Exporting from China involves navigating customs regulations, choosing the right payment terms, understanding Incoterms, and preparing correct shipping documentation. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of import-export procedures for manufacturers sourcing from China.
To export from China, your supplier must have:
The most common payment method for China manufacturing:
Common for high-value orders ($50k+) or first-time transactions:
| Method | Best for | Risk level |
|---|---|---|
| Cash in advance | Small orders / established trust | Low for seller, high for buyer |
| Open account (net 30/60/90) | Long-term relationships only | Very high for seller |
| DP (Documents against Payment) | Intermediary option | Moderate for both |
| PayPal / Alibaba Trade Assurance | Small orders (<$5,000) | Low (dispute resolution available) |
Incoterms define the responsibilities, costs, and risks between buyer and seller. The most common terms for China exports:
| Incoterm | Meaning | Responsibility | Common use |
|---|---|---|---|
| EXW (Ex Works) | Seller makes goods available at their factory | Buyer handles everything | Buyer has own freight forwarder |
| FOB (Free on Board) | Seller delivers goods onboard the vessel at the named port | Seller pays to port; buyer pays from port | Most common for sea freight from China |
| CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) | Seller pays cost, insurance, and freight to destination port | Seller handles most logistics | Common but risk transfers at origin |
| DAP (Delivered at Place) | Seller delivers goods to the named destination (buyer's warehouse) | Seller handles door to door | Increasingly popular for e-commerce and smaller importers |
| FCA (Free Carrier) | Seller delivers to a carrier at a named place | Seller to departure point | Growing use for containerized cargo |
Key recommendation: FOB is the most commonly used Incoterm for sea freight from China. It provides a clear division of responsibility (seller manages origin logistics, buyer manages international shipping and destination clearance).
| Document | Purpose | Issued by |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | Declares the value and description of goods | Supplier |
| Packing list | Details of each package (weight, dimensions, contents) | Supplier |
| Bill of lading (B/L) | Contract of carriage and title document (sea freight) | Shipping line |
| Air waybill (AWB) | Contract of carriage (air freight) | Airline/forwarder |
| Certificate of origin | Proof of where goods were manufactured | China Chamber of Commerce |
| Packing list with HS codes | Customs classification codes for duty calculation | Supplier |
| Inspection certificate | Third-party quality report (if required) | SGS/BV/Intertek |
| Insurance certificate | Proof of cargo insurance | Insurance company |
Proper HS (Harmonized System) code classification is critical. Incorrect classification can lead to:
Best practice: Have your supplier provide the HS code, then verify it with your customs broker before shipping.
Certain products exported from China are subject to export controls:
Certain Chinese-manufactured products face additional tariffs in destination countries:
Check before ordering: Always verify current tariff rates for your HS code at your country's customs authority website.
While each country's import procedure is different, the general steps are:
When you work with MoldKey, we handle export documentation, arrange freight, and ensure all customs requirements are met. With regular shipments to North America, Europe, and Asia, our logistics team ensures your goods move smoothly from our factory to your receiving dock.
→ Related: China Supply Chain Management Guide
→ Related: Packaging & Shipping Guide