To export products from Sweden to China, follow these concrete steps to ensure a smooth and successful process:
Preparation and product customization: Ensure that your products meet Chinese standards and requirements. This may include specific certifications, quality standards, and adapting product labeling and packaging to Chinese regulations.
Registration and certification: Make sure your company is registered for export with Swedish authorities and that you have an EORI number (Economic Operator Registration and Identification). Depending on the product type, you may also need specific certifications such as China Compulsory Certification (CCC).
Find a reliable partner in China: Collaborate with a local distributor or agent who can help you navigate the Chinese market. They can assist with understanding local regulations, language, and cultural differences. Trade promotion organizations like Business Sweden can also provide valuable advice and contacts.
Logistics and shipping: Choose a reliable freight forwarder with experience in transporting to China. They can help you arrange transportation, whether it is sea freight or air freight, depending on your needs. Ensure that all shipping documents, including commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin, are in order.
Customs and import duties in China: Inform yourself about customs duties and other taxes applicable in China for your products. Make sure all necessary documents are ready for customs clearance when the goods arrive in China. Customs brokers can be helpful in ensuring that everything goes smoothly.
Payment security: Use secure payment methods to minimize the risk of payment issues. Prepayment, letters of credit, and documentary collections are common methods in international trade. Export credit insurance can also be considered to protect against payment risks.
What is the name of China's customs authority and how do I contact them?
China's customs authority is called the "General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China" (GACC), in Chinese 中华人民共和国海关总署 (Zhōnghuá Rénmín Gònghéguó Hǎiguān Zǒngshǔ).
To contact GACC, there are several ways:
Official Website: Visit their official website at http://english.customs.gov.cn/ for information in English. Here you will find news, regulations, and contact information.
Phone: You can call their international hotline for inquiries in English. The phone number and specific contacts may vary, so it is best to check the latest information on their website.
Email: Use the email addresses listed on their website for different departments and inquiries. For general questions, you can start with the official email address usually found in the contact section.
Local Customs Offices: If you already have established contacts in China, such as a distributor or agent, they can help you get in touch with local customs offices. This can be particularly useful for specific questions about import and export in specific regions.
Visiting in China: If you are in China, you can visit a customs office in person. Addresses of the various offices are also available on their website.
Business Sweden: They can also assist you in navigating contact with Chinese authorities including GACC, and provide additional advice on trade and regulations.
What goods am I not allowed to import into China?
China has strict regulations on the import of certain goods, and there are several categories of items that are either prohibited or restricted from being imported. Here is an overview of some of the key goods that cannot be imported into China:
Prohibited Goods:
Waste Materials: This includes various types of waste, especially hazardous waste and certain types of plastic waste.
Toxic Chemicals: Many toxic and hazardous chemicals are prohibited from import.
Dangerous Substances: This includes radioactive substances and other hazardous materials that can threaten the environment and health.
Narcotics and Illegal Drugs: All forms of narcotics and drugs are strictly prohibited.
Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Products that infringe on intellectual property rights are banned.
Restricted Goods:
Pharmaceuticals and Medical Products: Importing pharmaceuticals requires strict controls and permits from Chinese medical authorities.
Agricultural Products: Many agricultural products, including certain fruits, vegetables, and meat products, require specific import licenses and controls to ensure they are disease-free.
Animals and Plants: Live animals, plants, seeds, and other biological materials are highly regulated and require specific permits and certifications.
Cultural Relics: The import of antiques and cultural relics is regulated and requires special permits.
Food Products: Food imports must meet Chinese hygiene and safety standards, including inspections and quarantine.
Technology and Electronics: Certain advanced technologies and electronic products may be restricted and require special approvals.
What does it cost to export from Sweden to China?
Exporting from Sweden to China can involve several cost components that together determine the total expense. Once the products are ready for export, you need to consider costs for packaging and labeling according to Chinese standards, which may require specific adaptations to meet regulatory requirements.
The next step involves freight costs, which vary depending on whether you choose sea freight, air freight, or land transport. Sea freight is usually cheaper but takes longer, while air freight is faster but more expensive. Freight costs are also influenced by factors such as the weight and volume of the goods, as well as the distance between origin and destination.
In addition to freight costs, customs duties and taxes must be paid in China. These fees vary depending on the type and value of the products. It is important to research the specific tariff rates for your products to budget accurately. Handling fees and costs for customs clearance also need to be included, which may require hiring a customs broker to ensure all documents and procedures are correctly followed.
EORI number for export to China
To export from Sweden to China, it is essential that your company is registered in the EU's Economic Operator Registration and Identification system, known as EORI (Economic Operator Registration and Identification). An EORI number is necessary for your company to handle all customs-related activities, such as importing, exporting, and transiting goods within and outside the EU.
Applying for an EORI number is a straightforward and free process managed by the Swedish Customs Authority (Tullverket). To apply, visit the official website of Tullverket and fill in the required forms. It is important to have all your company information ready, including the company registration number, contact information, and details about your business operations.
The EORI number acts as a unique identifier for your company in all customs-related transactions within the EU and helps simplify and streamline customs procedures. Having an EORI number is not only a requirement but also an advantage as it can speed up the customs clearance process and reduce the risk of delays and administrative complications.
Once your company has obtained an EORI number, you should also ensure that all employees handling the export process are aware of this number and its use in customs and shipping documents. This includes indicating the EORI number on all relevant export documents, such as commercial invoices, packing lists, and transport documents.
Tull och skatter i Kina
When exporting goods to China, tariffs and taxes are among the largest cost components to consider. Tariffs are the fees imposed on goods when they cross international borders, and these fees vary depending on the type of product and country of origin. Understanding the specific tariff rates for your goods is crucial to calculating the total cost of export.
In addition to tariffs, value-added tax (VAT) is applied to goods imported into China. VAT is calculated based on the total value of the goods, which includes the cost of freight and insurance as well as any applicable tariffs. It is important to have a clear understanding of these costs in order to price your products correctly for the Chinese market.
China also applies tariff exemptions or reduced tariff rates for certain types of goods, which can be beneficial for your business. To determine if your products qualify for these exemptions, it is wise to consult experts in the field. Hiring a customs specialist like Tullify can provide valuable guidance and help you understand and navigate the potential tariff and tax obligations.
Having a detailed understanding of the tariff and VAT system in China is essential for minimizing unexpected costs and ensuring that your export operations are as cost-effective as possible.