GUIDELINES ON HOW TO DO MINI IMPORTATION FROM CHINA

STEP BY STEP ON HOW TO IMPORT YOUR GOODS FROM CHINA|

    Image source: businessplan.com.ng

Welcome to my blog, where I teach the other side of my hustle. To the glory of God, testimonies are dropping on my email and phone. Just the same way people are requesting for some particular researched contents that will advance their knowledge in the areas they want to venture into. Thank for the tips and words of encouragement.

Research is KEY in advancing a business idea, as a matter of fact, it helps prevent loss and promote prosperity. On this note, today’s article will be unveiling or teaching in details how to do ‘Mini importation from China to Nigeria’, possibly, other parts of Africa in line with our previous article on how to do run online store or shop, you have a lot to gain. Let's take the ride together, it promises to be educating and entertaining. 

What to learn in this article are: 

    1.   How to identify right good
2.   How to identify the right product or products to import
3.   How to find your supplier in China
4.   How to place an order
5.   How to ensure you good (s) has your country’s entry permit
6.   How to classify your goods and calculate your landing cost 

     7.Arrange your cargo transport

8. Track your cargo and get prepared for landing

9. Obtain your shipment

 Other guidelines to follow

I wish you a memorable learn and venturing. It’s said “No venture, no success”. Take a chance to succeed; I see you succeed in all your endeavours.

Importing from China has witnessed a triumphant tactic of global sourcing for diverse businesses. Commodities manufactured in China such as footwear, attire, electronics, movables, home furnishings and many more are popular worldwide.

Nevertheless, it is not a simple task, notably for the newbies. The importing method can be extremely intricate, obscure, and costly. Expected gains can often be dispatched by long transit times, rising or wavering delivery costs, regulatory fees, and unanticipated delays. This shouldn't in anyway detach you from venturing. Success comes with challenges.

Here’s a guideline (i.e; step by step method) from the view of us, a local freight forwarder serving the exporters in China and importers worldwide for years. Let’s check out how to ship from China, and what you can do to secure the process more smoothly and efficiently.

Reminder: The information provided below is for prevailing information purposes only. The best method is always checking with your regional customs authority and purchasing from little order. You can equally get in touch with those who are already in the business of importing items from China; I could link you if necessary. 
Let's consider the below steps and tips on how to import your sellable goods from China. 

                          Image source:shoptomydoor.com

1. Recognize your import rights.

When you purchase products from foreign sources, you become the importer. The courier before-mentioned as DHL/UPS/FedEx will handle everything and deliver to your door if your package is small and used for personal use only or the value is not so big. If so, it will save you a lot of time and money.

But before purchasing commercial goods into your country, as a business or an individual, you will need to recognise if you have the import rights.

Notice:

Numerous import ordinances only pertain to goods imported for commercial – business or resale – goals. And only the customs authority can execute judgment calls about what qualifies as personal use. Many suits that are identical or an amount of very similar handbags will have a difficult time passing the reliability test as things for personal use.

2. Identify the goods you want to import.

Trade firm makes cash by selling goods. Picking the wrong goods implies you are losing time and money. If you’re going to be a prosperous importer, the first thing you need to do is to pick the right goods for reselling.

You’d considerably gather as much information as attainable about the goods you plan to import. Gather detailed research, product composition information and, whenever viable, product samples.

This information will be crucial when it arrives time to determine the tariff classification. The tariff clarification number (HS Code) will be used to determine the rate of duty that will be applied to your goods.

I recommend:

·        Go with the product you like – you are passionate about your work

·        Go with a product uniqueness – you can sell at a high price

·        Go with the product you can ship in large quantities – low shipping                 cost per unit

3. Ensure the goods you wish to import is permitted into your country.

Some goods are not permitted to be imported. Various countries have different prohibited products. Also make sure whether the goods you plan to import are subject to any permits, restrictions or regulations by your government.

It is the importer’s (your) responsibility for assuring that the goods comply with a variety of specific rules and regulations.

Importing goods that are hazardous, that fail to meet health code requirements, or that violate restrictions could end up costing you quite a bit of fund in fines and penalties. At the very least, such commodities would be restrained and possibly destroyed.

4. Classify your commodities and calculate the landed cost.

Ascertain the ten (10-digit) tariff classification number for each item you are importing. These numbers along with the Certificate of Origin is utilised to manage the rate of duty you must pay when importing. Then do the land cost calculation.

Pay attention to the Incoterms, and calculate the total landed cost before you place your order. For instance, FOB means adding the following three together.

