstuffs.

You can also import capital goods to Uganda duty-free.

The government also charges an additional 1.5% infrastructure tax on all imports.

This is done to raise funds for railway infrastructure development.

Also, certain products imported to Uganda, those deemed as ‘sensitive’ are subject to higher tariffs.

This is done as a means to protect the local industry.

*Sensitive products are those that compete with the local industries

All this in an addition to other small levies that customs levies on imported products.

So note that for customs to process your clearance, you will have to pay the requisite tariff and show proof to customs.

Chapter 5: How to Find Best Selling Imports from China to Uganda

Most Ugandan traders find suppliers for Chinese merchandise on the internet.

While there are other means of locating suppliers, the internet remains the greatest of them all- no matter the number of goods you want to import.

But why the internet?

Well, first, visiting China personally is quite costly.

For a first time importer, the cost of air ticket, accommodation, etc. can be overwhelming.

Secondly, finding a good supplier without the right network is a tough task, unless you’re attending a fair.

And lastly, there are lots of middlemen in China that will want to exploit your naivety, especially if you’re a new-to-China importer.

So to avoid all this, most traders prefer going the internet way.

And so might you after going through this chapter with me.

· Alibaba

Searching for Chinese suppliers on Alibaba is always the first choice for most Ugandan traders.

The problem with Alibaba suppliers is that their MOQ is usually high.

So if you’re looking to source products with a less than USD 400 value, finding a willing supplier on Alibaba can be a problem.

On the bright side, you can find anything and everything on Alibaba.

Besides, you get to see the product picture and verify the credibility of suppliers before you make an order on Alibaba.

If you want to learn how to source from Alibaba, please check out this article: Importing from China: The Definitive Guide.

It has great detail of information including a detailed step by step process on sourcing and verifying suppliers on Alibaba.

· AliExpress

Aliexpress is an excellent alternative for traders who can’t meet the MOQ demands of suppliers on Alibaba.

Suppliers on this site offer a variety of goods at relatively low prices, and you can order as little as one item per product.

The site’s interface is very user-friendly just like Alibaba’s.

So navigating through it to find supplier isn’t a hard task.

· DHgate

Apart from Aliexpress, you can also consider finding suppliers on DHgate.

This is another site that tends to small quantity traders importing from China.

So again, if Alibaba’s MOQ is hard for you to reach, try DHgate.

Also, if you’re not too impressed with the prices and demands of suppliers on Aliexpress, DH gate is a great alternative.

· Made in China

Made in china.com works pretty similarly like AliExpress and DHgate.

The site tends to both retailers and small quantity wholesalers whose buying quantity is between Alibaba and AliExpress.

However, unlike Alibaba, AliExpress and DH gate, made-in-China focuses more on industrial and construction products.

It offers very little consumer goods.

Products that you can source from made-in-China.com include;

• Machinery
• Electronics
• Industrial equipment
• Furniture
• Sporting goods
• Auto and mc products
• Construction etc.

· Sourcing Agents

Have you had bad experiences when trying to find Chinese suppliers on your own?

Or simply need help sourcing for products?

Well, sourcing agents can be a great help to you.

These agents are there to solve all your problems on finding suppliers and sourcing for products in China.

So instead of searching on the internet, you can opt to use a China sourcing agent.

They offer a wide range of services such as purchasing, quality controlling, products repacking and transportation.

By hiring an agent, you won’t have to do anything.

He/she will send purchase staff to work for you.

The good thing is that they are professional.

They know about the products that you want to buy, and they will even help you to bargain the product prices.

All you need to do is tell the agent the kind of products that you want and your price limit.

The rest is theirs to figure out and work on.

· China trade fairs

For those that prefer finding suppliers personally, visiting China trade fairs is a great option.

China holds some great fairs like the canton fair, which is quite popular among traders from Africa.

Here, you’ll get the opportunity to meet a variety of suppliers and even get to see product samples up close.

· Contacting factories directly

Last but not least, there is the option of contacting factories directly.

How do you do this?

Well first, you need to know the product you want to import.

Then, find possible manufacturers for the product.

You can search on the internet for these.

After that, take several contacts manufacturers and contact them with inquiries relating to what you want.

You’ll then compare the responses of those manufacturers that reply and choose the one that’s most suitable for you.

It’s that simple.

Chapter 6: Options of Shipping from China to Uganda

When importing from China to Uganda, you’ll realize that the shipping stage is the most challenging.

This is because of the too many shipping options available, costs, paperwork, and other logistics processes.

But then, regardless of the challenges, goods have to get to your destination in Uganda, whichever way.

Lucky for you, there are several options to transport imports from China to Uganda.

Depending on your patience, budget, type, and quantity of imports, you have the following options to consider;

i. Air freight

Air shipping from China to Uganda is predominant among small quantity traders, those shipping imports below 300kg.

If you’re shipping cargoes above 300kg, you may have to consider other shipping options as airfreight will be costly.

Also, you can’t ship liquid goods, power, and battery products among other hazardous goods by air.

So if you’re dealing in this kind of merchandise, air freight might not be for you.

In other words, air shipping is a fast and convenient way of shipping light and small volume goods.

ii. Sea freight

This is by far the most convenient and cost-effective method of international shipping.

