Sell to China
China’s e-commerce market is a lucrative and appealing new target for North American online merchants looking to expand their sales . There are many considerations when deciding to sell your products into China. Paystone, as your North American gateway into the Chinese online market, is here to help you! Whether you’re concerned about shipping, what Chinese shoppers want or how to market in China, read on for useful resources and links to help your business capitalize on China’s booming economy. Be sure to check out our posts for continually updated news and information about selling to China.
Please note: Paystone is offering these resources and links as suggested research channels. Paystone is not responsible for the interpretation and use of these materials in your business strategies.
What do Chinese shoppers want to buy?
Chinese consumers are looking for high quality goods for an excellent value. Highly sought after goods include apparel and accessories, electronics and health and beauty products.
UPS, one of the top shipping providers into China, released a comprehensive and detailed survey of consumer preferences, including suggestions of how to package and market goods to make them more appealing to Chinese shoppers. Download the full report here.
What can you sell to China?
There are restrictions and regulations about what is allowed into China. You should research your products and the regulations surrounding them carefully before shipping goods to your customers.
Restricted Items not allowed to sell to China
http://market.alipay.com/ospay/service_nosale.htm
Items that Require Certification
Certain manufactured products, such as computers and home appliances for example, require a China Compulsory Certification (CCC) Mark. Click here for the US International Trade Association’s guide to the CCC , including products that require the mark and how to obtain the certification needed.
Tariffs and Taxes
There is a 17% Value Added Tax (VAT) in China. In addition to the VAT, goods brought into China are also subject to tariffs. The U.S. Department of Commerce provides a full list of tariffs in China for all products listed by their HS codes. Please note: this is a large document and may take some time to load.
For most shipments with a value less than $600 USD, there is a tax and tariff exemption, known as the Class C customs clearance for individual use. Higher value shipments will be subject to a flat rate 20% taxation that encompasses the above listed taxes, in most cases. The only exception is cosmetics, which are taxed and subject to formal clearance, no matter the shipment value. It is recommended to discuss taxation and tariff issues with your logistics provider(s) for complete information about your specific products.
Shipping to China
It’s a good idea to offer your Chinese customers various shipping options. Some customers, for example, might prefer to wait for their goods to come by boat if it means saving money. By offering your customers several choices, they take the responsibility of choosing the best method for them and will appreciate your flexibility.
You can use your regular shipping provider to send your products into China. The 3 major global couriers all ship into mainland China. Contact them directly for more details about how shipping to China works. DHL has the largest network in China, followed by UPS and FedEx.
The US Postal Service and Canada Post offer an alternative shipping method that is slower, but more cost-effective.
America Asia Express specializes in shipping to China from North America and they have a wide distribution network. They also provide consultation services in regards to customs clearance rules.
Don’t currently ship internationally? No problem! US-based e-commerce stores can use Bongo International to ship to China. You simply ship to their US location and they will send the package to China on your behalf. They will also handle issues of export compliance for you. Fifty One offers a similar logistics service for US merchants.
Translation Tools
Translate your webpage and sell more easily to Chinese buyers. Here are some software solutions and some human resource solutions to translate your website into any language.
Google Translate
Babel Fish
Human Translation
Society of Translators and Interpreters of BC
http://www.stibc.org/page/directory.aspx
American Translators Association
Paystone's Weblog 
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