Case studies
Typical import projects we handle
Production lines, logs, dangerous goods, cosmetics, wine and yachts — each with its own licences, inspections and tax questions.
Each case represents a type of import we handle regularly. Client names, values and specific shipments are omitted for confidentiality; images are illustrative.
Used machineryCase studies · 01
A used printing line from Germany
The challenge
Used machinery must pass pre-shipment inspection before it leaves the origin. A dismantled line means many pieces, and some units are over-width and over-height.
What we did
We arranged the inspection in Germany while the licence was processed, numbered and photographed every piece against the dismantling list, planned the out-of-gauge loading, then handled the port examination and delivered to the factory in step with the installers.
Key documents
- Pre-shipment inspection certificate
- Automatic import licence (where the catalogue requires it)
- Dismantling list with piece-by-piece marks
- Contract, invoice, packing list, bill of lading
What the client receivedCustoms declaration, duty receipts, a Chinese VAT invoice and the full document set — with the line delivered to the workshop floor.
Related service：Machinery & Production Line Import to China
New equipmentCase studies · 02
European textile machinery in several shipments
The challenge
One contract shipped in several lots, each needing consistent HS classification; any duty exemption had to be approved before declaration.
What we did
We agreed classification and declaration elements with the factory before the first shipment, kept every lot consistent, and cleared and delivered lot by lot with spare parts recorded separately.
Key documents
- Contract and technical annex
- Certificate of origin
- Invoice, packing list, bill of lading
- Duty-exemption confirmation (where applicable)
What the client receivedDeclarations, duty receipts and VAT invoices per lot, with machines arriving in installation order.
Related service：Machinery & Production Line Import to ChinaTimberCase studies · 03
Tropical hardwood logs from Africa
The challenge
Logs may only enter through designated ports under strict quarantine, and some species are CITES-listed — certificates must match the cargo exactly.
What we did
Before loading we checked species names, CITES status and certificate wording, chose the designated port, then managed quarantine inspection and treatment and released the logs in lots.
Key documents
- Phytosanitary certificate
- Fumigation certificate
- Certificate of origin
- CITES permit (for listed species)
- Bill of lading and log list
What the client receivedQuarantine release, duties paid and logs delivered to the yard lot by lot against the log list.
Related service：Timber & Log Import to China
Dangerous goodsCase studies · 04
Industrial coatings (dangerous goods)
The challenge
Hazardous chemicals need a Chinese SDS and labels, approved DG packaging, DG booking and DG-licensed storage.
What we did
We reviewed the SDS, labels, packaging and UN numbers before shipment, booked DG space, handled the hazardous-chemical declaration and inspection, and stored in a DG warehouse for staged delivery.
Key documents
- Chinese-language safety data sheet (SDS)
- Dangerous-goods packaging test report
- Hazardous-chemical import declaration file
- Contract, invoice, packing list
What the client receivedClearance and duty documents plus DG storage and delivery records, with goods delivered to the plant in stages.
Related service：Chemicals, Coatings & Cosmetics Import to China
CosmeticsCase studies · 05
Cosmetics: filing and clearance
The challenge
Imported cosmetics must be registered or filed before they can be declared, and a non-compliant Chinese label can hold the whole shipment.
What we did
We helped prepare and track the filing, checked the Chinese labels before dispatch, and supported port sampling until release to the warehouse.
Key documents
- Cosmetics registration or filing certificate
- Product test report
- Chinese label artwork
- Certificate of origin, invoice, packing list
What the client receivedFiling certificate, inspection release and clearance documents — stock ready for the shelf.
Related service：Chemicals, Coatings & Cosmetics Import to China
WineCase studies · 06
Full-container wine imports
The challenge
First shipments need registration; wine pays consumption tax and VAT on top of duty, and non-compliant labels must be corrected.
What we did
We completed registration and checked back labels in advance, calculated landed taxes with our duty estimator, then cleared and delivered to a bonded or duty-paid warehouse.
Key documents
- Overseas exporter and Chinese consignee registration
- Certificate of origin, health certificate
- Chinese back label
- Contract, invoice, packing list, bill of lading
What the client receivedClearance and duty documents, inspection certificates and VAT invoice, with the wine delivered to the client’s warehouse.
Related service：Food, Wine & Beverage Import to China
Oversize cargoCase studies · 07
Importing a yacht
The challenge
Yachts are subject to 10% consumption tax, so the customs value must be right; deck shipment, heavy lift and later registration all need planning.
What we did
We calculated the full tax bill on the customs value in advance, arranged deck shipment and the lift plan at the port, and after clearance provided the import proof needed for registration.
Key documents
- Sale contract and invoice
- Build and survey certificates
- Bill of lading (deck cargo)
- Duty, consumption tax and VAT payment notices
What the client receivedCustoms import certificate, duty receipts and the full document set, with the yacht handed over at the quay.
Related service：China Import Agent & Importer of RecordHow it works
From first enquiry to delivery
One coordinator follows your shipment through every step.
- 01Product review
HS code, licences, inspection and labelling checked against your product.
- 02Landed-cost quote
Freight, duty, VAT and local charges in one figure.
- 03Contract & payment
Import contract, L/C or FX payment to your supplier if required.
- 04Booking & documents
Freight booked; invoices, packing list and certificates aligned.
- 05Declaration & inspection
Customs declaration, tax payment and any inspection at the port.
- 06Delivery & invoice
Door delivery, Chinese VAT invoice and copies of all records.
Start here
Planning a shipment to China?
Tell us the product, origin and destination. You get a document checklist and a landed-cost quotation within one working day.