Ocean shipping as you can also call it allows you to ship goods of any size, form or shape.

Besides, the cost of sea shipping is pretty affordable, and you have several options when it comes to shipping modes.

The only downside to sea shipping is the transit time.

Well, ships are quite slow, you may have to wait up to 2 months to receive your shipment from China to Uganda by sea.

Note that this is because Uganda is a landlocked country.

Therefore, goods will be shipped by sea to the port of Mombasa Kenya or Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

After that, the products will be transported by other means,i.e. road or air to Uganda and its hither lands.

So the delivery will take longer than usual from China to Uganda.

During this wait time, however, you can choose to track the shipment to ensure that transportation is smooth and delivery is on schedule.

iii. Express shipping

Express shipping option falls under air freight.

The thing with express shipping is that it is faster than standard air shipping.

Express shipping to Uganda takes 1-3 days while delivery by standard air freight means can take an average of 3-7 days.

Also, with express shipping, the cost of shipping is relatively high compared to standard air freight shipping.

This is why it is advisable that you consider it for very small and light cargoes such as product samples, valuable docum

DDU, means Delivery Duty Unpaid, whether your supplier is in Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou or any other place in China, you can just wait for your goods at home, but only one thing you need to take care, you need to pay the duty and VAT ( if your country has the VAT, normally USA has no VAT).

Note: If you use DDU shipping terms, You MUST use your OWN freight forwarder, because your goods are in your own hand. But normally your supplier will not let you use your own forwarder if you are under DDU shipping,  you’d better use EXW or FOB shipping terms.

You can learn more about DDU shipping from the below guide.

What does DDU mean in shipping terms?

The term DDU can be deciphered as Delivery Duty Unpaid.

DDU means that the seller meets all costs except taxes and duties of importing country.

In the case of DDU, the cost of goods includes all delivery expenses to the buyer’s door.

When title transfer takes place under DDU Incoterms?

None of the Incoterms covers title transfer and ownership fact.

The only thing that transfers under DDU Incoterms is the responsibility for products.

Does DDU Incoterms cover revenue recognition?

Remember, Incoterms are not written for revenue recognition and the ICC (The International Chamber of Commerce) guide specifically says that’s not what they do.

Keep in mind that Incoterms cover the supply chain delivery, transfer of risk and very little else.

How are risks reparated between parties signed for DDU Incoterms?

Under DDU terms, the seller has to provide you goods needed to be cleared in import on board of some vessel at your country.

This is the place where all the risks of loss and damage to goods transfer from the seller to the buyer.

So, after your products were delivered to the named port of destination and are ready for import customs clearance, you will be responsible to carry all risks connected with their loss.

Keep reading:

What is DDU (delivery duty unpaid)?

DDU is commonly known as “Delivery Duty Unpaid” and has a considerable impact on the responsibilities of the seller.

For you the buyer, this shipping contract bears very minimal responsibilities.

Now, DDU shipping contracts define that a seller delivers goods to the buyer’s designated destination.

From this point onwards, the buyer becomes responsible for costs including transportation to final destination and insurance.

Everything prior is the seller’s responsibility except import processes.

Here, the buyer must bear the “taxes and fees” and the costs and risks caused by the failure to timely import and export goods.

This can, however, be negotiated so that the seller also goes through import formalities.

The negotiation can also include the seller bearing the costs and risk incurred, as well as the fees that should be paid when the goods are imported.

Note that whatever you agree upon should be stated clearly in the sales contract.

Important note:

The incoterm DDU applies to all modes of transport.

Nonetheless, when the goods are delivered on board or at the destination port, the term DES or DEQ should be used.

Also, the DDU is a part of the initial set of incoterms known as Incoterms 2000.

In 2010, however, the international chamber of commerce made some changes to these terms.

Here, among others, the term DDU was tweaked to include the named destination place.

So currently, the official term that replaces DDU shipping is DAP “delivered at the place.”

In the contract, the term DAP is followed by the designated destination, i.e., DAP: Port of Memphis, Tennessee.

With that understanding, let’s now look at the specific obligations of the seller in DDU shipping.

Seller Obligations in DDU Shipping

As I said, DDU shipping has a huge impact on the responsibilities of the seller.

These are:

1. Provide goods as agreed in the contract

The seller must provide goods and commercial invoices or its equivalent in soft copy as per the terms of the contact.

He/she should also provide any other documents that the contract may require to ascertain the goods compliance with the contract.

2. Licenses and permits

The seller must bear the risks and expenses of obtaining the right licenses and other export documents.

He/she must also handle all customs formalities required for the export of goods and transit through countries where customs formalities are necessary.

3. Transportation

The seller must bear all the risks and costs of transporting the goods from origin country to the designated destination.

If the buyer has not given a named place, the seller is free to choose a suitable destination to which he/she will deliver the goods.

4. Delivery of goods

The seller must deliver the goods to the buyer or other person designated by the buyer at the chosen location on the agreed date.

Note that the seller still bears all the risks of delivery.

5. Risk transfer

Unless stated otherwise, the seller must bear risks of loss or damage to the goods up to the designated delivery point.

