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Import/export guide: China

If you’re a people person and love interacting with the Chinese culture, an import/export business could be for you.

Kelly Waggoner
Kelly Waggoner

Updated

Do you speak Mandarin or another Chinese dialect? Do you have connections in Shenzhen? Have you lived in the Pearl River Delta? Maybe you simply love the Chinese culture.In the import/export industry, you can use your individual competitive advantages to serve as a matchmaker for Chinese companies — matching product manufacturers with markets that want and need to purchase the goods they produce.

If Chinese businesses want to export their goods, you help them find buyers. And if they’re looking for specific merchandise, you help them find sellers.

With dedication and this guide, you can become a part of the estimated $659.4 billion in goods and services traded between the US and China.

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Types of import/export businesses

There are three basic types of import/export businesses. Starting out, it’s a good idea to pursue the one that interests you most.

Export management company

Let’s say a company in China wants to export electronic equipment. That’s where an export management company (EMC) can help.

An EMC handles all of the details for the company to ship goods overseas. This could include hiring distributors, creating marketing materials and preparing shipping logistics.

Export trading company

An export trading company (ETC) finds out what foreign buyers want and then locates domestic companies that can export the goods.

Import/export merchant (or free agent)

Import/export merchants buy merchandise from a manufacturer — foreign or domestic — then resell that merchandise around the world. There’s heavier risk involved in being a free agent — but with fewer middlemen, the potential for higher profits as well.
How to set up a business entity in China

Startup costs

You can start your own import/export business with little upfront costs.

At a minimum, you need a phone and a reliable Internet connection. You’ll also want to invest in business cards, a website and a fax machine. And it doesn’t hurt to hire somebody for your branding, including a unique business logo.

Narrowing your market

Once you’ve decided on the type of import/export business you want to run and calculated your startup costs, it’s time to narrow your market focus.

By niching down, you can focus your attention on a market you can serve best. Think about:

  • Customers you want to serve.
  • Areas of the world you’ll target.
  • Types of goods you’ll offer.

Take your time to dig deep with your research. The extra time you spend finding profitable niches will pay off in the long run.

Your customer

Your target customer will be someone who wants to trade globally. They’ll either want to sell goods overseas or buy goods from international sources.

Beyond that, you can choose any type of customer you wish. Maybe you’ll cater to companies that sell China’s No. 1 export, electronics. Or medical and technical equipment. Or plastic goods.

If you can identify a need, you can target a group of companies as customers.

China’s top 10 exports

  1. Electronic equipment
  2. Oil
  3. Machines, engines and pumps
  4. Medical and technical equipment
  5. Ores, slag and ash
  6. Vehicles
  7. Plastics
  8. Organic chemicals
  9. Oil seed
  10. Copper

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Registering your business

To register your import/export business, you need to fill out the US Department of State’s SNAP-R company registration.

After you submit your information, the Department of State will send you an email about how to get a company identification number (CIN). A CIN is used for tax purposes and for registering with the US Department of Commerce.

Import and export licenses

Typically, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) doesn’t require a license to import goods to or export goods from the United States. However, other government agencies or departments or local governments may require them.

If you’re exporting goods, you can find out which licenses may be required by asking your local port of entry.

A note about importing goods into China

For many years, the Chinese government limited the number of companies able to import goods into the country. Since China’s acceptance to the WTO, you need only register with the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.

Contact a professional to learn more about registration, tariffs and special trade zones that could affect your business.

Incorporating and forming an LLC

You don’t have to incorporate in the United States in order to start an import/export business.

However, incorporating or creating an LLC can provide key benefits, including:

Benefit Description
Separation of personal and business assets. Creating a corporation or a limited liability company (LLC) can help you protect your personal assets. For example, you’ll have less personal liability for business debts.
Expense deduction. Through a corporation or LLC, you can deduct business expenses before income is forwarded to you.
Enhanced credibility. Clients often prefer working with incorporated businesses, seeing them as more legitimate.

Charging for your services

Import/export business typically charge based on commission or retainer.

Commission structure

With a commission structure, you’re paid a percentage of any trade deal you close — usually around 10%. For example, if you sell a manufacturer’s smartphone for $300, you’ll make a $30 commission. On top of your commission, you’ll also want to charge for expenses like packaging and shipping.

Retainer model

On a retainer model, your client pays you a monthly fee to be on call when they need your services.

To find the right amount for your retainer, consider your costs — these may include labor, supplies and overhead.

An alternative model

Beyond a commission or retainer structure, you can simply buy goods and sell them. In this case, your revenue will come from the profit you make from selling merchandise.

Which business model should you choose?

A rule of thumb is to pick a commission model if you think a product will be easy to sell. If you think a product will be difficult to sell, however, price your business based on a retainer.

The thinking is based on this: If you’ll sell a lot of product, you want to be paid based on performance. On the other hand, if you believe sales will be slow, using a retainer model could ensure that you’ll be paid even in the downtime.

Finally, if you’re confident in your ability to sell products you acquire, you don’t have to negotiate a payment structure with manufacturers. All you’ll have to negotiate is how much you’ll buy product for and then find a way to profit from the merchandise.

International billing and payments

Your new business will require you to make and receive international payments, which means you’ll make transactions between currencies and across borders.

