Carry Cargo are experts in shipping to China and here we have outlined some of the pitfalls and problems that may surface when exporting to that country.
Shipments destined for China require expert knowledge of documentation & customs procedure to avoid time consuming and costly mistakes.
The Canada market can, if you are not extremely diligent, be a minefield of hidden requirements which, if not met in full can delay an urgent shipment or indeed, result in confiscation of goods.
Our Export team at Carry Cargo International has a wealth of in depth experience, practical knowledge and cultural insight which combine to allow you to have confidence that deadlines will be met and customers satisfied.
From the initial drawing up of Letters of Credit through to request of necessary proofs of delivery, Carry Cargo can advise, highlight elements of risk and help exporters avoid traps.
Cities
Capital: Beijing
Principal Ports
Dalian, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Haikou, Huangpu, Lianyungang, Nanjing, Nantong, Ningbo, Qingdao, Qinhuangdao, Shanghai, Shantou, Tianjin, Xiamen, Xingang, Yantai, Zhanjiang
Population
1.3 billion
Transport Infrastructure
China has a huge transport system. Its railways total 86,000km of track; its roads 4.1 million km, of which just over 3.5 million are paved. Some of the main ports include Ningbo, Shanghai, Tianjin, Guangzhou, Qingdao, Hong Kong and Dalian. The country has 507 airports, 463 of which have paved runways. It also has 47 heliports.
Main Industries
World leader in gross value of industrial output; mining and ore processing, iron, steel, aluminium, and other metals, coal; machine building; armaments; textiles and apparel; petroleum; cement; chemicals; fertilisers; consumer products, including footwear, toys, and electronics; food processing; transportation equipment, including automobiles, rail cars and locomotives, ships, and aircraft; telecommunications equipment, commercial space launch vehicles and satellites.
Main Products Exported
Machinery, electrical products, data processing equipment, apparel, textiles, radio telephone handsets, integrated circuits
Trade Relationships
International Reputation
One of the world’s top 10 largest economies, China continues to invest in massive infrastructure developments and export opportunities exist for foreign business, particularly in the energy, telecommunications and transport industries.
Major Trade Partners
The US, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Germany
Bills of Lading
No special regulations. As long as there are no payment or title (ownership) issues then check if the goods can move with an express bill or on express release to avoid potential delays that may occur when shipping with the full marine bill of lading (ie cargo cannot be released until the original has been handed to the carrier in your buyer’s country).
It is advisable to ensure the transport document, bill of lading or air waybill for shipments to China quote the Chinese Consignee’s CR (Customs Registration number).
Authorised Economic Operator Status China has introduced a scheme for approving reliable and compliant traders with the benefit of awarding faster customs clearance. The status of Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) is granted to Chinese importers who, over a period of time, have proven to be compliant partners of the China Customs Authority. Accredited importers are allowed to self-assess their customs entries and are granted expedited processing of their shipments with minimal checks. China will also be introducing a procedure to recognition AEO or equivalent status issued to exporters in other countries (eg European Union). A Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) between the two AEO schemes was signed between China and the EU in September 2014. Please note: Hong Kong has a separate AEO scheme in place.
Certificates of Origin
Certificates of Origin (CofO) are no longer mandatory for EU shipments into China but a statement of origin must be clear on the invoice.
Special Certificates
New regulations came into force in January 2015 on the CCC inspection for motor vehicles. The inspection of the manufacturer’s premises, which forms an indispensable part of the certification procedure of the initial application, must comply with the new rules from 1 January 2016. Previously issued certificates remain valid until 1 January 2016.
Further information can be obtained from the British Standards Institute or the State General Administration for Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine in China.
Commercial Invoices
Invoices to be issued in one original and one copy, each bearing an original signature. Invoices must include a full and accurate description of goods; first six digits of the commodity code (HS Code); transport details; full packing information including weights and dimensions; value and currency of the supply including separate indication of additional costs such as freight and insurance; the shipping term (the Incoterms® 2010 rule, eg FCA, CIP, DAP); country of origin; method of payment and the full addresses of all parties concerned. It is advisable to ensure invoices for shipments to China quote the Chinese Consignee’s CR (Customs Registration) number.
Note:
The correct designation of the country as stated at the top of the page should always be used on commercial invoices and other documents.
The Chinese authorities have stated that all supporting documentation must be legalised by the Chinese Embassy in the country of export and certified by either a Chamber of Commerce (or by a notary, depending on the nature of the particular documents). This requirement appears to vary depending on the country of origin so seek clarification from the customer in China before obtaining legalisation of documents.
Source: Croners