6. Cost division

The seller must bear all costs incurred in the delivery of goods at the agreed place and time, and the customs expenses before delivery at the designated location.

7. Notify the buyer

The seller must sufficiently notify the buyer of the shipment.

He/she must also inform the buyer of any other information relevant to the delivery of the goods.

8. Proof of delivery and transport documents

At his/her own expense, the seller must provide the buyer with a bill of lading and the required shipping documents.

And, any other relevant documents that are necessary for the receipt of the goods upon delivery.

These other documents include;

• Negotiable bills of lading
• Non-negotiable sea waybills
• Air waybills
• Railway bills
• Road orders

Please note:

If both parties agree that the documents be provided electronically, then all of the above shall be substituted with respective EDIs.

EDIs (electronic data interchanges) are equally suitable for use in this case.

9. Check, package, mark

The seller must bear all costs for checking the quality and quantity of the goods as they should meet the terms of the sales contract.

At his/her own expense, the seller must also provide the right packaging for goods.

Note however that some goods can be delivered without packaging, based on industry practices.

If this is the case, then the seller can forfeit this obligation.

Other obligations

• The seller can assist the buyer to obtain any necessary orders for import clearance at the destination country.
• At his/her own expense and risk, the seller must obtain and provide the buyer with all the relevant shipping documentation.
• In the case of insurance, the seller must provide all documentation required to obtain the insurance coverage.
• Or, transmit the same electronically if the buyer is okay with it.

Well, that’s it about the seller obligations in DDU shipping.

What of the buyer’s?

Let’s find out.

The Buyer’s Obligation in DDU Shipping

While DDU shipping doesn’t put much responsibility on the buyer, the little he/she has to do is crucial to the shipping process.

So here is what the buyer has to do:

1. Pay for goods

The buyer has to pay the agreed DDU price of goods as stipulated in the contract.

2. Licenses and permits

The buyer, at his own risk and expenses, has to obtain any import licenses and any other permits required for customs clearance.

He/she shall also take care of all customs procedures necessary at the importing country.

3. Receive goods

Once the seller delivers the goods at the agreed location, the buyer must receive them.

He/she can receive the goods personally or nominate someone else to do.

The latter must be stated in the contract.

4. Risk transfer

After goods have been delivered at the designated location, the buyer must assume all risks of damage or loss of the goods.

Note that it is the responsibility of the buyer to notify the seller on a suitable place and time of goods delivery.

Failure to do so will result in the buyer assuming all risks and responsibility of shipping from the date of agreed delivery or the expiration delivery period.

Also, if the buyer doesn’t obtain the necessary documentation, he/she shall bear the consequences that come with it.

5. Cost division

The buyer must pay for all costs accrued from the time goods are delivered to the named place of destination.

He/she shall also bear all the cost of customs clearances at the importing country as well as other charges related to the shipment from the time of delivery.

6. Notify the seller

The buyer has the first right of determining the suitable time and place of delivery of goods.

This is because DDU obliges the buyer to sufficiently notify the seller about this within the agreed time limit.

7. Proof of delivery and transport documents

The buyer must receive all the shipping documents that the seller provides as long as they comply with the sales contract.

And, if it’s agreed that electronic transmission is used to supply the documents then the buyer to be ready to receive them.

8. Goods inspection

In case of any pre-shipment inspections that the buyer organizes, he/she must pay all costs.

The buyer is however under no obligation to bear any costs associated with inspections mandated by authorities in the exporting country.

Other obligations

Just like the seller, the buyer in a DDU contract must pay all costs incurred in obtaining importation documents.

He/she must also reimburse the seller of the costs incurred by the seller for assistance in obtaining the documents above.

Issues to be Aware of when Using DDU Terminology

Now, DDU as I already said is an international commercial trade term.

This together with 12 others were established help create a happy medium between the buyer and seller.

Without them, the buyer and seller would be at constant negotiation. As such, international trade would simply not be as efficient.

You need to understand that a generic standard set of rules are invaluable and can be thought of as cost-saving measure.

Once a term like DDU is agreed upon, the parties can continue without having to worry who is responsible for freight, insurance or other related costs in the shipping process.

But before that, DDU shipping is quite a comprehensive term and using it requires a lot of considerations.

It requires that both the buyer and seller fully understand its basics and application for successful shipping.

Among the many things that you have to keep in mind when shipping DDU are:

• DDU applies to trade between free trade zones or customs union countries.

This is because sellers deliver goods after customs clearance, and if they are not free trade zones or customs unions, the risks are high.

• If the buyer fails to obtain an import license or other official documents as required and handles the customs formalities as are necessary for the import of the goods, it shall bear all additional risks of damage or loss caused by the goods.
• DDU is the actual delivery , the seller bears the risk before delivery, so not only does the seller has to handle the transportation, but also to apply for insurance and pay the relevant fees.
• In DDU shipping, the risk and responsibility of the seller end once the goods have been available at the named destination.

The buyer’s risk and responsibilities start after receiving the goods at the named destination.

He/she becomes responsible for the clearance of goods at imports customs, payment of duties and shipping to final destination.

• The DDU terminology applies to any mode of transport.

