Importing from China

Alibaba (Trade Assurance protection), 1688 (cheaper, Chinese, via agent), Canton Fair. Verify: verified supplier, platform years, factory vs trader, shop-floor video check.

A sample — mandatory before the batch: $20–100 shipped. 2–3 suppliers in parallel. The approved sample — a contract reference ('as sample №N').

Sea (FCL 20/40ft or LCL shared) — 35–50 days, cheap. Rail — 18–25 days, mid-price. Air — 5–10 days, ×5–8 costlier. Express for small lots.

EXW — you handle everything (risk from the factory). FOB — supplier to port, you take over at sea (the norm). CIF — insured to your port. DDP — turnkey with customs, priciest.

The HS code sets duty (0–20%) and VAT. Documents: invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificates (CE for electronics). A broker — the norm for a first shipment.

30% advance + 70% after pre-shipment inspection — standard. Trade Assurance or LC for big sums. 100% upfront — only to a proven supplier.

Pre-shipment inspection ($150–300, QIMA/SGS agencies): quantity, marking, spot testing. Without inspection, claims to China are nearly hopeless.