Importing goods from China is a complex process that requires careful preparation for those embarking on their journey as importers.
What aspects should we consider when starting the adventure of importing from China?
At the very beginning, one should establish a business entity. This is a mandatory step when importing goods. Business registration can be done, for example, as a sole proprietorship or a limited liability company in essence, the choice of form is not of great significance.
Another aspect is applying for an EORI number, which serves as a special code used solely for customs monitoring and fulfilling customs obligations related to the import and export of goods between countries outside the European Union. It is also important to register with the BDO registry, an information system regarding products, packaging, and waste management, which applies to anyone transporting goods to Poland.
How to choose a product and find a supplier from China?
Before deciding to import a specific product to our country, it is crucial to conduct a thorough analysis. This process begins with market research to gain insight into the demand for selected goods. Then, we assess the competition, analyze product prices, and take into account any regulations and requirements.
Effective import of goods from China requires a deep understanding of numerous regulations and obligations, as well as finding the right supplier. It is essential to note that products intended for circulation should not be sourced from platforms geared towards personal use, such as AliExpress, as they do not have the necessary documents for legal trade within Europe.
Therefore, suppliers should be sought on B2B platforms such as Alibaba, Global Sources, or Made-in-China, or by attending trade fairs or directly visiting manufacturing hubs. Such trips open up broad perspectives, allowing for comparisons of proposals from different manufacturers, providing the opportunity to thoroughly examine production conditions on-site, and personally assessing products.
Additionally, these journeys are an excellent opportunity to establish direct relationships (face-to-face meetings), which is of particular importance in the context of business cooperation with Chinese partners.
Verification of a Chinese supplier
The chances of encountering a scammer when dealing with a supplier are not small, so it is necessary to verify the partner. It is worth noting that on B2B-type services, most companies are intermediaries who impose a commission on sales. The importer should be aware of who they are transacting with.
Conducting a verification of a Chinese partner allows for time and cost savings and confirms not only the reliability and trustworthiness of a potential business partner but also provides additional information.
Despite the supplier seeming trustworthy, there is always a risk of problems and errors related to production in China. Performing inspections of goods at various stages of production aims to minimize the risk of fraud and potential financial losses.
