First Time Importing from China?
That's completely fine.
Many buyers start without previous importing experience.
Our team can guide you through the process — from product confirmation and payment to production, quality control, shipping, and customs documentation.
You do not need to understand every step before contacting us. We will explain each stage clearly based on your project.
Quick Answer
Importing from China for B2B lighting and outdoor products typically follows product confirmation, quotation, deposit, production, quality inspection, balance payment, shipping, and destination customs clearance. First-time buyers can request guidance on samples, documents, and logistics without needing to master every step upfront.
1. Product Confirmation
Confirm models, specifications, samples, and customization before production starts.
Product confirmation is the first step in a B2B order. Buyers select candidate models from the catalog, confirm specifications against project requirements, and decide whether samples or customization are needed.
Technical confirmation may include dimensions, materials, light parameters, packaging, and labeling. Clear confirmation reduces rework later in production.
- Select models from the catalog and Inquiry List
- Confirm specifications against your project
- Request samples when needed
- Define customization scope early
- Align on technical details before quotation finalization
Product Confirmation FAQ
Can I order samples first?
Yes. Many buyers request samples before confirming larger quantities. Sample availability, cost, and lead time depend on the model and current stock or production status.
Can I mix different models in one order?
Mixed-model orders are common for distributors and project buyers. Packaging, carton mix, and MOQ rules may apply per model — confirm details during quotation.
Can you customize an existing model?
Many catalog models support OEM options such as logo, color, packaging, or specification adjustments. Feasibility depends on the model, tooling, and order quantity.
2. Payment
Typical B2B payment follows quotation, proforma invoice, deposit, and balance payment.
Export orders usually start with a quotation based on selected products, quantities, customization, and Incoterms. After commercial terms are agreed, a proforma invoice (PI) documents the order value and payment instructions.
A deposit is commonly required to start production. The balance is typically paid before shipment or according to the agreed payment terms. Exact terms are confirmed case by case — this page does not constitute a financial guarantee.
- Quotation based on SKUs, quantity, and configuration
- Proforma invoice for commercial confirmation
- Deposit to start production
- Balance payment per agreed terms
- Payment confirmation before shipment release where applicable
Payment FAQ
How do I pay?
Payment methods are stated on the proforma invoice for your order. Common export methods include bank transfer. Use only the official bank details provided on the PI.
Do I need to pay the full amount before production?
Usually no. Many orders use a deposit to start production and a balance before shipment. Terms depend on order size, customization, and commercial agreement.
When is the balance normally paid?
Balance payment timing is defined in the PI and order confirmation. It is often due after production and inspection, before goods are released for shipping.
3. Production Process
A typical export order moves from selection and quotation through production, inspection, and shipping.
The process below is a general overview used by many manufacturers and exporters. Timing varies by model, quantity, customization, and shipping method.
- Product Selection
- Quotation
- Sample / Specification Confirmation
- Order Confirmation
- Deposit
- Production
- Quality Inspection
- Balance Payment
- Shipping
- Delivery
4. Quality Control
Quality checks can cover materials, production, function, appearance, packaging, and final inspection.
Quality control aims to verify that finished goods match the confirmed specification before shipment. Depending on the order, checks may include incoming materials, in-process inspection, functional testing, appearance review, packaging checks, and a final inspection.
Buyers may request inspection photos or videos. Third-party inspection can also be arranged when required by the buyer’s quality policy.
- Incoming material inspection
- Production / in-process inspection
- Functional testing where applicable
- Appearance inspection
- Packaging inspection
- Final inspection before shipment
- Inspection photos or videos on request
- Third-party inspection if required by the buyer
Quality Control FAQ
How do I know the products are correct before shipment?
Orders are checked against the confirmed specification. Buyers can request inspection photos, videos, or a third-party inspection before shipment release.
Can you send inspection photos or videos?
Yes, inspection photos or videos can be provided for many orders. Scope and timing should be agreed during order confirmation.
Can I arrange a third-party inspection?
Yes. Buyers may appoint a third-party inspector. Access timing and factory coordination should be planned before the expected shipment date.
5. Shipping
Sea freight, air freight, and courier each suit different order sizes and urgency levels.
International shipping method depends on volume, urgency, and cost targets. Sea freight is typically used for larger cartons and lower unit cost. Air freight suits smaller urgent shipments. Express courier is common for samples and small parcels.
Freight costs, transit time, and booking details are confirmed per shipment. Incoterms (such as FOB, CIF, or EXW) define which party handles each logistics step.
| Method | Best for | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight | Larger orders | Lower cost per unit |
| Air Freight | Smaller urgent orders | Faster transit |
| Courier / Express | Samples and small parcels | Simple door-to-door handling |
6. Customs Clearance
Import clearance uses shipping documents, duties assessment, and often a local broker or forwarder.
Customs clearance is handled in the destination country according to local regulations. Exporters typically prepare standard export documents. Importers (or their broker) complete import declaration and duty payment where applicable.
We can prepare standard export documents and work with your freight forwarder or customs broker to make the process easier. We do not claim to act as importer of record in every country.
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading or airway bill
- Customs declaration support documents
- Import duties assessed by destination customs
- Coordination with your customs broker / freight forwarder
7. Shipping Documents
Standard export document sets help your broker clear goods at destination.
Document packages vary by shipping mode and destination requirements. A typical set includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and transport document (bill of lading or airway bill). Additional certificates may be needed for certain markets or product types.
Shipping Documents FAQ
What documents will I receive?
Typical documents include a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or airway bill. Extra certificates are provided when required and agreed for the order.
What documents does my customs broker need?
Most brokers need the commercial invoice, packing list, and transport document. Ask your broker for any market-specific certificates before shipment.
Can you work with my freight forwarder?
Yes. Many buyers nominate their own freight forwarder. We can coordinate booking details and document handoff with the nominated agent.
8. Lead Time
Lead time covers sample confirmation, production, inspection, and shipping — not only factory days.
Overall delivery time includes more than production. Sample confirmation, material readiness, production, quality inspection, and international transit all contribute to the schedule.
Catalog product details may list model-specific lead time ranges when available. Customization, peak season capacity, and shipping mode can change the calendar. Confirm timing on your quotation.
- Sample confirmation (when samples are required)
- Production after deposit and order confirmation
- Quality inspection before shipment
- Ocean, air, or courier transit time
9. Customization
OEM and ODM work can cover branding, packaging, color, materials, and specification changes.
Catalog models may support OEM branding or deeper ODM changes depending on tooling and quantity. Common requests include logo marking, retail packaging, color matching, material changes, dimension adjustments, and accessory kits.
Customization scope, MOQ, tooling, and lead time are confirmed during quotation. See the Customization page for an overview of OEM/ODM options.
- Logo / branding
- Packaging and labeling
- Color
- Materials
- Dimensions
- Product specifications
- Accessories
10. After-Sales Support
After delivery, document issues clearly with photos or videos so the team can investigate.
After goods arrive, inspect cartons and products promptly. If you identify a quality or shipping issue, provide clear photos or videos, SKU details, and quantity affected so the team can review the case.
Support focuses on practical investigation and communication. Remedies depend on the confirmed order terms and the nature of the issue — avoid assuming unlimited or automatic replacement guarantees.
- Inspect goods on receipt
- Identify SKU, quantity, and defect type
- Provide photos or videos
- Communicate with the sales / QC contact for review
Ready to discuss models? Open your Inquiry List or contact us.
Also see OEM / ODM customization and the FAQ.