How to Import from China to Europe — Step by Step Guide 2026

Importing from China can be one of the best business moves — or one of the most expensive mistakes. The difference lies in the process. Over more than 25 years of working as a European intermediary for Chinese factories, we have built a repeatable, proven 10-step process. This guide describes it in detail.

Step 1: Define the product and target market. Before starting to look for suppliers, answer: What exactly do you want to import (technical specification, materials, dimensions, certificates required in the target market)? What volume — MOQ in China typically starts from 500–1,000 units for finished products. What certificates are required in your market (CE, RoHS, REACH, EN 71, FDA, LFGB)? Estimated budget — the minimum for a viable sea freight import is typically USD 5,000–10,000.

Step 2: Find and verify potential suppliers. Sources: Alibaba, Global Sources, Made-in-China, Canton Fair, industry recommendations. Always: ask for Business Licence, production certificates, references from other clients. Initial verification: short RFQ to 5–10 suppliers with basic specification.

Step 3: Order samples (Sampling). Never order without a sample. Sample cost typically USD 50–300 per piece. Check: conformity with specification, manufacturing quality, packaging, documents. The golden sample — signed and described — will be the reference point for inspection of the full batch.

Step 4: Negotiate price and terms. FOB (Free on Board) — the most popular Incoterm for China imports. Seller delivers goods to the port in China and loads them onto the vessel. From that point costs and risk are on your side. Negotiate: unit price, payment terms (typically 30% deposit + 70% after inspection or before shipment), lead time, claim terms.

Step 5: Sign a contract or approve a Purchase Order. Even a simple agreement describing the product, quantity, price, deadline, payment terms and delay penalties drastically reduces risk. For custom manufacturing: an intellectual property clause for design and specification is essential.

Step 6: Monitor production (Production Monitoring). For first-time cooperation or custom manufacturing: a DUPRO inspection (During Production) at the halfway point allows problems to be detected while they can still be corrected without delays.

Step 7: Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI). When 80% of the batch is ready for shipment — conduct a PSI inspection. AQL standard: ANSI/ASQ Z1.4-2008, G-II plan. PASS/HOLD/FAIL decision within 24 hours. This is the last moment when you can stop the goods without logistical losses.

Step 8: Arrange shipment and freight. FCL (Full Container Load) — for large orders (20' or 40' container). LCL (Less than Container Load) — for smaller orders. Sea transit time China–Europe: ~25–35 days. Freight agent or forwarder arranges documents: Bill of Lading, Packing List, Commercial Invoice, Certificate of Origin.

Step 9: Customs clearance and taxes. Import from outside the EU above EUR 150: duty (rate depends on the product's HS code — typically 0–12% for industrial products) + import VAT (varies by EU country). If products are subject to regulations (CE, REACH) — compliance documents must be provided at clearance.

Step 10: Receipt check at the warehouse. After goods arrive at the warehouse: quick verification of quantities and outer packaging condition. Document any discrepancies immediately.

Where does Oriental IMEX come in? We can enter at any stage of this process — from step 2 (supplier search) to step 9 (customs coordination). We most commonly handle steps 2–8 as a complete import partner. We act as the formal client to Chinese factories — meaning you have our contractual protection at every stage. Contact us — free initial consultation.