Importing Products into China: Initial Feasibility Questions
Feasibility for importing into China depends on the product, its origin, the applicable regulations and who takes the importer responsibilities. Answering these questions early avoids spending money on a project that cannot proceed in its current form.
7 min readReviewed by the BoMao sourcing and inspection team
Classify the product first
Classification drives duty, regulatory treatment and whether the product can be imported at all.
- Identify the likely commodity code with your customs broker.
- Confirm whether the product is permitted, restricted or prohibited.
- Check whether an import licence or quota applies.
- Confirm the duty and import tax position for that code.
- Note that a small specification change can alter the classification.
Confirm origin and route
- Confirm the country of manufacture, not only the country of dispatch.
- Check whether a trade agreement offers preferential treatment.
- Check for any origin-specific restriction on the product.
- Choose the port of entry with the appropriate inspection facilities.
Check the regulatory requirements
Several product categories carry requirements that must be met before the goods arrive.
- Check whether compulsory certification applies to the product.
- Check registration requirements for food, cosmetics and health products.
- Check labelling requirements, which usually include Chinese labelling.
- Check quarantine requirements for plant, animal and wood products.
- Check special handling rules for batteries, chemicals and equipment.
Identify the qualified parties
Import into China requires parties that hold the right registrations. Confirm them before the goods move.
- Confirm which entity acts as the importer of record.
- Confirm that the importer holds the required import rights.
- Confirm the licensed customs broker for the entry.
- Confirm the party responsible for labelling and registration filings.
- Confirm the domestic receiving and delivery arrangement.
Prepare the documents
- Prepare consistent invoice, packing list and contract.
- Prepare the certificate of origin your broker requires.
- Prepare product certificates, test reports and registration evidence.
- Prepare label artwork for review before the goods ship.
- Allow time for document review, since corrections after arrival are costly.
Limitations of this guide
- BoMao does not promise import approval and does not act as importer of record unless this is expressly and legally arranged.
- Chinese import requirements change and depend on the specific product and its classification.
- This guide is general information and is not customs, legal or regulatory advice.
- Confirm current requirements with a licensed customs broker before committing to a purchase.