You can safely and affordably manage your business payments — with lower fees and stronger exchange rates — by comparing the services of a money transfer specialist.
How to Send Money to China Cheaply
Laws and legal documents when transferring large sums of money into China

Compare international money transfer options for import and export to China

Min. Transfer Amount Transfer Speed Online Transfer Fee Rate Amount Received Description CTA Details
XE Money Transfer
$1 Same day USD 0.00 6.531 CNY 32,657 XE offers fast transfers with no fees and a range of foreign currency tools. Go to site Show details
Remitly International Money Transfers
$10 Within an hour USD 1.99 6.43 CNY 32,136 Special offers like free transfers and better exchange rates available for new customers.
Quick, affordable transfers around the world with both express and economy options. 		Go to site Show details
TransferWise
$1 1 - 2 days USD 85.00 6.561 CNY
32,247
 Enjoy high maximum transfers into more than 20 currencies while saving up to 90% over local banks. Go to site Show details
WorldRemit International Money Transfers
$1 Within an hour USD 3.99 6.533 CNY 32,641 Use promo code 3FREE to send your first 3 transfers with no fee. Send to 110+ countries for bank-to-bank deposit, cash pickup or mobile top-up. Go to site Show details

Compare up to 4 providers

Shipping the goods

You need to send and receive goods from other countries, so you’ll need to arrange shipping details.

First, contact a freight forwarder — a company that helps you transport goods safely and efficiently. They will help you handle the logistics of completing shipping documents, finding cargo space and securing cargo insurance.

Find a freight forwarder by looking in state-specific business directories.

After you’ve hired a freight forwarder, read our shipping guides to learn how to ship merchandise.

Risks and how to avoid them

Unpredictable shipping logistics

Needless to say, your success hinges on whether you can ship goods safely and efficiently. If you’re exporting goods, for example, you’re responsible for ensuring they leave your local port and arrive at the correct destination on time.

You’ll also need to account for anything else that could go wrong, such as damage to the cargo. Staying organized and partnering with a reputable freight forwarder will help you ship goods without a hitch.

Not knowing enough about markets

It’s a good idea to thoroughly research a market before entering into this business, though even that may not be enough.

Consider hiring experts who understand the tastes and cultures of your specific markets. You’ll need to sell products that resonate in countries you’re unfamiliar with.

Running into problems at the border

Customs rules aren’t uniform throughout the world. Instead, you’ll encounter a mass of different regulations while transporting goods. To avoid drowning in a swamp of border regulations, hire experts in customs law and trade compliance.

Bottom line

The import/export business is for people who love building relationships in other countries. But it also requires an organized mind that can handle logistics.

If you have those qualities, take the plunge into creating a thriving import/export business.

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8 Responses

  1. Default Gravatar
    SamuelDecember 19, 2018

    Please, I want to know what it will take for one to import smart phones and fairly used lap tops from China to Nigeria

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      ValDecember 20, 2018Staff

      Hi Samuel,

      Thank you for leaving a question. One of the most exported items from China are electronic equipment. To start this process, first step is to register this business, get permits and licences.
      Here a guide that might help more in understanding the process to export from China. You may also want to contact an export/import specialist to know more details.
      Hope this helps!

      Regards,
      Val

      Reply
  2. Default Gravatar
    RoxannaNovember 13, 2018

    I would like to know is it allowed to export to China such products as butter, milk powder and other dairy products from Russia, Kazakhstan, Belorussia, etc.

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      nikkiangcoNovember 21, 2018Staff

      Hi Roxanna,

      Thanks for your inquiry and for visiting our page. To know if dairy products form Russia, Kazakhstan, and Belorussia will be allowed in China, you must contact an export management company (EMC) can help. As it says above, an EMC handles all of the details for the company to enter goods from overseas. This could include hiring distributors, creating marketing materials and preparing shipping logistics.

      Hope this was helpful. Don’t hesitate to message us back if you have more questions.

      Best,
      Nikki

      Reply
  3. Default Gravatar
    faheemSeptember 23, 2018

    I have come to china this year and started learning chinese language.I want to start surgical instruments export business to pakistan.I have my company in pakistan but how i can export from china to pakistan? Thanks.

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      JoshuaSeptember 25, 2018Staff

      Hi Faheem,

      Thanks for getting in touch with finder. I hope all is well with you. :)

      To get the specific requirements needed for you to start your export business, you may need to directly get in touch with the right government authorities of both countries. By doing so, you will get more information on how to conduct your business legally.

      I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.

      Have a wonderful day!

      Cheers,
      Joshua

      Reply
  4. Default Gravatar
    RobertJuly 9, 2018

    How can one start as an ETC or an agent. Are there associations one can join to enhance one’s knowledge of the trade?

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      JoshuaJuly 17, 2018Staff

      Hi Robert,

      Thanks for getting in touch with finder. I hope all is well with you. :)

      If you want to start an ETC or you want to become an agent, there are different resources that you can read. You may start your search on the Internet. Moreover, starting an ETC may need more capital, experience, and knowledge. There are associations that you may want to check out. You can find them on your local listings.

      I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.

      Have a wonderful day!

      Cheers,
      Joshua

      Reply
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