China is one of the world’s largest importers of raw materials, food, machinery, consumer goods and services. That makes it a huge opportunity—but also one of the most tightly regulated markets. If you don’t understand the process, your shipment can be delayed, rejected, or hit with unexpected costs.
This guide walks you through step by step how to export to China—from preparing your business, to finding buyers, to clearing Chinese customs.
Step 1: Get Your Export Basics in Order
Before you think about China specifically, make sure your export foundations are in place.
For example, if you’re in India, you’ll typically need:
- A legally registered business
- A current account that supports foreign trade
- Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) from DGFT – this is mandatory for any export or import. DGFT+1
IEC registration is done online through the DGFT portal. DGFT+1
If you’re in another country, check what exporter identification number or license your government requires.
Checklist – Home Country Side
- ✅ Business registration complete
- ✅ Tax registration (e.g., PAN / VAT / GST as applicable)
- ✅ Bank account enabled for foreign currency receipts
- ✅ Exporter code / license obtained
- ✅ Basic understanding of Incoterms (FOB, CIF, EXW, etc.)
Step 2: Identify the Product and HS Code
China, like all WTO members, uses the Harmonized System (HS) for classifying goods. Correct HS classification is critical because it determines:
- Import duties and taxes
- Whether special licenses, certificates or inspections are required
- If any restrictions or bans apply
Misclassification can lead to fines, delays or even seizure of goods. Transcustoms+1
Actions
- List the exact products you want to export.
- Work with your customs broker or freight forwarder to assign the correct HS code.
- Check if any China-specific rules apply to that HS code (e.g., food, cosmetics, medical devices, electronics).
Step 3: Understand Chinese Import Regulations for Your Product
China’s import rules differ by product category. Some items need special registrations or certificates:
- Food & beverages – may require registration with GACC (General Administration of Customs of China), Chinese-language labels, and compliance with Chinese food standards. China Briefing+1
- Cosmetics & health products – often require registration with Chinese authorities and ingredient review. wwbridge-cert.com
- Electronics, toys, automotive components – many need China Compulsory Certification (CCC) before they can be imported or sold. FedEx
- Any regulated product – must comply with relevant GB standards (Chinese national standards) for safety, quality, and labelling. ecqa.com
What to do
- Ask your buyer in China which licences and certificates they need.
- Consult a China-focused customs broker or trade consultant.
- Check if you must modify labelling (Chinese language, ingredients, origin, safety info, etc.). wwbridge-cert.com
Step 4: Choose the Right Route – General Trade vs Cross-Border E-Commerce
Broadly, there are two ways foreign goods enter China:
- General Trade – traditional bulk import via sea/air freight to Chinese ports.
- Cross-Border E-Commerce (CBEC) – selling directly to consumers through approved CBEC platforms and bonded warehouses.
Both require registration of exporters and importers in China’s customs systems for many categories (especially food and cosmetics). China Briefing+1
General Trade is best if:
- You ship large volumes
- You sell to distributors, wholesalers, or manufacturers
- Your product is already well-known in China
CBEC may be better if:
- You want to test the Chinese market with smaller volumes
- You sell branded consumer goods (beauty, food supplements, mother & baby, lifestyle, etc.)
- You want to sell via Tmall Global, JD Worldwide or other cross-border marketplaces (usually through Chinese partners)
Step 5: Find Buyers and Partners in China
You generally cannot export to China without a local partner—either:
- An importer/distributor who handles customs and distribution inside China, or
- A CBEC platform partner who manages online store, logistics and customer service.
Ways to find buyers
- B2B portals: Alibaba.com, Made-in-China, Globalsources, etc.
- Trade fairs: Canton Fair, SIAL China, various industry-specific expos
- Chambers of commerce and export promotion councils in your country
- Existing global customers who have operations in China
Due diligence
- Verify the Chinese company’s business license.
- Check their track record, references, and financial stability.
- Start with small trial orders and build up.