· Get the commodities price from the supplier

· Get the shipping costs from China freight forwarding company like Bansar

· Get the costs of Customs clearance, duty and tax, land transport to your warehouse

5. Find your supplier in China and place an order.

Place your order with the vendor, shipper or exporter and identify shipping terms that will be employed.

Once you have selected your supplier, request a P/I (Proforma Invoice or Quote Sheet) for your prospective purchases to include the harmonized system number, description & value per item. Your P/I must show the weight & the packed dimensions as well as your term of purchase. 

Let's find out what a proforma invoice is all about. It is a non-binding document helping budgeting your future procurements. It is neither a purchase order nor does it creates a legal obligation.

Caution:

a. Ensure the supplier will agree to ship under FOB terms from their nearest port or airport as this will greatly reduce your shipping costs and give you more control over the shipment.

For instance, if you were importing from China and the most nearby port to the supplier is Shanghai, you would ask FOB Shanghai terms.

 If it’s trial order or little shipment, EXW will be also ok.

b. Keep in mind shipping by the ocean is certainly quite slow, and this means that certainly requires a lot more long-term planning compared to internal product purchases. Besides, the time required exporting goods, including documentation, inland travel, customs clearance, and port or terminal handling for a container of goods can cost up to 7 days.

In general, we recommend place an order at a minimum of 3 months before you need your goods at your door.

I advise NOT:

a. Always looking for the lowest price.

If you come across a quote that is significantly cheaper than the others, raise a red flag. You should know that there is no lowest price in China, only the lower and lower prices. Lowest price always accompanies with high risk, maybe quality, quantity or reputation.

Just find a reliable supplier and grow with them in a healthy way.

b. Failure to clarify product details.

If you aren’t extremely clear to your supplier about your required specifications, there is a big chance you would receive exactly what you didn’t want. Not clear means the factory will make the decision for you based on cost-saving.

Ensure you double-check the materials and the manufacturing process of each quote so you can feel confident in the products you are purchasing.

Make sure your supplier has totally confirmed every spec of your target product, including the packaging. Sometimes, it’s necessary to send the sample for a recheck.

c. Showing distrust towards your supplier.

International trade is based on mutual trust. If you don’t trust your supplier, nobody will look after your production in the factory and nobody will sincerely help you when trouble happens.

6. Arrange your cargo transport.

There are many costs associated with shipping goods, including container fees, packaging, terminal handling, and broker fees. In order to get a complete picture of shipping costs, each of these factors should be taken into account.

Once happy with the freight quote, you will need to send us or forwarder your supplier’s contact details. We’ll take it from there. We’re going to keep close touch with you and your supplier, make sure your shipment transportation quick and safe.

Check the details:

i. Top 2 things to consider when shipping from China

ii. Sea freight

iii. Airfreight

iv. Courier service

I recommend:

a. Perpetually contemplate that impediments might happen during the process, so as goods might not be delivered on time, the vessel might not sail as programmed, goods sway be held by the customs. Be prepared and plan accordingly.

Do not assume your cargo would leave the port as promptly as completed in the factory. Because it needs at least 1~2 days for your cargo transport from the factory to the port. And the process of Customs declaration needs your cargo to stay at the port for at least 1~2 days.

Besides, there’s only one route frequency each week in some cases. Missing the day of this week, you will have to wait till next week.

b. Choose a good freight forwarder partner.

Logistics is a highly valued aspect of modern business. Shipping costs include both the direct and indirect costs of transporting products from their point of origin to their destination market.

If they get it right and pick a good logistics provider; they are ensured smooth transactions, controllable costs, and continuous cash flow.

If they get it wrong, at the very least they could have rising costs and wastage. At most critical, they could be facing a failing business model that has to be ultimately shut down. Firms will continue to lose cash if their logistics is not managed well.

7. Track your cargo and get prepared for landing.

Shipping products abroad takes time. For instance, goods shipped from China, on medium, take around 14 days to reach the West Coast of the United States or 30 days to reach the East Coast.

When the time, check your commercial invoice, packing list, the bill of lading, and other related freight documents. If problems arise that you need to troubleshoot, you should know the steps your goods go through when being cleared by Customs of your country.

8. Obtain your shipment.

When the goods enter, make arrangements for your customs broker to clear them through customs (and quarantine if applicable). If everything goes well, it’s your rights to pick up your shipment.

If you choose our to-door service, you can just wait for your shipment arrived at your designated address.

Follow these tips and do your inquiry and you can avail from importing from China.

Wish you great fortune in international trade.Please feel free to let me know if I can support you in any way to actualise your goal of mini importation, particularly to Nigeria.