Top 5 Tips to Consider While Importing Products from China

By Virginia Mwangi

Kenyans importing goods from China had to physically travel to the country to purchase and import their desired goods. This has cost them more time and resources than is really necessary.

Introduction of e-commerce trading platforms have in the past played a critical role enabling Kenyans shop for their goods in the comfort of their homes. This has boosted mutual trade between Kenya and the Chinese traders.

Emergence and rise of technology in Kenya have greatly impacted the Kenyan market. Kenyan traders are flooding E-commerce platforms seeking to import goods. The need for traders to purchase quality goods for their businesses from the largest source of imports for African traders cannot be overlooked and that is why we have carefully outlined the Dos of importing goods from China.  

• Identify the Product on Demand Locally

Identify what product you would like to import; it obviously should be a product that is attracting demand locally. It is important to consult the customs office to ensure the goods you plan to import are acceptable under the Kenyan constitution.

As a trader, it is important that you have an active KRA pin as it is required during the customs clearance process as you pick your goods from the port.

• Choose Your Supplier

Find a supplier you prefer on the E-commerce platform, there are numerous sites that have a topnotch database of Chinese manufacturers such as Alibaba and Aliexpress.

It is advisable to counter check on the credentials of the supplier you’ve chosen to ensure you are getting quality products.

• Get Your Budget Right

As you are importing for business purposes, it is important to first do your calculations on what you intend to spend. You will be required to pay the supplier for the goods, pay for the freight charges and also pay for the clearing, duty and inspection fees.

A formula mostly used in determining how much one is going to spend on the whole import process is to multiply the manufacturer’s price with 1.6. The answer is the total amount you’ll spend. With this formula, you are able to predict your profit even before you import the goods.

• Identify Your Port of Loading

China has a number of ports, unlike Kenya, Guangzhou, Tianjin, Qingdao, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Ningbo and Dalian. You identify your port and potential courier company where you can request your supplier to drop your products at your agent’s office in the nearest port city from where you can agree with the courier agent in terms of delivery.

In the case where you choose to have your products delivered by air which is faster, a bit more expensive and takes a shorter time to arrive, you will have to collect them at your nearest international airport. If you prefer delivery by sea, then you have to pick them from the Mombasa port.

• Market and Price Right

With your products in the country, its then time to market and engage your entrepreneurial skills with the right pricing and marketing, we wish more sales.