DDU Shipping with Tj chinafreight

Don’t doubt it, at Tj chinafreight we handle all kinds of shipping; FOB, DDP, DDU, CIF, etc. however you want it, we do it.

If you want to deliver goods from China to a specific port in your destination country, just let us know.

We will be happy to ensure that the goods are transported safely, timely and affordably to your chosen destination.

Don’t worry about anything.

We understand the stipulations of DDU shipping fully and are ready to execute them to our best knowledge.

So contact us now and let’s give you a free quote.

Conclusion

That’s it!

All you need to know about the DDU shipping term.

As you can see, each risk factor in DDU shipping has been defined so well.

Both parties can clearly understand what their obligations are.

There is simply no room for confusion or misunderstanding if one understands the DDU term well.

So, when you want to ship DDU from China to an international destination, make sure that you understand what the term means to you first.

This will help do away with any doubts or misunderstandings later on.

Good luck!

DDU Incoterms – The Definitive FAQ Guide

There is a lot of confusion when it comes to using Incoterms among inexperienced trade parties.

The reason is that such parties already have to deal with tons of paperwork, and it might be unclear from the first glance why you have to focus on Incoterms.

However, it is extremely important to determine the type of Incoterms with your supplier beforehand.

This guide is dedicated to one of Incoterms – DDU.

Read further to find out, what is DDU and how can you use it when buying goods from China.

Are DDU Incoterms still valid?

DDU rules were introduced to the publicity in the 2000’s version of Incoterms.

However, in 2010, the new set of rules were created which excluded DDU as a thing.

However, it doesn’t mean that you and your supplier can’t use them.

Let’s mention that Incoterms have recommendations spirit only, which means that you can use them as you think will be better for your business.

Following this rule, no one can disallow you to use old Incoterms.

What are the obligations of buyer and seller under DDU Incoterms?

Seller’s obligations:

1. Arranges the goods and commercial documents as required by the sales contract.
2. Arranges for export clearance.
3. Fully pays all goods delivery expenses to the destination point.
4. Assumes all risks associated with possible damage or loss of goods.
5. Seller is obliged to notify a buyer that the goods have been delivered to the carrier and provide the buyer with correct arrival information.
6. The seller has to provide the buyer with transport documents allowing the buyer to take possession of the goods at the named destination point.

Buyer’s obligations:

1. Buyer must pay the goods according to the sales contract.
2. Buyer must have all commercial documentation, licenses, and authorizations required for import and arrange import clearance at own cost.
3. Buyer must take delivery of the goods after they have been transported to the named destination point.
4. Buyer must assume all risks for the goods as soon as the goods have been delivered at the named destination point.
5. Buyer pays for all costs of transportation, import customs formalities, as well as all duties from the time the goods have been transported to the named destination point.
6. Buyer must accept the seller’s transport documents if they accommodate the sales contract and will allow the buyer to take possession of the goods after delivery to the named destination point.

Who will pay the freight charge, local destination, and destination charge if the Incoterms is DDU?

Under DDU Incoterms, all charges connected with the transportation of cargo to the named point of destination will be on the supplier’s side.

However, such goods will be not cleared in customs, so you won’t be able to order this cargo to your doorsteps for example.

This means that after you clear these goods in your country, you’ll have to pay for their later delivery to your premises.

Which Incoterms to choose: DDU and DAP?

At the checkout stage, it seems cheaper to use DDU. DDU does not imply processing fees linked with the duty that the seller must pay.

But it is the seller’s responsibility to inform the customer that duties will apply when the freight arrives in customs.

Often, a customs payment request becomes a surprise to customers.

In this case, customs will contact an independent customs broker and forward them the duties package. 

This leads to additional costs.

DAP fees are fixed and can be 3-4 times cheaper than DDU brokerage fees. 

Additionally, DAP reduces the chances that customers will abandon goods in customs.

This prevents you from paying additional costs for saving the goods.

What is the difference between DDU and DDP Incoterms?

DDP term stands for Delivery Duty Paid. 

DDP means that the seller arranges to pay for import duties and taxes in advance, such as a Goods and Services Tax (GST).

So If you’re using DDP, goods can be released for last-mile delivery immediately upon clearing customs.

It is opposed to DDU goods where the item could be held at customs until the relevant duties and taxes are paid.

Another key difference is that in the case of DDU seller meets all delivery expenses except GST (general sales tax) in importing country.

In the case of DDP seller must pay for GST and other import expenses. 

DDU and EXW Incoterms: how are these two correlate?

EXW (Ex Works) is the simplest of Incoterms.

Under these rules, the seller fulfills his obligations when he provides the goods at his enterprise or in another specified place (for example a factory, warehouse, store, etc.).

In practice, if you buy from a Chinese supplier, you have to be ready to pick up your goods from his premises in China.

EXW is always the cheapest contract because the seller is obliged to do practically nothing to deliver your goods.

However, it is also the way with the most hassle for you, because all the following processes (e.g. transportation to your country, customs clearance, etc.) will be on you.

What is the difference between DDU and CIP Incoterms?

The seller’s DDU delivery obligations are deemed to be fulfilled after he delivered the goods at the disposal in the country of the importer.

