Importing Machinery from China: A Practical Start
Core steps from specification and supplier verification to inspection and shipment.
Define the technical requirement
Document capacity, electrical standards, operating conditions, spare parts, software language, warranty and after-sales expectations. Comparable quotations require a comparable scope.
Verify the manufacturer
Check company registration, factory location, production capability, references and relevant certificates. Use factory visits or live production verification where appropriate.
Check import and conformity requirements early
HS classification, product-safety checks, CE requirements and technical documentation vary by product and destination. Confirm them with customs and technical specialists before ordering.
Set acceptance and inspection criteria
Where possible, approve a sample or trial production before the main order. Make acceptance criteria measurable and define inspection points during production and before loading.
Agree delivery terms clearly
EXW, FOB, CIF and other terms affect cost, responsibility and risk. State the named place or port, packaging, loading, insurance and destination in the quotation and contract.