Services
Customs clearance for importing from China
Customs is where most shipments get stuck and unexpected costs appear. We handle export clearance in China —where your goods are— and coordinate import clearance at destination, so your cargo clears without surprises or delays.
Two customs steps in every shipment
Export in China
We handle the export clearance at origin: documentation, licences and the Chinese exporter's formalities. It's our home turf.
Import at destination
We coordinate the import clearance with a local customs agent: duties, taxes and release of the cargo.
Essential documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading (B/L) or air waybill (AWB)
- Certificate of origin
- Product-specific certificates (CE marking, phytosanitary, etc.)
Duties, VAT and tariff classification
Duty depends on your product's HS/TARIC code, and import VAT is added depending on the country (in the EU you also need an EORI number). A wrong classification can make you overpay or get your cargo held. We help you classify correctly and anticipate the real cost from the first quote, with no hidden charges.
Incoterms: who pays and bears what
EXW
You take responsibility from the factory door.
FOB
The supplier delivers to the port; you pay freight and insurance. The most balanced to start.
CIF
The supplier includes freight and insurance to the destination port.
DDP
The supplier handles everything, customs and duties included.
Who clears customs, and in whose name? Your options
Import clearance can be arranged in several ways. What matters isn't only who does the paperwork, but in whose name the goods are cleared (the importer of record): that's what determines whether you can reclaim the VAT or not.
To port (port-to-port)
We take your cargo to the destination port. From there, you clear it with your own broker, as the importer: you pay duties and VAT (VAT recoverable) and arrange final delivery.
Door-to-door official (DDU/DAP), in your name
We handle everything to your door —with our local agent or an integrator (DHL/UPS)—, but the import is declared in your name. You pay the taxes separately, with recoverable VAT and your own customs document for your accounts.
Door-to-door "all-in" (DDP)
The most convenient and often cheapest: everything paid to your door, nothing to handle on arrival. The trade-off: it's not declared in your name, so you can't reclaim the VAT. Ideal for individuals or when VAT isn't an issue.
In short: if you're a business and you want to reclaim the VAT, choose an option in your name (to port or DDU/DAP). The "all-in" is convenient, but it gives up that deduction. Tax depends on your country: we advise you for your case, and it's worth confirming with your accountant.
Heads up: many everyday products travel as dangerous goods and require specific documentation and classification.
Sounds complicated?
We handle the transport, paperwork and customs from start to finish.
How we handle your clearance
- We review your goods and their classification (HS/TARIC code).
- Export clearance in China and document preparation.
- Transport documents (B/L or AWB) and insurance if you need it.
- Import clearance at destination with the local customs agent.
- Release and delivery of the cargo, with no surprises.
Before you import, get your taxes right: we explain how duty and VAT work and how to build your product's real cost (landed cost).