The CIP (Carriage and Insurance Paid to) incoterms means that the seller pays the freight to the destination and pays the minimum shipping insurance.

In the case of CIP, the buyer bears the risks for the goods from the moment he obtains the goods from the seller.

In the case of DDU, the seller bears the risks to the place specified in the delivery.

How DDU and CPT Incoterms differ?

iI case of CPT (Carriage Paid To), the seller fulfilled its obligations by transferring the goods to the carrier (confirmation of which is a bill of lading or similar document).

If the goods are damaged or destroyed during transportation, the buyer shall bring an insurance claim.

In the case of DDU, the seller fulfilled its obligations when the goods are delivered to the buyer at the indicated place.

If the goods are damaged or destroyed during transportation, the seller meets all costs.

DDU and FOB Incoterms: how to differ them?

FOB stands for Free on Board.

FOB terms state that the seller has completed the delivery when your goods get on board of certain vessel at the country of origin.

The risks under FOB terms transfer at the same time.

Basically, FOB and EXW terms are quite similar: as a buyer, you have to carry out the delivery from China by yourself.

What is the difference between CIF and DDU Incoterms?

Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) are easy to understand.

Actually, the answer to it lies in the name: under CIF terms the supplier has to pay all costs connected with the freight and insurance.

In particular, the supplier has to pay all fees and duties connected with export customs clearance and delivery to your country, as well as with minimal insurance for your cargo.

But, keep in mind that the CIF terms don’t oblige the supplier to clear goods in your country.

It would be fair to mention that under DDU Incoterms you have to proceed through import clearance procedure as well.

What kind of Incoterms 2010 can be used instead of DDU?

As it was said earlier, Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU) was actually not included in the most recent (2010) edition of the International Chamber of Commerce’s Incoterms. 

The current official term that best describes the function of DDU is Delivered At Place (DAP).

However, DDU is still commonly used in international trade sphere.

Can you use Multimodal Transport in the Case of DDU shipping?

Multimodal transportation is common in international shipping and arises where one carrier uses various modes of transport.

In multimodal, the contractor can have your goods delivered by land, air, or sea.

Also, the contractor can seek the services of others in delivering your products.

Under DDU terms, it is the role of your supplier to choose a preferred shipping contractor.

The only rule is that the goods have to get to the agreed destination safely and on time.

How long does DDU shipping take?

Generally, shipping timelines vary depending on the mode of transportation used, supplier speed, and shipping distance.

Additionally, under DDU shipping, the customs clearance process tends to delay delivery in most cases.

The delay may be prolonged if you don’t have the requisite documentation and knowledge to go through the clearance process.

Hence, for goods to arrive on-time under DDU shipping, the buyer should employ a good customs broker’s services.

Any slight dela

If you want to know if FOB Shipping is best incoterms for your importing business, then you can check what industry expert recommendations on best incoterms for buyers.

If you want to learn about the FOB shipping incoterm, then you just read this guide carefully.

If you are importing from China and want to get a quote on your shipping cost under FOB shipping, like FOB Shanghai, FOB Shenzhen, FOB Guangzhou, FOB Xiamen, etc, contact Tj chinafreight directly, we will give you all guide and best quote for your shipping.

How FOB Shipping Point Affects the Buyer?

Clearly, FOB shipping point compels the buyer to make an upfront payment before shipping goods.

At the same time, the incoterm enables the importer to order for goods to be delivered to their designated port.

They don’t have to be present in person when the consignment is finally delivered.

When ordering for goods, the buyer gives their billing details to the seller before the order is processed.

As soon as the supplier starts shipping the cargo, the purchaser is billed for it.

Since the transaction is already complete, it is not mandatory for the buyer to be there to accept the shipment from the deliverer.

FOB Advantages

Manage your expenses throughout the whole process without hidden fees.

Your seller ought to know the export documentation they require for their goods.

Easy to use since the majority of suppliers use FOB Incoterms as standard.

ExW Advantages

All the expected charges are clearly outlined from the beginning.

Chance of incurring additional costs is negligible
Price of goods is comparatively reduced.

How FOB Shipping Works?

In order to perfectly comprehend how FOB shipping works, let us look at a typical example.

Presume that you are a toy dealer and you buy 20,000 pieces of toy from seller ABC.

The seller produces the toys in China and you retail them in your shop in London.

Say your purchase contract reads “FOB, London, XYZ warehouse.”
What does this imply?

The seller ABC will pay the charges of loading and shipping to get the 20,000 pieces of toy from its factory in China to the XYZ warehouse in London.

The toys become yours in London.

Meaning in case the toys are lost, stolen, or damaged in transit to London, seller ABC is responsible.

Because, they still own the products while they are being transported to your designated location.

Likewise, in case they are lost, stolen, or damaged after have arrived at XYZ warehouse, you are responsible.

If you want to know if FOB Shipping is best incoterms for your importing business, then you can check what industry expert recommendations on best incoterms for buyers.

If you want to learn about the FOB shipping incoterm, then you just read this guide carefully.

