Whether you are a small business importing for the first time or a company that has bought from Europe for years, the idea of importing products from China usually raises the same questions: How do I find the right supplier, how do I approve samples, how do I secure payment, who checks quality before the goods leave, and what happens at Turkish customs? The good news is that once the process is broken into clear steps, it becomes very manageable. In this guide we walk through importing from China from start to finish, in order. From defining your product and researching suppliers, through samples, negotiation, contracts and payment methods, to production follow-up, pre-shipment inspection, choosing freight and working with a customs broker, you will find practical advice for every stage.
Before importing from China: define the product and your goals
The first step in a successful import is not searching for suppliers but putting what you want in writing. Collect the material, dimensions, colour codes, packaging type, label and manual language, target quality level and estimated annual volume in a single product specification. Chinese factories quote much faster and more accurately when they see a clear technical specification; a vague request leads to wildly different offers that are impossible to compare.
At this stage you also need to think about requirements on the Turkish side. The standards, conformity documents, labelling rules or import inspections that may apply to your product vary by product group. Discussing these with your customs broker before ordering is the most effective way to avoid surprises later. Remember that rules are updated from time to time; always confirm the current position with your broker and the relevant authorities.
Work out your target cost at the very beginning. Starting from the selling price in Turkey and deducting freight, insurance, the duties and charges your customs broker will determine, domestic transport, storage and your margin gives you the maximum unit price you can pay in China. This figure gives you a clear framework when talking to suppliers and stops you wasting time on unrealistic offers. Get current values for each item from your forwarder and broker and update the sheet regularly.
Finding suppliers in China: where to look and how to shortlist
The main channels for finding suppliers in China are B2B platforms (Alibaba, Made-in-China, Global Sources and the domestic marketplace 1688), specialised trade fairs, wholesale markets such as Yiwu, and direct factory visits in industrial clusters. Each channel has a different strength: platforms give a broad initial list, fairs allow face-to-face assessment, and clusters help you reach the right manufacturer in the right city. For example, Zhongshan is known for lighting, Foshan for furniture and Shenzhen for electronics.
Once you have an initial list, set shortlisting criteria: does the business scope on the licence match your product, is the company really a manufacturer or a trading company, which markets has it exported similar products to, which certificates does it hold, and how fast and transparent is its communication? A good practice is to request detailed quotes from five to eight candidates and then take the strongest three to the sample stage. At Yeni İpekyolu we run this shortlisting and company verification with our on-the-ground team.
- Check the business licence and business scope
- Distinguish manufacturer from trading company
- Export history and reference markets
- Certificates and test reports
- Response speed and quality of technical answers
The sample stage: why the approved sample is the foundation of everything
A sample is the first concrete proof of how a supplier has understood your specification. Ordering samples from several suppliers and comparing them side by side shows what the price differences on paper actually mean. Test the sample not only visually but also for dimensions, weight, feel of the material, durability and packaging. If possible, let target users try it or run a simple usage test.
Keep the approved sample in two sealed, signed and photographed copies: one with you and one at the factory. This “golden sample” serves as the reference in mass production and in pre-shipment inspection. Record any revisions made during sampling in writing, so that you avoid “the sample was not like this” arguments during production.
Negotiation, proforma invoice and safe payment methods
Focusing only on unit price is a common mistake when negotiating with Chinese suppliers. Minimum order quantity (MOQ), lead time, packaging details, delivery terms (FOB, EXW, CIF and so on), payment schedule and the procedure for defective goods are all part of the negotiation. Asking for price tiers at higher volumes, requesting flexibility on MOQ for the first order and showing a long-term perspective usually bring good results.
The agreed terms must be fully reflected in the proforma invoice (PI) and, ideally, in a bilingual purchase contract. A common payment structure is a deposit before production and the balance after inspection; for larger orders a letter of credit can also be considered. Always pay to the corporate account registered in the name of the company in the contract, and verify any last-minute “our bank account has changed” email by phone or another trusted channel.
- Unit price and volume tiers
- MOQ and flexibility on the first order
- Lead time and remedies for delays
- Delivery terms and packaging standard
- Payment schedule tied to inspection
Production follow-up and pre-shipment quality control
After placing the order, set up a regular follow-up plan rather than leaving the process to run on its own. Asking for photos, videos and a short status report at raw material procurement, production start, thirty to fifty percent completion and packing helps you catch deviations early. Plan ahead for periods such as Chinese New Year and the national holiday in early October, when factory capacity drops.
Pre-shipment inspection (PSI) means an independent inspector visits the factory once most of the goods are packed, draws a random sample and checks the products against the approved sample and specification. Tying the balance payment to a positive report is the importer’s strongest lever. The inspection covers dimensions, appearance, function, labels, packaging and carton markings, and findings are delivered in a photo report.
Shipping from China to Turkey: sea, air, rail and road
Sea freight is the most common way to ship from China to Turkey, either as a full container (FCL) or less-than-container load (LCL). If volume is small and time is critical, air freight is an option; rail, and road on some routes, can offer a balance between the two. Which method suits you depends on the volume, weight, value and urgency of the goods; to get current freight rates and transit times you should request quotes from more than one forwarder.
The delivery term you choose determines who organises freight and insurance. Under FOB the supplier bears costs up to the Chinese port and you take over after that; under EXW you collect the goods at the factory. Working with your own forwarder usually gives more control and transparency. During loading, the carton count, container seal number and loading photos should be recorded, and the bill of lading and shipping documents should be sent to your customs broker without delay.
- Commercial invoice and packing list (with consistent descriptions)
- Bill of lading or air waybill
- Certificate of origin and test reports where required
- Loading photos and container seal number
- Insurance policy or cover details
Working with a customs broker in Turkey and support from Yeni İpekyolu
When the goods arrive in Turkey, customs procedures are handled through a customs broker. Your broker clarifies the tariff classification (HS/GTİP code) of your product, the duties and additional obligations that apply, the documents required and any inspections. Since duty rates and additional charges vary by product group, origin and current legislation, always confirm them with your broker. Accurate and consistent commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and, where needed, certificate of origin speed up the process.
Every step of importing from China is connected: a good specification leads to the right supplier, the right supplier to a good sample, and a good sample to a smooth inspection. At Yeni İpekyolu, with our Istanbul office and our team in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Yiwu, Shanghai and Beijing, we handle supplier sourcing, factory verification, sample management, production follow-up, quality control and logistics coordination under one roof. Share your product and goals with us and we will prepare a tailored import roadmap.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a company to import products from China?
Commercial imports are usually made through a business with a tax registration. We recommend clarifying which structure suits you and which registrations are needed with your customs broker and accountant.
How much should I order the first time?
Ideally, enough to test the market and see how the supplier works. Many factories are flexible on MOQ for a first order, so make it part of the negotiation.
How can I find out the customs duty in advance?
Give your product’s tariff code and technical details to your customs broker. They will calculate and confirm the applicable duties and additional obligations under current legislation.
Do I need to travel to China for quality control?
No. An independent team on the ground carries out the inspection at the factory and sends you a photo report. At Yeni İpekyolu we run these inspections on your behalf.
Which shipping method is best?
It depends on the volume, value and urgency of the goods. The soundest approach is to compare sea, air and rail options with current quotes from several forwarders.