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

Importing custom bags is a well-trodden path, but the paperwork and the landed cost catch first-timers out. This is the process in ten steps, with the details that matter.

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 print included? What is the fabric weight? Which Incoterm? Which MOQ tier? A low headline price often excludes printing or uses lighter material.

Step 3: Order and approve a sample

Never skip this. Samples take 3–7 working days and cost a small fee, usually credited to your first order. Keep the approved sample — it is your quality reference.

Step 4: Agree the order and pay the deposit

A proforma invoice should list: specification, quantity, unit price, total, Incoterm, lead time, payment terms, QC standard and the beneficiary bank details. Typical terms are 30% deposit, 70% before shipment.

Step 5: Production and quality control

Bulk production is 15–25 working days. Before the balance payment, ask for a photo report; for a large first order, book a third-party inspection with SGS, BV or Intertek.

Step 6: Choose the shipping method

Method	Transit time	Best for
Express (DHL/FedEx/UPS)	3–7 days	Samples, small batches, urgent top-ups
Air freight	5–10 days	Medium volumes, time-critical
Sea LCL	25–40 days	Partial container loads
Sea FCL	25–45 days	Full container loads — lowest cost per bag

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 — may reduce duty under a trade agreement
• Test reports — REACH / CPSIA if your market requires them

Step 8: Budget duty, VAT and fees

Three costs land on top of the FOB price:

• Freight and insurance — depends on volume; bags are bulky and light, so you pay for space, not weight.
• Import duty — varies by country and by material. Textile bags commonly sit in HS 4202 or 6305; rates differ between non-woven, cotton and plastic bags. Confirm the code with your broker.
• VAT / GST — the UK charges 20%, the EU typically 19–25%, Australia 10% GST. In many countries VAT is reclaimable if you are VAT-registered, but it is a cash-flow cost at import.

Ask us for a DDP quote to see a single landed number, or an FOB + forwarder quote if you prefer to control the freight.

Step 9: Clear customs

Either your freight forwarder handles clearance as a broker, or you appoint one. You will need your tax/VAT number, the commercial invoice, packing list, Bill of Lading and the HS code. Under DDP terms we handle this for you.

Step 10: Receive, check and reorder

Count the cartons, check a sample of bags against the approved sample, and photograph anything that looks wrong on arrival — claims are far easier with same-day evidence. Then plan the reorder at the next price tier.

Common pitfalls

• Under-declaring value. It is fraud, it invalidates your insurance, and customs can seize the goods.
• Ignoring volumetric weight. Courier and air charges use volume, not just weight — bags are volumetric.
• Forgetting the last-mile. Port to your warehouse is a separate cost.
• No buffer in the schedule. Sea freight has peak-season delays; add two weeks.
• Wrong HS code. It can mean overpaying duty, or a customs penalty.

Next step

Tell us your country and quantity and we will quote FOB, CIF and DDP so you can see the full landed cost before you commit. Request a quote.

EcoBag Factory — custom bag manufacturer in Guangzhou, China. MOQ 500 pcs, 1–2 colour print included, samples in 3–7 working days, FOB / CIF / DDP worldwide.