If you are importing from China and want to get a quote on your shipping cost under FOB shipping, like FOB Shanghai, FOB Shenzhen, FOB Guangzhou, FOB Xiamen, etc, contact Tj chinafreight directly, we will give you all guide and best quote for your shipping.

Ask for the Best Shipping Rate from China

Under FOB shipping terms, your supplier is responsible for all costs involved in the process up until the goods are on a vessel at the designated port. Once goods have been loaded onto the vessel, you are responsible for any costs and risks involved in the onward shipment.

Learn more about FOB:

What is Free On Board Shipping?

Freight or Free on Board is an incoterm developed by the International Chamber of Commerce.

 It shows the instant when the risks and costs of shipping cargo is transferred to the importer from the seller.

For example:

In present domestic shipping in North America, FOB shows the moment the supplier no longer bears the responsibility for the shipment.

That is, when the purchaser takes up the responsibility of paying the costs of transportation.

 Basically, FOB Shipping means that the supplier satisfies his responsibility to deliver the moment he or she loads the cargo on board at the port of departure.

This indicates that the buyer has to meet all costs and risk of damage or loss of the consignment from that phase.

What’s more?

The FOB term obligates the seller to do the export customs clearance of the goods.

Therefore, FOB agreement compels a seller to dispatch goods on board a ship designated by the buyer in compliance with the customs laws of the port of origin.

Further, the supplier must as well arrange for and meet the export clearance costs. Conversely, the buyer is responsible for:

• Sea freight transportation costs
• Bill of lading charges
• Insurance coverage
• Unloading
• Cost of transportation from the destination port to their warehouse.

The determination of the contract’s party who will be levied the freight costs is normally expressed in the terms of sale.

Of course, in the FOB shipping incoterm, there are specific terminologies we use.

You will learn more about them later in this guide.

Take for example:

When the contract is shown as “FOB delivered”, the supplier will be fully compelled to pay all the fees related to the shipping of the goods.

For “FOB Origin,” the importer has the responsibility of meeting the costs of transporting the cargo from the supplier’s store, to the final point of delivery.

You should note:

FOB does not spell out the ownership of the consignment.

The contract only expresses who is responsible for the cost of shipping.

To know the owner of the cargo, refer to the way-bill or bill of lading.

With that in mind, let me take you through a brief history of FOB.

History of FOB

The phrase “freight on board” has its origin back in the days of ships sailing when consignments were “passed over the rail by hand,” as described in Incoterm.

The phrase “FOB” was applied to refer to cargo hauled by ship, It is because marine transport was the leading method of transportation for goods from far nations.

The term’s application has changed over time and its description differs from one nation and territory to another.

In the 2010 amendment, the clause “passing the ship’s rail” was omitted from the Incoterm descriptions.

Since the introduction of Incoterm FCA in 1980, FOB has been considered mainly for non-containerized inland waterway and marine freight transport.

However, it is common to find people using FOB wrongly for all modes of transportation.

This is in spite of the contractual danger that it brings.

In some common law nations like the US, FOB is not only associated with the transportation of goods via sea.

However, it is also applied in inland transportation on board any vessel, motor car or any other motor vehicle.

That aside – let me walk you through some FOB terminologies.

Terminologies in FOB

Some add-on phrases may be added on the bill of lading, freight invoice, or other types of shipping paperwork.

The add-on terminologies may include, but not limited to the following:

i. Freight Terms

Determine the party with the responsibility of paying the freight and normally denoted as collect or prepaid with other several variations discussed within the article.

ii. Bill of Lading or Waybill

A legal agreement between the buyer and the seller.

This contract also acts as proof of the shipment.

iii. Prepaid

The term means that the consignor or seller assumes the responsibility of paying the freight.

iv. Collect

The term means that the buyer or consignee assumes the responsibility of paying the freight.

v. Prepaid/Collect Beyond

Means that the seller pays the prepayment part with the balance of the fee charged on the freight becoming the obligation of the buyer.

vi. Third Party

Indicates that a different partner who is neither the buyer nor the seller takes up the payment processing role.

The legal responsibility for the payment may or may not be on the third party.

And, the passing on of the legal obligation is dictated by the parties recognized in the Bill of Lading Agreement.

Here, the third party, bear no legal responsibility for the payment.

The “Third Party” term is normally put into use when the freight payment process is outsourced to another party.

vii. Pre-pay and Add

Usually means that the seller transfers the freight fees to the shipper.

And, then sends an invoice to the freight owner for an approximate or equal amount of the actual freight cost.

 viii. Terms of Purchase/Sale

Expresses the transfer of title and are commonly denoted as “FOB, designated place or point”.

In most simple and common instances, they are usually expressed as FOB Destination or FOB Origin.

ix. FOB Origin

This phrase shows that the title to the goods shifts to the buyer at the time and point of pick-up.

x. FOB Destination

The term shows that the title to the consignment is transferred to the buyer at the time and point of delivery.

xi. FOB Origin, Freight Prepaid

The term implies that the seller takes care of the consignment, shipping costs while the buyer bears the responsibility of the consignment at the place of origin.

xii. FOB Origin, Freight Collect

The importer meets the costs of freight and shipping and assumes total responsibility for the shipment.

xiii. FOB Origin, Freight Prepaid and Charged Back

Here, the supplier does not pay the shipping costs, but rather adds the costs of freight to the bill sent to the importer.

