Importing Machinery Parts From China Step By Step

Identify what you are actually buying

For machinery spares this is harder than it sounds. A machine model number identifies the machine, not the part, and seat profiles and clip geometry changed across frame generations. Establish the part from the part: send a sample, or send dimensioned photographs with a scale in frame.

Identify a supplier

Online directories such as Alibaba, Global Sources and Made-in-China are the usual starting point, and trade fairs let you meet suppliers in person. When evaluating a supplier, look at reputation, production capacity, quality control processes and pricing, and do the due diligence rather than assuming it.

Negotiate the terms

Agree price, payment terms, delivery time, packaging and any other relevant details, and get them in a written contract. On machinery parts, packaging deserves real attention: pin plates are damaged in transit more often than they are damaged in service.

Arrange shipping

You can use a freight forwarder or handle shipping yourself. A forwarder handles the logistics from China to your destination. Consolidating several part types into one shipment is usually worth doing; there is no reason to pay freight three times for parts from one factory.

Pay securely

Use a secure payment method such as a letter of credit, and keep the documentation, invoices and bills of lading that prove you have paid for the goods.

Clear customs and check on arrival

Once the goods arrive you need to clear them through customs with the correct documentation. Then check the parts against the specification before they go into the store, not when someone reaches for them during a shutdown.