Before Exporting to China: a Two-Step Guide
Before even exporting to China, deal with the logistics part, design and implement your marketing & communication strategy, a company has to go through few but essential steps. Sometimes overlooked when exporting, they however are detrimental to prepare thoroughly before even exporting.
As companies best partners for their internationalization process to China, ASI Solutions has put together a comprehensive summary on what one needs to know before going abroad. Being aware of these key steps is key to ensure a smooth export process.
Step 1: Make Sure Your Product Can Be Imported
China classifies products in 3 categories when it comes to them being imported within its borders: prohibited, restricted and permitted goods.
Apart from products whom prohibition is obvious (explosives, arms, articles coming from disease-stricken areas, etc.) some items considered as more common are also restricted.
Raw materials for plastic, polyester, raw materials for chemical fibers, cotton, and some steel products fall into this category. As restricted products, they require quotas and licenses.
As such, one has to check if the products to be imported are eligible according to Chinese legislation.
Step 2: Conform to Chinese GB Standards
It is then necessary to make sure that your product is in compliance with the GB standards (国标, Guóbiāo). These National Standards have been developed for technical requirements and serve as basis for testing products. Depending on their prefix code (GB, GB/T, GB/Z) they are identified as mandatory or voluntary. 85% of the standards are voluntary, however you are encouraged to follow them anyway as it can enhance the brand of your product.
Most of the GB Standards are derived from the ISO norms, however rules are stricter when it comes to products such as edible ones, cosmetics or have an impact on the safety.
What does this compliance with GB standards imply?
Testing
The process for ensuring that they meet the requirements often include testing (the testing applicable depending on the category the product itself falls into). Your product should then be sent to a certified laboratory located in China.
Labelling
Specific labelling requirements apply when it comes to importing a product into China and again, the latter depend on the category your product falls into.
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For a food product to be imported, the label must be affixed on the original packaging. This label should be in Chinese and include information such as the production date, the expiry date, the country of origin and the nutritional value.
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For a textile product, a Chinese version of the label sewed on the product should be added, with the washing instructions; as well as a Chinese version of the selling label with indicating the size and price.
How to Make Exporting to China Easy
Making sure that your product can be exported to China can be complex for companies which are not familiar with the process. Before even knowing if it will meet demand, you will need to invest not only money but also time and energy.
As such, having a local partner helping you navigating in the set of regulations and requirements is often the best solution. As companies' best partner for handling the export process, ASI Solutions provides you the support and expertise you need. Apart from logistics, we help ensure compliance and you manage the testing and labelling of your product. We also provide you with key insights and advices on the challenges you might face.
From origin to your final consumer's doorstep, we handle it all (including local warehousing and delivery). In the era of e-commerce, while the latter is booming in China, it is essential to be responsive, and efficient when internationalizing your operations.
Our aim is to facilitate your expansion for you to take full advantage of the opportunities Chinese market represents.
