What Should I Know Before I Start Importing from China?

Toplink

Published on

April 21, 2025

Before the Cargo Leaves the Dock: What Should I Know Before I Start Importing from China?

In the bustling backstreets of Yiwu and the gleaming factories of Shenzhen, your next big business break could be waiting. But hold on—what should I know before I start importing from China? That’s a question every aspiring importer, from Nairobi to Kisumu to Eldoret, should be asking before placing that first order.

Importing from China can transform your business—if you play it smart. Get it wrong, and you could lose money, time, and credibility. Get it right, and you’re in the game with global competitors.

Let’s break it down, one shipping container at a time.

What Does It Really Mean to Import from China?

Before diving into the specifics, let’s clarify the keyword: what should I know before I start importing from China?

Importing from China refers to the process of sourcing, purchasing, and shipping products manufactured in China to your home country—Kenya, in this case. It involves identifying suppliers (often via platforms like Alibaba or Made-in-China.com), negotiating prices, arranging production, managing quality control, handling international shipping, clearing customs, and finally getting your goods delivered locally.

It sounds simple—but each of these steps holds its own risks, regulations, and opportunities.

1. Understand the Full Supply Chain (Don’t Just Focus on Prices)

Most new importers focus on one thing: cheap prices. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

You need to understand the total landed cost—the full expense of getting your product from a factory in China to your doorstep in Kenya. This includes:

Product Cost (FOB or EXW terms)
Shipping Fees (sea freight, air freight)
Customs Duties & Taxes (charged by KRA)
Clearing Charges (handled by your freight forwarder)
Local Transport Costs (from the port to your store)

Ask yourself: Will the margin after all these costs still make sense?

2. Supplier Verification Is Not Optional

China is filled with both reputable factories and shady fly-by-nights. Before you send money to anyone:

Ask for business licenses
Request product samples
Use verified supplier badges on platforms like Alibaba
Consider hiring a third-party sourcing agent in China
Run a background check through Kenya’s clearing and forwarding firms who often have networks on the ground

You wouldn’t walk into a Nairobi kiosk and hand over Ksh 1 million without checking—why do it online?

3. Know Your Shipping Options (And What Suits You)

Freight from China to Kenya comes in different flavors:

Air Freight: Fast, expensive. Ideal for electronics, small batches, or urgent goods.
Sea Freight – LCL (Less than Container Load): Affordable for small businesses. You share a container with others.
Sea Freight – FCL (Full Container Load): Cost-effective for bulk goods.

If you’re not sure which method suits you, work with a professional freight forwarding company in Kenya that can break it down and even consolidate goods from different suppliers.

Pro Tip: Always plan your shipment at least 2-3 months in advance if using sea freight. Delays happen—build in a cushion.

4. Customs Rules Will Make or Break You

This is where many new importers fall flat. Customs regulations in Kenya, enforced by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), are not optional.

Product Classification (HS Codes): Determines how much tax you’ll pay.
Import Licenses: Some products require licenses or permits.
Pre-shipment Inspection (PSI): Certain items must be inspected before leaving China.
KEBS Standards Mark: Electricals, food items, cosmetics, and more require conformity certification.

Don’t guess. Use a clearing agent in Kenya to navigate this maze. Getting it wrong could result in detention, fines—or even destruction of your cargo.

5. Quality Control Is Your Responsibility

China will give you exactly what you asked for. The problem? Most first-time importers don’t ask correctly.

Always request a sample before placing a bulk order.
For big shipments, hire a quality inspection service to visit the factory before goods are shipped.
Set clear product specs (materials, size, color, labeling, etc.) in writing.
Avoid vague language like “good quality”—define what that means.

In Kenya, there are businesses sitting on warehouses full of unusable stock simply because they didn’t double-check what they were buying.

6. Be Smart About Payments

Don’t just wire money blindly. Safe payment practices include:

Alibaba Trade Assurance (offers refund protection)
Letter of Credit (for large orders)
PayPal or Escrow Services (for smaller transactions)
Bank Transfers to Verified Company Accounts

Avoid personal PayPal or WeChat payments unless you’re working with a supplier you’ve visited or vetted thoroughly.

7. Learn from Real Kenyan Importers

Let’s take a few real-world examples:

🔌 Electronics Retailer – Nairobi CBD

Started with air freight for smartphone accessories. After two successful shipments, switched to LCL sea freight with help from a Kenyan freight forwarder, reducing costs by 35%. Biggest lesson: under-declaring cargo led to delays and KRA penalties.

👟 Boutique Owner – Mombasa

Ordered 200 pairs of designer shoes from a new supplier. Skipped quality inspection. Received 200 pairs of knockoffs. Filed a dispute—but supplier had already closed shop.

📱 E-commerce Store – Kisii

Used Alibaba Trade Assurance and worked with a local agent to inspect goods. Kept track of shipment via mobile app and cleared cargo via SGR from Mombasa. Smooth process—and now on their 8th import.

Hidden Costs to Watch Out For

It’s not just about product cost and freight:

Port Charges
Container Deposit Fees
Demurrage (charges for delayed container clearance)
Last-mile delivery
Currency fluctuations

These costs sneak up fast—budget for them upfront.

Final Thoughts: What Should I Know Before I Start Importing from China?

Here’s the brutal truth: importing from China can make or break your business. It’s a goldmine—if you’re informed. If not, it’s a money pit.

So when you ask, “What should I know before I start importing from China?”, the answer is this:

✅ Understand your full costs
✅ Vet your suppliers
✅ Use professionals—don’t go it alone
✅ Follow customs rules to the letter
✅ Never compromise on quality
✅ Plan. Double-check. And then plan again.

Ready to Import from China? Don’t Go It Alone!

If you’re planning your first import—or trying to fix past mistakes—now is the time to partner with pros.

🔍 Need help identifying trusted suppliers?
🚛 Want cargo cleared quickly and legally?
📦 Not sure what your total costs will be?

Talk to Toplink Consolidators today—Kenya’s trusted clearing and forwarding experts who handle everything from sourcing to delivery. Let’s move smarter, not riskier.

Because your first import should be the start of something great—not the end of your dream.