Step 6: Prepare Documentation for China-Bound Shipments
While exact requirements vary by product, typical documents for exports to China include: Cargo From China+3Trade.gov+3SINO Shipping+3
- Commercial Invoice
- Exporter & importer details
- HS code
- Description of goods
- Unit price & total value
- Currency & payment terms
- Packing List
- Number of cartons, weight, dimensions
- Detailed packing breakdown
- Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill
- Issued by the shipping line/airline
- Proves shipment and is often the title document
- Certificate of Origin (CO)
- Proves where the goods were produced
- Sometimes required for tariff benefits or regulatory reasons
- Insurance Policy or Certificate (for CIF/CIP terms)
- Sales Contract or Purchase Order
- Special Certificates (if applicable)
- Health / Phytosanitary certificate (food, agricultural products)
- Fumigation certificate (wooden packaging)
- CCC certificate (for regulated products)
- Test reports, conformity certificates, or inspection reports
Your Chinese importer will also file a customs declaration with detailed commodity, value, origin and tariff information as per China Customs requirements. english.customs.gov.cn
Step 7: Finalise Pricing, Incoterms and Payment Terms
1. Decide Your Incoterm
Common Incoterms for exports to China:
- FOB (Free On Board) – you handle costs up to loading at your port; buyer handles freight, insurance, and import clearance.
- CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight) – you arrange and pay for main sea freight and insurance up to the Chinese port.
- DAP/DDP – more responsibility on you (door delivery and sometimes duty paid), but can be attractive for smaller buyers.
Choose the term based on your bargaining power, risk appetite and logistics capability.
2. Set Payment Terms
Because cross-border trade carries risk, many exporters start with:
- Advance TT (wire transfer) for first orders, then
- Letter of Credit (LC) or
- Mixed terms – e.g., 30% advance, 70% on shipment documents.
Work with your bank to evaluate buyer risk and structure LCs or collection terms properly.
Step 8: Arrange Logistics and Insurance
Choose Mode and Route
- Sea freight is most common for bulk shipments. Major Chinese ports include Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Qingdao, Tianjin, and Guangzhou.
- Air freight is used for high-value or urgent items.
A good freight forwarder with China experience can:
- Advise best port and route
- Book space with shipping lines or airlines
- Coordinate export customs in your country
- Assist your buyer with documentation needed for Chinese customs
Insure Your Shipment
Always insure at least for the invoice value + 10% (typical practice) and make sure the policy covers:
- Loss or damage
- Delay risks, if needed
- Political or war risks for certain routes
Step 9: Export Customs Clearance in Your Country
Your forwarder or customs broker will help you file the export declaration in your country. Using India as an example, the process typically includes: DGFT Content+1
- Filing the shipping bill/export declaration online
- Uploading invoice, packing list, and export licenses (if required)
- Getting customs assessment and examination (if selected)
- Obtaining Let Export Order (LEO) and clearing the container for loading
Other countries have similar steps: electronic export declaration, risk-based inspection, and final clearance.
Step 10: Import Clearance in China
Once the goods reach the Chinese port:
- Your Chinese importer (or their broker) submits a customs declaration with all required documents and HS codes. Trade.gov+1
- Customs checks documents, evaluates duties & taxes, and may send goods for CIQ inspection (China Inspection & Quarantine) depending on the product. TJ China Freight
- If everything is in order:
- Duties and VAT are paid
- Any inspection or testing is completed
- Cargo is released to the importer
If labels, certificates or HS classification are wrong, the shipment can be delayed or rejected—so it’s worth double-checking everything before shipment.
Step 11: After-Sales, Compliance and Relationship Building
Exporting to China is not a one-time deal; it’s about building a long-term channel.
- Monitor regulatory changes – Chinese standards and CBEC rules evolve regularly. Subscribe to trade updates or work with a specialist consultant. ecqa.com+1
- Keep documentation archived for several years (often 5+), as both your local and Chinese authorities may request it. airwavesexport.com
- Invest in relationships – regular visits, WeChat communication, and quick after-sales support go a long way in China.
Quick Recap: Step-by-Step Checklist
- Prepare your export basics – business registration, exporter code, bank setup. DGFT+1
- Identify product & HS code and confirm if it’s allowed and under what conditions in China. Transcustoms+1
- Study Chinese regulations and special approvals (GACC, CCC, GB standards, labelling, etc.). ecqa.com+2wwbridge-cert.com+2
- Select route – general trade vs cross-border e-commerce. China Briefing+1
- Find reliable buyers/importers and sign clear contracts.
- Prepare documents – invoice, packing list, B/L, certificate of origin, licenses and certificates. airwavesexport.com+3Trade.gov+3SINO Shipping+3
- Agree on Incoterms & payment (FOB/CIF, LC/TT).
- Arrange logistics & insurance with a China-experienced forwarder.
- Clear export customs in your own country. DGFT Content+1
- Support your importer during Chinese customs clearance and inspections. Trade.gov+2airwavesexport.com+2