Shipment Logistics For Importing From China

When you negotiate a contract with a supplier from China, you also need to negotiate shipment terms. There are several ways in which shipment can be handled. Delivered Duty Paid Cost, for example, means that the supplier will take care of all the costs and arrangements until the products get to your location. There is also the Freight on Board option, which means that you have to take care of everything from the moment that the goods leave the supplier’s doorstep. Depending on the terms negotiated in your contract, you will have to take care of the logistics of shipments from China and you’ll also have to arrange a storage space.

You have to understand the role of each part involved in the importing process. The manufacturer or supplier prepares the products, takes care of packaging, and, depending on the terms of your contract, might take care of the shipping arrangements. Always make sure that the goods are properly insured, no matter who is responsible of the shipping process.

Road haulage companies take care of transporting the products from the supplier to the docks or airport.

The next important part of the importing process is the sea freight company. If the shipment is your responsibility, you will have to arrange the details of the transport with the sea freight company. They will load the products on the vessels and will verify all documentation. The cost of the shipment depends on the volume of the products.

It is important to have all documentation ready once the products arrive in your country. If everything is in order, the goods are cleared and you can take them to your storage space. If the specific duty and tariffs haven’t been paid, you won’t be able to take the products and you’ll be subject to storage fees. Duties and tariffs differ from one country to another and depend on the nature of the goods. It is best to get an estimate on what you’ll have to pay beforehand and make the payment as soon as possible, in order to avoid having your merchandise held.

A customs broker can be very useful when importing goods, especially if you’re new to the business. A broker knows all the ins and outs of customs documentation and can give you an estimate on the taxes you’ll have to pay. Paying additional charges will undoubtedly be more expensive than hiring a broker.

You should also have a storage space ready before the products arrive in your country. Keep in mind that you’ll also have to pay for transporting the goods to your storage space and for the work force necessary to unload the merchandise.