Customs and documentation for importing from China
From customs rules to required documentation – guides that help you understand HS codes, import duties, declarations, and everything needed to clear customs without unnecessary delays.
💡 How does importing from China work?
Whether you are importing for the first time or want to optimize the process, these are the key stages of the import journey:
Product selection
Define what you're importing, target market, quantities, and margin.
Suppliers
Finding and vetting suppliers, samples, negotiations, and agreeing commercial terms (FOB, CIF, etc.).
Customs and regulations
HS codes, duty rates, origin, permits, and other documentation.
Quality control
Factory inspections, pre‑shipment checks, and reducing the risk of complaints and returns.
Shipping
Choosing between LCL/FCL, routes and freight forwarders, lead times, and shipment tracking.
📄 Key customs guides
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Customs Clearance and Documents for Importing from China
A practical guide to customs clearance for imports from China, covering the key documents, HS codes, duty and VAT calculations, and tips for first-time importers.
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Customs Rates and Tariffs by Country
Explore customs rates and tariff information by country, including China, HS codes, official customs resources, and practical links for importers.
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HS Codes for Imports from China
A practical guide to the Harmonized System: what an HS code is, how to find the right code for your product, why the system is used worldwide, and how the wrong code can affect duty rates, VAT, and penalties.
📚 Additional customs and documentation guides
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How to Calculate Landed Cost for Imports from China
Learn how to calculate the total import cost using the FOB price, freight, customs duties, VAT, and local charges.
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Serbia–China Free Trade Agreement: Duty Groups Explained
See how duty groups A0, A5, A10, A15 and E work, which products get lower or zero duty, and how to check the rate for your imports or exports.
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Certificate of Origin for Imports from China
What is a Certificate of Origin (COO), when it is mandatory, how to obtain it from your supplier, and how it can reduce or completely eliminate customs duties.
📰 Related articles
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New EU rules – customs duties on small parcels
The EU is abolishing the customs exemption for parcels up to €150. What changes from 2025 and what this means for AliExpress purchases and import businesses.
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China abolishes VAT refund in 2026
The Chinese government is gradually removing VAT refunds for exporters on certain products. How this change affects prices and which sectors are affected.
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Trade war – how it affects importing
The global trade war between the US, China, and the EU, and how additional tariffs affect supply chains and importers in Serbia.
Explore other resources:
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Product selection
Criteria for choosing profitable products, assessing demand, and where different products are made in China.
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Suppliers
How to find and vet suppliers, platforms, trade fairs, and negotiation.
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Customs and regulations
HS codes, duty rates, origin, permits, and documentation for importing.
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Quality control
Inspections, factory audits, and reducing business risks.
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Shipping from China
LCL vs FCL, container rates, ports, lead times, and practical tips.