How to Import Leather Goods from Korea to China

From researching the industry and locating potential suppliers to managing logistics and ensuring compliance with customs rules, there are numerous intricate stages involved in importing leather goods from Korea to China. This tutorial delves into each stage, shedding light on how B2B platforms play a crucial part in making these imports possible.

Business Analysis

With $344 million in exports in 2022, South Korea is a major player in the leather goods export market. The Chinese market continues to be a significant buyer of Korean leather goods, with annual imports of $60.5 million. Many factors impact the dynamics of commerce between these two nations. One of these is the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which involves a series of trade agreements and changes in tariff rates.

Trade in leather products may benefit from this agreement’s stated goal of lowering trade barriers and increasing economic integration among its member nations, which includes South Korea and China. Have a look at some essential which are necessary to import leather goods from Korea to China.

1. Researching the Market and Identifying Suppliers

Conducting extensive market research and choosing dependable suppliers are the initial steps in importing leather goods from Korea to China. If you are looking for reliable vendors, B2B platforms are a great place to start. Below are a few important platforms:

eWorldTrade:

Provides a full list of authentic Korean leather products vendors, allowing for safe and direct trade.

• eWorldTrade provides an extensive list of trustworthy Korean leather products vendors.
• Allows for private conversations and transactions to take place.

Alibaba:

Offers a wide range of suppliers with comprehensive profiles, feedback from buyers, and services to ensure smooth trade.

• Trade assurance safeguards customer orders by guaranteeing timely shipment of high-quality products.

Global Sources:

Providing supplier verification and auditing services, Global Sources focuses on procuring high-quality products.

• Obtaining top-notch merchandise is the main emphasis of Global Sources.
• Product quality and supplier dependability can be guaranteed with the help of these audits and verification services.

Made In China:

Features widespread supplier info and trade support in addition to a large selection of leather products made in China.

• Features a wide-ranging selection of leather products made in China.
• Offers comprehensive supplier data and trade support.

DHgate:

For smaller businesses looking for wholesale rates and a specialised service, DHgate is a great option.

• They offer wholesale prices and specialise in smaller orders.
• Perfect for startups who don’t have a tonne of capital to throw around but yet want to import leather items.

EC21:

EC21 is an all-inclusive B2B marketplace that prioritises supplier authenticity and quality control.

• A full-featured business-to-business marketplace that prioritises quality assurance is EC21.
• Verifies suppliers thoroughly to ensure their credibility.

ThomasNet

ThomasNet efforts on industrial items and primarily services the North American market, however it does feature vendors from all across the globe.

• The North American market is ThomasNet’s main focus, however the company does work with suppliers from throughout the world.
• Places an emphasis on industrial items, particularly leather products, guaranteeing quality.

EC Plaza

With an emphasis on export and trade facilitation, ECPlaza provides comprehensive listings of Korean suppliers.

• In-depth catalogues of Korean providers are available on ECPlaza.
• Streamlines the import process for consumers by concentrating on trade and export facilitation.

HKDTC

One place to find high-quality Asian goods, such leather products, is the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).

• The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a great place to find Asian products of good quality.
• Products made of leather are available, and the company provides great customer service.

If you’re looking for a dependable source of high-quality leather items, one of these platforms can help you find them quickly and easily.

Make sure to check suppliers’ credibility through evaluations, trade assurances, and direct conversation before using these platforms.

2. Contract and Incoterm Negotiation

Contract and Incoterms negotiation follows supplier identification (International Commercial Terms). Important factors to keep in mind are:

• The contract should spell out the conditions pertaining to the quantity, quality, price, and delivery dates of the goods. Specifications, acceptable quality levels, and inspection procedures for the leather items must be specified in detail.
• Use Incoterms such as CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) or FOB (Free On Board) to specify the duties and expenses of the customer and the seller. To help prevent disagreements, these terms outline when the buyer is responsible for assessing risk.

3. Shipping and Logistics

The importing of leather goods relies heavily on efficient logistical management. Some key points to keep in mind are:

You can choose between ocean freight and air freight as your shipping methods. For shipments that require immediate attention or are valued highly, air freight is the way to go, despite its higher price tag. Shipping goods via ocean is a more economical option for bigger shipments. For bigger shipments, Full Container Load (FCL) is the way to go, while Less than Container Load (LCL) is more suited for smaller ones.

4. Documentation and Customs Clearance

A vital part of importing is getting it cleared by customs. To prevent fines and delays, precise paperwork is required. Important papers consist of:

• Between the shipper and the carrier, a bill of lading acts as both a receipt and a contract for the shipment of goods.
• Specifies the goods or services purchased and paid for by the buyer and vendor.
• Details on the shipment’s contents, such as their dimensions and weights, are detailed on the packing list.

5. Standards and Compliance

It is critical to check that imported leather items meet the product requirements set by China. Penalties or cargo rejections may occur from non-compliance. Things to keep in mind:

All imported leather goods must be up to par with the safety and quality standards set by China. The tanning chemicals, their labels, and other safety norms are all subject to these rules.

The Chinese government has the right to check and test any goods that enter the country. Preventing delays and extra expenses can be achieved by making sure products are up to par before shipment.

The Wrap Up

It will take meticulous preparation and execution to import leather goods from Korea to China in the year 2024. Using business-to-business (B2B) platforms, importers can find trustworthy suppliers, negotiate good prices, streamline logistics, and stay in compliance with customs rules. You may save time and money by using eWorldTrade and staying current on tariff modifications.