Complete Guide
How to import from China step by step
Everything you need to know from finding a supplier to receiving your merchandise. No technicalities, with real examples.
Request complete guideIf you have a question that isn't here, write to us. We'll probably add it.
The cost depends on multiple variables: origin, destination, type of merchandise, volume, and chosen transport route. What we do guarantee is a detailed, fixed quote without fine print before you confirm any shipment. You can ask us for a quote without commitment and at no cost.
No. The quote we give you includes all known costs: international freight, consolidation (LCL), customs clearance, estimated tariffs, and delivery to destination. If in some exceptional case something unexpected arises (like an extraordinary shipping line surcharge), we notify you immediately and agree on how to proceed.
Customs taxes depend on the tariff position of your merchandise and the destination country. In the quote, we include a tariff estimate based on the correct classification of your product. Part of our service is ensuring that the classification is correct to avoid surprises.
It depends on the origin and chosen modality. In general: Sea freight LCL from China: 35â�,��–o50 total days (including pickup, consolidation, transit, and customs). Air freight from China: 10â�,��–o15 business days. Courier: 5â�,��–o10 business days. We always give you a specific ETA when quoting and notify you if it changes.
In international logistics, unexpected events can occur: port congestion, customs delays, shipping line route changes. The difference with Fastfwd is that when something happens, we notify you first. We explain what happened, why, and what the new action plan is. You never find out about a delay because the cargo didn't arrive.
For sea freight LCL, we recommend planning at least 60â�,��–o75 days in advance from when the supplier has the goods ready. For air freight, 2â�,��–o3 weeks is sufficient. You have the quote in less than 24 hours from when you write to us.
Not at all. Fastfwd is designed exactly for those who have no experience or don't want to deal with the complexity of foreign trade. We take care of the entire process and explain each step in simple language. The only thing you need is to be clear about what you want to import and from where.
For an accurate quote, we need: (1) Product description, (2) Approximate weight and dimensions or CBM, (3) Country of origin, (4) Destination city/address, (5) Estimated date when the supplier will have the goods ready. That's enough for a first detailed budget.
Yes. You receive proactive updates at every relevant stage of your shipment. You don't need to chase us to know what's happening: we notify you. Also, if at any point you want a specific update, we're available by email.
Yes, China is our main source of operations. We also work with other Asian origins and some from Europe. If your supplier is in a country we're not sure about covering well, we'll tell you honestly.
For courier, there's no real minimum. For LCL sea freight, the operation becomes more efficient starting from 0.5 CBM. But if it's your first import and the volume is smaller, courier is the best way to start and understand the process before scaling.
It's not our main service, but we can guide you on platforms, supplier verification requirements, and the key questions you need to ask a supplier before committing. We're logistics, not sourcing, but we share what we know.
Practical content to make better decisions at each stage of your operation.
Everything you need to know from finding a supplier to receiving your merchandise. No technicalities, with real examples.
Request complete guideTariff classification errors, incorrect documentation, miscalculated deadlines. We've seen them all and tell you how to avoid them.
Request guideFreight, tariffs, taxes, port fees, local transport. The complete formula so you're never caught off guard again.
Request guideThe cheapest isn't always the best. We explain when it's worth paying more for speed and when sea freight is the smart move.
Request guideBill of Lading, packing list, commercial invoice, certificate of origin. What they are, what they're for, and who prepares them.
Request guideThe signs that tell you it's time to move to the next level. How to evaluate if volume justifies changing modalities.
Request guideLeave us your email and we'll send practical Recursos on imports directly to your inbox.
No unnecessary technicalities. Just what you need to know.
A sea freight modality where your merchandise shares the container with those of other importers. Ideal when you don't fill a full container. You pay only for the space you use.
A full container exclusive to your cargo. Generally from 10â�,��–o12 CBM. More cost-efficient per unit than LCL at that volume.
Unit of measure of volume in logistics. 1 CBM = 1 meter �f�– 1 meter �f�– 1 meter. Used to calculate cost in LCL and other transport modes.
Document issued by the shipping line confirming they received your cargo. It is the title of ownership of the merchandise during sea transport. Essential for customs clearance.
Incoterm indicating that the supplier delivers the goods at the origin port. From there, cost and risk are the importer's. Most common incoterm in imports from China.
Incoterm where the supplier/exporter takes care of all costs until final delivery, including taxes. The buyer receives the goods without additional procedures.
The process of joining several small cargoes into the same container to optimize space use and reduce costs. It's what makes LCL economically viable.
International numerical code that classifies each type of merchandise. Defines which tariffs and taxes apply in customs. Incorrect classification can cost a lot of money.
You don't need to have everything clear to write to us. That's exactly what we're for.