Export to China
Export from Sweden to China
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 aligning product labeling and packaging with Chinese regulations.
- Registration and certification: Make sure your company is registered for export with Swedish authorities and that you have an EORI (Economic Operator Registration and Identification) number. Depending on the type of product, you may also need specific certifications such as China Compulsory Certification (CCC).
- Find a reliable partner in China: Work with a local distributor or agent who can help you navigate the Chinese market. They can help you understand 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 who is experienced in shipping to China. They can help you arrange the shipment, whether it is by sea or air, depending on your needs. Make sure that all shipping documents, including commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin, are in order.
- Customs and import fees in China: Find out about the customs duties and other taxes that apply to your products in China. Make sure that all necessary documents are ready for customs clearance when the goods arrive in China. Customs agents can help ensure that everything goes smoothly.
- Payment security: Use secure payment methods to minimize the risk of payment problems. Prepayment, Letter of Credit, and Documentary Collection are common methods in international trade. Export credit insurance can also be considered to protect you against payment risks.
What is called? China Customs and how do I get in touch with them?
China's customs authority is called "General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China" (GACC), in Chinese 中华人民和和国海关总署 (Zhōnghuá Rénmín Gònghéguó Hǎiguān Zǒngshǔ).
There are several ways to get in touch with GACC:
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 questions in English. Phone numbers and specific contacts may vary, so it's best to check their website for the latest information.
E-mail: Use the email addresses listed on their website for different departments and questions. For general questions, you can start with the official email address which is usually found under 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 especially useful for specific questions about imports and exports in specific regions.
Visit to China: If you are in China, you can visit a customs office in person. Addresses to the various offices are also available on their website.
Business Sweden: They can also help you navigate contact with Chinese authorities including the GACC, and provide further advice on trade and regulations.
What goods am I not allowed to import into China?
China has strict rules for importing certain goods, and there are several categories of goods that are either prohibited or restricted from being imported. Here is an overview of some of the most important goods that are not allowed to be imported into China:
Prohibited goods:
- Waste material: This includes various types of waste, especially hazardous waste and certain types of plastic waste.
- Toxic chemicals: Many toxic and dangerous chemicals are prohibited from import.
- Hazardous 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 intellectual property rights are prohibited.
Limited items:
- Pharmaceuticals and medical products: Importing pharmaceuticals requires strict controls and permits from Chinese pharmaceutical authorities.
- Agricultural products: Many agricultural products, including some fruits, vegetables, and meat products, require specific import licenses and inspections to ensure they do not carry diseases.
- Animals and plants: Live animals, plants, seeds and other biological materials are highly regulated and require specific permits and certifications.
- Cultural objects: Importing antiques and cultural objects is regulated and requires special permits.
- Food: Food imports require that products meet Chinese hygiene and safety standards, including inspections and quarantine.
- Technology and electronics: Some advanced technologies and electronic products may be restricted and require special approvals.
How much does it cost to export from Sweden to China?
Exporting from Sweden to China can involve several cost items, which together determine the total cost. When the products are ready for export, you need to take into account packaging costs and labeling according to Chinese standards, which may require specific adaptations to meet regulatory requirements.
The next step involves shipping costs, which varies 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. Shipping costs are also affected by factors such as the weight and volume of the goods, as well as the distance between origin and destination.
In addition to shipping costs, additional customs duties and taxes that must be paid in China. These fees vary depending on the product type and value. It is important to research the specific duty rates for your products in order to budget correctly. Handling fees and customs clearance costs also need to be included, which may require you to hire a customs agent to ensure that all documents and procedures are followed correctly.
EORI number for export to China
To export from Sweden to China, it is essential that your company is registered in the EU's register of economic operators, known as EORI (Economic Operator Registration and Identification). An EORI number is necessary for your company to be able 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 simple and free process handled by the Swedish Customs. To apply, visit the official website of the Swedish Customs and fill in the necessary forms. It is important to have all your company details ready, including your company registration number, contact information and details about your business.
The EORI number serves as a unique identifier for your company in all customs-related transactions within the EU and helps to 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 received a EORI number, you should also ensure that all employees who handle the export process are aware of this number and its use in customs and shipping documents. This includes stating the EORI number on all relevant export documents, such as commercial invoices, packing lists and transport documents.
Customs and taxes in China
When you exporting goods to China, duties and taxes are one of the biggest cost items to consider. Duties are the fees imposed on goods when they cross international borders, and these fees vary depending on the product type and country of origin. Understanding the specific duty rates for your goods is crucial to calculating the total cost of exporting.
In addition to customs duties, VAT (value added tax) is charged on goods imported into China. VAT is calculated on the total value of the goods, which includes the cost of shipping and insurance, as well as any customs duties. It is important to have a clear picture of these costs in order to price your products correctly in the Chinese market.
China also applies duty-free or reduced rates for certain types of goods, which can be an advantage for your business. To identify whether your products qualify for these reliefs, 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 customs and tax obligations.
Having a detailed understanding of the customs and VAT system in China is crucial to minimizing unexpected costs and ensuring that your export operations are as cost-effective as possible.
