B2B Export Process

Goods preparation and documents

Production, inspection and packaging of the goods are completed, and the export documents are prepared: commercial invoice, packing list and sales contract. For hardware products we also prepare certificates such as CE and RoHS when the destination requires them for customs clearance.

Booking with the freight forwarder

A booking request is sent to the freight forwarder, who books space with the carrier and issues the Shipping Order (SO). The SO is the document used to pick up the container.

Trucking and container loading

The trucking company collects the empty container from the terminal against the SO, loads and seals it at our warehouse, and returns the loaded container to the port terminal.

Customs declaration

Documents are submitted to the customs broker and the goods are declared through the China International Trade Single Window. Customs inspection may be triggered at random. Once the goods are released, the container waits to be loaded onto the vessel.

Vessel loading and departure

The container is loaded onto the vessel. After departure (ETD) the carrier issues the Bill of Lading, either an original B/L or a telex release B/L. The B/L is the critical document of title to the goods.

Destination clearance and delivery

When the vessel arrives at the destination port (ETA), the buyer uses the B/L, invoice and packing list to complete import customs clearance, pay import duties and VAT, and collect the goods. Under FOB and CIF terms the buyer is responsible for destination clearance and local charges.

Foreign exchange settlement

The buyer remits payment to our foreign currency account according to the agreed payment terms. The bank handles the international revenue and expenditure declaration, and the foreign currency can be converted into RMB.

Export tax refund

Once the goods have cleared customs on departure, payment has been received and a valid VAT input invoice is available, the export tax refund is applied for through the electronic tax bureau system.

Important notes

• The HS code must be accurate for customs declaration: an incorrect HS code can cause detention and affect the tax refund
• Trade terms (FOB / EXW / CIF / DAP) define the risk and cost boundary between buyer and seller
• The Bill of Lading is the core document of cargo ownership