Shipping and customs from China

Shipping is not just the last step. It is part of the cost and of the timeline, and a mistake in the paperwork can hold your goods at the port.

Shipping methods

• Sea: The cheapest for large quantities and the slowest.
• Air: Faster and dearer, suited to samples or urgent orders.
• Express courier: For samples and small shipments, door to door.

Delivery terms and the broker

Agree FOB or another term and understand who bears what. Use a customs broker or freight forwarder in your country, who know the paperwork, the duties and the clearance.

Paperwork and cost

• The commercial invoice and packing list with an accurate, consistent description.
• The Harmonised System code (HS code) on which duty is calculated.
• Insurance for the goods.
• Duties and taxes in your country: they differ and must be checked before you order.

Recalculate the landed cost

Use the landed cost calculator for China to add freight, insurance, duty and inspection to the factory price, then compare with your selling price and margin.

Exercise

Calculate the landed cost of your piece in the template using real figures from a broker or forwarder, and compare it with the target cost from lesson three.