This indicates that the importer pays a more expensive bill.

It is because the costs of freight are incorporated on the final invoice.

In addition, the ownership and all liability for the goods are transferred to the buyer at the cargo’s point of origin.

xiv. FOB Destination, Freight Prepaid

The seller settles all the costs of shipping till the goods reach the buyer’s warehouse.

The buyer does not incur any costs for shipping.

xv. FOB Destination, Freight Collect

The buyer settles the cost of freight upon receiving the goods.

The buyer does not take up ownership or liability for the consignment until the goods arrive at his or her premises.

 xvi. FOB Destination, Freight Prepaid, & Charged Back

The supplier assumes liability for the freight till the goods are delivered to the buyer.

Also, the importer discounts the charges from the bill.

The original bill comprises the costs of freight originally paid by the supplier.

xvii. FOB Destination, Freight Collect, and Allowed

The seller adds the costs of freight to the bill and the buyer settles the costs.

The seller is liable for the goods until they are delivered to the buyer.

You should note the following:

The first section of the designation indicates where the purchaser presumes the risk of damage or loss and title for the cargo from the supplier.

It can either be at the time the transporter picks up the goods for delivery.

Alternatively, this can be the moment of real delivery.

The second section expresses who is responsible for the costs of freight.

Further, it is crucial for buyers and sellers to know FOB designations in case of damages.

Some receiving ports will decline delivery of the visibly damaged consignment.

Instead,they will accept receipt if a damage notation is attached for a later claim against the transporter.

Nonetheless, a shipment marked FOB Origin conceptually belongs to the consignee at the very moment it is on board a ship.

So, the buyer would be declining delivery of shipments he or she legally owns and takes responsibility for.

The consignor bears no legal responsibility to accept back those goods and the return shipment might probably attract extra damages.

Buyer’s Responsibility in FOB Shipping

You become responsible for all the mandatory fees and charges as soon as the merchandise is loaded onto a shipping vessel at their place of origin.

Of course, this is up to the arrival of the consignment at your final destination.

You take up responsibility once the consignment is in transit.

Types of FOB

In this section, I am going to walk you through various types of FOB.

With this information, it will be easier for you to read from the same script when dealing with your freight forwarder.

This way, you will settle for a deal that is fair for both of you.

Let me give you a practical example:

For instance, the majority of buyers say “FOB destination” when in real sense, they are asking for “FOB shipping” option.

It can be confusing if you’re new to the FOB shipping from China industry.

As explained earlier, FOB determines who will pay the shipping expenses.

However, the type of FOB indicates the contracting party who will bear the legal obligation for the consignment.

Besides, it determines at what stage when shipping from China the obligation shifts.

Generally, we have two main types of FOB:

 i. FOB destination and

ii. FOB shipping point

By choosing the right term, you will avoid possible service and destination hitches.

Of course, such delays will cost you both money and time.

FOB Shipping Point vs. FOB Destination

Let’s start with

a) FOB Shipping Point

FOB shipping point is the short form for “Free on Board Shipping Point.”

When the term is used in shipping, the goods are considered delivered immediately they depart from the seller’s shipping port.

Consequently, the buyer assumes responsibility and ownership of the goods from that point onwards.

Thus, in FOB shipping point, the buyer is responsible for the rest of the shipping expenses as soon as the supplier loads the consignment on board the carrying vessel.

Normally, the legal right of those commodities is passed on to the purchaser.

Thus, the supplier is not liable for the commodities during delivery.

Here is an example to help you understand what I am talking about here:

Suppose Company XYZ in the UK, orders, promotional products from its supplier in China, and enters a FOB shipping point contract.

Then it happens that the carrier damages the consignment in the process of delivery.

Here’s exactly what happens:

The company assumes total liability and cannot request reimbursement from the seller on the damaged goods.

The seller’s only obligation is to transport the promotional products to the carrier.

· How FOB Shipping Point Affects the Seller

FOB shipping point tends to be a popular term among sellers due to its sense of security in terms of payment.

The ordered goods cost the seller a great amount of money to manufacture and transport.

In fact, it will cost more particularly if they are shipping the consignment to a far destination.

Since it is not guaranteed that the buyer will pay for, once the ordered goods are delivered to them.

They pay for the order in advance.

FOB shipping point enables the seller to collect the sale, payment immediately the goods are loaded onto the ship.

It protects them from failed payments after having already spent their money to produce and transport the goods.

Like I said, here, the buyer is the one responsible for the cost of freight in FOB shipping point.

So, what does this imply to the supplier?

He/she can as well save money in case the products are damaged or lost while in transit.

In all these circumstances, it is upon the buyer to demand for reimbursement by filing a claim.

b) FOB Destination

FOB destination is a short form for “Free on Board Destination.”

The phrase expresses that the goods are considered delivered only after they have docked at the buyer’s port of destination.

The terms shift the entitlement of goods to the buyer from the seller when they are physically taken to the buyer.

