Import guides
Container costs and transit times, duty and VAT, documents, supplier checks and the Yiwu market. Read before you order from China.
How to import from China, step by stepImporting from China in 11 steps. With our own agents and warehouses in Yiwu and Ningbo, we run the process from the product to the customs warehouse.Read more: How to import from China, step by stepYiwu market guide for buyersSize, districts and opening hours of the Yiwu market. Our agent goes through the shops with you, and we collect and check the goods in our own warehouse.Read more: Yiwu market guide for buyersHow to verify a Chinese supplierWhat a verified Chinese supplier means and the warning signs of fraud. Our agents check the company and the goods on the ground, anywhere in China.Read more: How to verify a Chinese supplierSourcing agent or freight forwarder?What an agent in China does and what a forwarder does. With our own team in China we run sourcing, checks and transport to the customs warehouse, and a forwarder clears the goods.Read more: Sourcing agent or freight forwarder?LCL or FCL?The choice between LCL and FCL depends on the volume, weight and type of goods. Send us the carton dimensions and we will suggest which option suits you best.Read more: LCL or FCL?How much a container from China costsThe cost of a container from China to Skopje, Belgrade or Tirana depends on the route, container type and sailing date. Our quote lists every charge.Read more: How much a container from China costsHow long shipping from China takesA container from China travels via Suez or around Africa to Thessaloniki, Durres or Bar. Production is planned separately. Sea and air compared.Read more: How long shipping from China takesImport documents for goods from ChinaThe documents for an import from China, who issues them and what we check before loading. Certificates by type of goods. A forwarder handles clearance.Read more: Import documents for goods from ChinaCustoms duty and VAT on goods from China: what the forwarder does and what you prepareDuty and VAT on goods from China are handled by the forwarder. What we do, what the forwarder does, and which certificates to check before you pay the deposit.Read more: Customs duty and VAT on goods from China: what the forwarder does and what you prepare1688, Alibaba or Yiwu market: choosing a channel and comparing complete offers1688, Alibaba.com or the Yiwu market? Send one buying brief to all three and compare complete offers: contract, MOQ, payment protection, samples and checks.Read more: 1688, Alibaba or Yiwu market: choosing a channel and comparing complete offersBranded and viral toys from China: original, documented, or seizedBefore a deposit on Labubu or other branded toys from China: check the seller's right to the brand and the toy's documents for Macedonia, Serbia or Albania.Read more: Branded and viral toys from China: original, documented, or seizedChinese New Year 2027: when to order goods from ChinaChinese New Year is on 6 February 2027. Work back from the date you need the goods in your Balkan warehouse: samples, production, ready goods, the ship.Read more: Chinese New Year 2027: when to order goods from ChinaContainer dimensions 20ft, 40ft and 40HC: how much actually fitsInternal dimensions, door size, volume and payload for 20ft, 40ft and 40HC containers, how many CBM of cartons really fit and how to count your boxes.Read more: Container dimensions 20ft, 40ft and 40HC: how much actually fitsEXPO 2027 Belgrade: when hotels, restaurants and shops need to order from ChinaEXPO 2027 Belgrade runs 15 May to 15 August 2027. How tenders, official merchandise and private hotel, restaurant or shop orders from China differ.Read more: EXPO 2027 Belgrade: when hotels, restaurants and shops need to order from ChinaTariff code for goods from China: what the forwarder confirms and what you prepareThe tariff (HS) code for goods from China decides the duty. Your forwarder confirms it. What to prepare before you order, and which certificates to check.Read more: Tariff code for goods from China: what the forwarder confirms and what you prepareEXW, FOB, CIF or DDP: one order from China, four quotes comparedOne order from China quoted four ways: EXW, FCA/FOB, CIF and DDP. Which costs the supplier covers, where risk passes, and three mistakes Balkan importers make.Read more: EXW, FOB, CIF or DDP: one order from China, four quotes comparedImporting e-bikes, e-scooters and lithium batteries from ChinaWe ship battery goods from China to the Balkans. Before the deposit: the UN number, UN38.3 summary, carrier rules and what your own country requires.Read more: Importing e-bikes, e-scooters and lithium batteries from ChinaPaying a Chinese supplier: what to check before the deposit and before the balanceWhat banks in Macedonia, Serbia and Albania need, which payment route to use, what to check before deposit and balance, and what to do if bank details change.Read more: Paying a Chinese supplier: what to check before the deposit and before the balanceChina-Serbia free trade agreement in 2027: zero duty, phase-outs and proof of originChina-Serbia FTA in 2027: what is already duty-free, what is still phasing out, what never will, and which certificate of origin to agree before you order.Read more: China-Serbia free trade agreement in 2027: zero duty, phase-outs and proof of originSummer 2027 on the Albanian and Montenegrin coast: an order calendar for goods from ChinaSunbeds, parasols and hotel textiles from China for a May 2027 opening in Albania or Montenegro: why goods must be ready around late January, month by month.Read more: Summer 2027 on the Albanian and Montenegrin coast: an order calendar for goods from ChinaYiwu market, autumn 2026: what changed and what to check on your tripYiwu market in autumn 2026: District 6 after its first year, the Yiwu Index report on festive goods, dates up to Chinese New Year and a checklist for your trip.Read more: Yiwu market, autumn 2026: what changed and what to check on your trip
