How to Import Bags from China: A Step-by-Step Guide

A practical import plan separates the bag specification and supplier price from destination-specific freight, customs and tax estimates. This checklist helps a sourcing team collect comparable quotations and identify which details still need confirmation by a forwarder, customs broker or local authority.

Step 1: Define your specification

Size, material and weight, handle type, print method and colours, packaging and quantity. Everything downstream — price, lead time, duty classification — depends on this.

Step 2: Get quotes from two or three suppliers

Compare like for like: is printing included, what fabric weight is specified, which quantity tier applies, and what does the Incoterm include? A price difference alone does not tell you which assumption changed; ask each supplier to itemise the scope.

Step 3: Order and approve a sample

Working samples normally take 3–7 working days after the specification is confirmed. The sample fee is deducted from the first bulk order of 500 pcs or more; express shipping is separate. Record which dimensions, material, weight, print and construction details the sample is intended to represent.

Step 4: Agree the order and pay the deposit

Before payment, compare the proforma invoice with the approved quotation: specification, quantity split, unit price and total, packing, Incoterm, named destination, payment milestones and any written inspection scope. For bulk orders, the website lists T/T with a 30% deposit and the balance before shipment; confirm the exact terms and beneficiary through a trusted channel before payment.

Step 5: Production and quality control

The website's usual bulk production estimate is 15–25 working days, confirmed in the quotation for the order. Production time is not freight transit or customs-clearance time. If you need a third-party inspection or specific checks, agree the scope, timing, sampling level and cost in writing before production.

Step 6: Choose the shipping method

These are service categories, not transit-time promises. Transit and delivery dates vary by route, carrier, booking date, customs and local delivery. Request the forwarder's current estimate and inclusions for your shipment.

Step 7: Understand the documents

• Commercial invoice — what you bought and what you paid
• Packing list — cartons, dimensions and weights
• Bill of Lading (sea) or Air Waybill (air) — the transport document
• Certificate of Origin or other origin evidence — ask your broker or authority whether the destination requires it and whether a preferential tariff claim is available for the product and route.
• Product-specific test or compliance documents — confirm requirements for the exact bag, material, intended use and destination; request any supplier documents before order approval.

Step 8: Budget duty, VAT and fees

Build the landed-cost estimate with separate, documented line items rather than a generic percentage:

• Freight and insurance — obtain a route-specific quote with shipment mode, volume or chargeable weight, cover and delivery scope.
• Import duty and customs classification — classification depends on product construction, material and destination rules. Confirm the code and current rate with your broker or relevant customs authority.
• VAT / GST, clearance and local delivery — confirm tax treatment and every destination-side charge for the named importer and shipment. Do not assume tax is recoverable or included in an Incoterm without checking the quote and local rules.

FOB Guangzhou is the standard term on the website; CIF or DDP can be requested. Compare the written quotation's named destination, included charges and responsibilities before treating a price as a delivered total.

Step 9: Clear customs

Ask your broker or relevant authority which registrations, declarations and supporting documents apply to your shipment. The supplier and forwarder should confirm which party prepares each document under the agreed Incoterm; do not assume a DDP quotation covers every product or destination without written confirmation.

Step 10: Receive, check and reorder

At receipt, follow your purchase contract and agreed inspection process to check carton counts and the order specification. Record any discrepancy promptly and follow the written notice and claim procedure in the contract. Use the actual order volume and forecast when considering future quantity tiers.

Common pitfalls

• Comparing different scopes. Check specification, quantity, printing, packing, Incoterm and every included or excluded charge.
• Using an assumed classification or duty rate. Ask a broker or authority to verify the product-specific code and current destination treatment.
• Leaving destination charges unclear. Request written freight, clearance, tax and local-delivery assumptions before comparing landed totals.
• Treating estimates as guaranteed dates. Confirm production schedule, transport route and customs responsibilities separately in writing.
• Paying against inconsistent documents. Check that the quotation, proforma invoice and verified beneficiary details match before sending payment.

Next step

For a bag quotation, send the product type, dimensions, material and weight, quantity per style/colour/size, blank or printed requirement, packing and destination. Ask us for FOB Guangzhou or request CIF/DDP terms for the named destination. Request a quote.

Material and construction affect the product description and import paperwork. Review the specifications for non-woven bags and cotton and canvas totes when preparing your product details.

EcoBag Factory — B2B custom bag manufacturer in Guangzhou, China. Production MOQ 500 pcs per style, per colour and per size; working samples normally take 3–7 working days after the specification is confirmed. Shipping and destination charges are confirmed in the quotation.

Frequently asked questions