FOB destination as well signifies that the seller covers the freight charges. This term establishes the shipment stipulations by:

 i. Mentioning the transaction party responsible for the delivery expenses

ii. Spelling out when the title is passed to the buyer

Consequently, with FOB destination, the right of ownership is normally shifted at the importer’s premises, loading dock or post office box.

Immediately after the products are delivered to the designated location by the buyer, the right of ownership of the products shifts to the buyer from the seller.

As a result, the supplier legally owns the products and is liable for the products during the transportation process.

Let me give you a practical example:

Assume Company ABC in U.K. purchases pharmaceuticals equipment from a Chinese supplier and it enters a FOB destination contract.

Presume the pharmaceutical equipment were certainly not delivered to Company ABC destination.

The seller takes full liability for the pharmaceutical equipment. He/she and must either reship the pharmaceutical equipment or reimburse Company ABC.

FOB destination has four variations, which comprise of:

• FOB destination, freight prepaid and allowed

The seller meets all the freight fees and possesses the shipment while they are being shipped.

The title of ownership is transferred at the buyer’s port.

• FOB destination, freight prepaid and added

The supplier pays the cost of freight, but invoices them to the buyer.

Normally, the ownership of the goods on transit remains with the seller.

Title shifts at the buyer’s destination port.

• FOB destination, freight collect

The importer pays the freight expenses when receiving the cargo, even though the seller still has the ownership of the consignment in transit.

• FOB destination, freight collect and allowed

The buyer takes care of the freight charges but subtracts the amount from the seller’s invoice.

However, the supplier still has ownership of the goods in transit.

Hence, the essential features of all the FOB destination variations are who is responsible for the freight payment.

Besides, the physical location at the time of transit when the title shifts is also important.

Since the seller is the party responsible for the cost of shipping the ordered item – what does it imply?

In case of damage or loss of products in transit, he or she ought to file a claim with the insurer.

Because the supplier is the owner of the goods at the moment when they were damaged or lost.

Now, here’s yet another side if this Incoterm you MUST know:

For accounting purposes, because the buyer presumes the ownership of the cargo at their port of receipt, the seller should also register a sale at that point.

Further, the buyer ought to register an increase in their inventory at the same place.

Why?

The buyer assumes the reward and risks of ownership, which happens at the place of arrival at their destination harbor.

In reality, the supplier will definitely register a sale immediately the shipment depart from their port of shipping, regardless of the delivery terms.

Therefore, the real effect of FOB destination is the determination of the party responsible for the freight expenses.

Still, a buyer may decide to by-pass the two the type of FOB terms by deciding to privately arrange for the transportation of the products.

The importer organizes how the goods are collected from the seller’s warehouse and take up responsibility for the consignment from that moment onwards.

In this arrangement, the purchaser should ensure that the supplier’s billing personnel know the new terms of delivery.

It is because the freight cost is not included in the seller’s final invoice.

A wise buyer should refrain from using FOB destination terms, but rather opt for FOB shipping point terms.

You’ll have better control of the shipping process.

Nevertheless, for an importer who is engaging with a supplier who is far away from them, here what you should do:

It is in your best interest to make the seller take responsibility for the goods, delivery as close to them as practically possible.

In the contrary, a seller negotiating with an overseas buyer should settle for the type of FOB that compels the buyer to assume responsibility.

Of course, it should include ownership of the cargo as soon as it is off your loading port.

I hope we are together up to that point.

Let’s explore the FOB incoterm.

Why it is FOB Important:

FOB incoterm determines the point where the risk of damage or loss shifts to the buyer from the seller.

The incoterm is vital to parties engaging in international trade and specifically for contracts entailing items that are delicate or susceptible to theft.

Our example shows the concept of FOB Destination since it is the standard and most popular FOB term.

However, other agreements such FOB Origin also apply.

It is where the buyer assumes liability and ownership at the time and location the goods come from.

For example, in the Chinese factory premises in our example.

Purchasers may select FOB Origin when they know they can source for a better contract during the transportation than their supplier.

It is essential, however, to note that the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) usually presumes a trade agreement terms are FOB Origin.

That is, when there is no distinctive FOB language in a purchase contract.

Applying FOB shipping terms expresses that responsibilities, risks and costs are shared equally between the seller and buyer of merchandise.

FOB incoterm makes the seller responsible for all the expenses associated with your goods till they are loaded on a carrier at their port of origin.

FOB Shanghai, for instance, would indicate that the seller assumes all liability for the goods up to the moment they are loaded onto the shipping vessel at Shanghai.

Subsequently, the responsibility is passed down to you as the buyer after this point.

The FOB term usually includes a phrase referring to a port.

The referenced port is the dock from which the supplier will ship the cargo.

If, for instance, your seller provides “FOB Shanghai” terms, your responsibilities as far as the freight is concerned starts from Shanghai to your final point of destination.

However, it is needful to note that the port of origin must not be the nearest one to the supplier’s location.

It is because the fees and export licenses you may need for every port can vary.

The costs differ from one port to another, with other being more expensive compared to others.

Seller’s Responsibilities in FOB Shipping

When purchasing on FOB shipping terms, the seller’s roles and obligations extend extra further than just carrying the merchandise to the port of loading.

Since it is an issue that regularly comes up, we thought we clearly explained it.