Import from China Tutorial
A clear, step-by-step guide to importing products from China — from finding a supplier to customs clearance.
STEP-BY-STEP
How to import from China, start to finish
Importing for the first time feels complicated — supplier vetting, samples, payment terms, inspection, customs, shipping. This tutorial walks you through the entire process so you know exactly what happens at each stage and where the risks are.
Follow the six steps below, or let us handle the whole chain for you.
The 6-step import process
1. Find Suppliers
Source vetted factories, compare quotes and request samples to confirm quality before you commit.
2. Negotiate & Order
Agree on price, MOQ, lead time and payment terms. Sign a clear contract and pay a deposit.
3. Production
The factory manufactures your goods. We track progress and keep you updated on the timeline.
4. Quality Inspection
We inspect your goods against AQL standards before shipment, so defects are caught early.
5. Shipping
Choose sea, air or express. We consolidate cargo, book the freight and handle export docs.
6. Customs & Delivery
Clear customs in your country, pay duties and receive your goods at your door or warehouse.
Reorder
Happy with the result? Reordering is simple — we keep your specs and supplier relationship on file.
Ongoing Support
A dedicated agent stays with you for questions, claims and future orders.
KNOW YOUR NUMBERS
What makes up your landed cost
Product cost — the unit price times quantity, plus tooling or sample fees if any.
Shipping & insurance — freight from the factory to your port or door, plus cargo insurance.
Duties & taxes — import duty, VAT/GST and any customs brokerage in your country.
Service fees — sourcing, inspection and handling, if you work with an agent.
Import FAQ
For most consumer goods you do not need a special license, but requirements vary by country and product category. We can advise on your specific case.
MOQ depends on the factory and product. We work with factories and wholesale suppliers to help you start with smaller batches when possible.
Typically 30–60 days from order to delivery — production is usually 15–30 days and sea freight another 15–40 days depending on destination.
We recommend a deposit plus balance against inspection, and use secure channels like wire transfer, Payoneer or Alibaba Trade Assurance. See our Payment Information page.