Sending a parcel to China can be a headache whether it’s a sample, a personal gift, or an order. Delays and extra costs can occur from the simplest mistakes. Knowing the shipping details can save you time and money.
There are specific shipping requirements you must adhere to within China, and abiding to local regulations, standards for packaging, and forms.
The requirements for China are much more different than from other countries.
Knowing the common mistakes can be a time and money saver and can ensure the safety of your package.
- Using an Incomplete or Incorrect Address
The most common mistake made when sending parcels to Chinese businesses is submitting an incomplete address. Addresses in China must specify the entire address, including the province, city, district, street name, building /house number, and the name of the recipient.
The name of the recipient must also be written in both English and Chinese (if possible).
When you send parcel to China, always check the postal code and include a phone number. Incorrect addresses are the number one cause of failed deliveries.
- Ignoring Customs Regulations and Prohibited Items
Unsophisticated cargo shippers do not research China’s customs when shipping to that location. Items that are banned for shipping to that country include, but are not limited to, items that include batteries, items that are liquids and/or powders, and edible items in the form of food.
Incorrect customs declarations may cause the parcel to be subject to a fine, or it may be impounded and destroyed.
Always check the prohibited and restricted items for the China Customs.
- Poor or Inadequate Packaging
A common mistake is weak packaging. When shipping parcels to China, items will be handled many times and travel long distances.
Use strong boxes and waterproof packaging. Add cushioning to protect the contents from shifting. Breakable items need more protection and “Fragile” labels. Proper packaging prevents damage and minimizes the chance that the carrier will refuse to carry it.
- Choosing the Wrong Shipping Method
Picking a poor courier service brings delays and higher expense. Express services are the quickest and most expensive and economy services may take up to a month.
Take into account the value, contents, and the budget. If items are to be shipped to China on a regular basis, a number of services should be compared and their policies evaluated.
- Missing or Wrong Commercial Documentation
A lack of or incorrect commercial paperwork (like commercial invoices, packing lists, or certificates) will result in your shipment being held at customs.
This is necessary even for small gifts or samples. Different from a personal shipment, undervaluation of goods, in an attempt to avoid duties, is a violation of customs formalities. Keep in mind that all commercial documentation needs to be legible, completed, and attached to the shipment.
- Not Buying Insurance
In an attempt to control costs, people forgo insurance. This is the wrong approach.
There is a very high risk of a shipment being lost, damaged, or stolen and for that reason, shipping insurance is the best choice, both for physical and mental protection, for a valuable and or important shipment.
Always put a value consideration on your shipment and provide insurance if a carrier offers it.
- Not Monitoring Shipments After Dispatch
Every time you fail to track a shipment, you create a risk of surprises. Some carriers provide tracking and others provide tracking with real-time notifications, so get the most out of the shipment tracking services.
Know where your shipment is so you can mitigate problems during shipment and while at customs in China.
Tips Before Shifting Parcels to China
Patience and preparation go a long way when you are shifting parcels internationally. Start ahead of time and to have your parcels delivered to the desired location safely and on time.
Be fully aware of the current laws on parcel shifting. Thoroughly check everything, including the parcel’s contents, packaging, and all transport requests.
With Good Attention to Detail
There are seven recognized shifting errors. Dealing with any of these errors will improve your success with intention to shift parcels to China, even if that’s the only effect parcel shifting has had on you in the past.
It will have a positive effect for you whether you are regular parcel shifters or a one time parcel shipper.
