{"id":1711,"date":"2020-09-30T18:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-09-30T18:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/examinechina.com\/blog\/?p=1711"},"modified":"2025-07-09T13:44:13","modified_gmt":"2025-07-09T11:44:13","slug":"import-from-china","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.examinechina.com\/import-from-china\/","title":{"rendered":"Import from China to the EU step by step"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Importing from China is quite a complicated process; novice importers have to ensure they take care of many things. Starting from finding the right supplier in China, verifying the company, signing the contract, getting to know the EU standards like CE certification, organizing transportation, and finally carrying out customs clearance in the destination country. These are just some of the importer’s obligations. In the following guide, “Import from China to the EU step by step,” you get to know how to import goods from China to Europe from A to Z.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Import from China to the EU step by step: how to start?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Professional sourcing from China involves familiarizing yourself with many regulations and obligations imposed on the importer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, it is worth mentioning that goods imported from China that are intended to be placed on the EU market should not be sourced from AliExpress in the long term. Products from AliExpress and other similar platforms usually do not have the required documents that enable the importer to introduce them onto the market. If you want to import goods from a B2C (Business to Customer) platform, ensure that you have all the required documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is most important when importing from China? We will guide you step by step through the entire import process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Setting up a business to import from China<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

First and foremost, you have to set up a business. By and large, the type of enterprise does not matter. You can register as a sole proprietorship or a private limited company. Import from China can be carried out under various types of business entities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. EORI number for import<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

After registering a company and having a tax identification number attributed, you should apply for an EORI number. EORI is necessary to import from China to the European Union\u2019s Member States and place the goods in the market. Obtaining an EORI number is easy and without charge. The entire procedure can be carried out online \u2013 it usually takes a few days to obtain an EORI number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Import from China \u2013 obligations related to waste production<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As an importer in the European Union, you must comply with the regulations related to waste production and waste management. All packaging placed on the EU market must meet basic requirements regarding recoverability and composition. In addition, if you, for example, import electrical and electronic equipment or batteries, you fall under the mandatory obligations of the WEEE and Battery Directive. But the overall requirements are imposed on every importer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Member States have their measures concerning the environmental aspects of packaging and packaging waste. Some of them have their own waste database that the importer registers into and keeps records. Germany has its LUCID Register<\/a>, and Poland has a BDO system. Not complying with your legal obligations can result in the prohibition of sales or fines.<\/p>\n\n\n

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