How to Import Disposable Paper Cups from China?

If you are an enterprising coffee business owner or just start your ice cream business, importing disposable paper cups especially custom paper cups from China will give you access to a wide range of selections at significantly lower costs. So what do you need to prepare for importing from China? Is there anything you have to consider for that? We hope this guideline will help you.

1. Find a supplier

Brand equals identity, it is your brand letting people know who you are and what you do. As fundamental to a business, branding makes it easy to be identified by customers, and it has a critical impact on your company and on your customer, especially when you are trying to generate new business. For example, custom-branded coffee paper cups is proved to be a useful way to increase brand values, enhance customer experience and generate new customers.

In general, a factory is more like a partner than a trading company to your custom products for a buyer has more control over the design, materials, and production of their custom-branded paper cups. It’s important for you to know who to work with, so remember to look for suppliers that have long-term experience and professional operation, provide after-sales support, and it’s better if they can give you sufficient profit margins and reasonable payment terms.

2. Purchase products

Once you’ve identified potential suppliers that align with what you’re looking for, try sending an initial email or message that introduces yourself and requests further info such as sample options, custom process, lead times, payment and shipping terms. Assuming you run a frozen dessert store and you think the supplier’s price and terms are sufficient, you can “test” their custom ice cream cups by requesting a sample at this step. Once you’re satisfied with your new supplier, you can attempt to negotiate before making a full purchase. Of course, high-volume businesses have more bargaining power, but even small operations may be able to negotiate price, freight terms, deposit terms, and packaging details.

3. Arrange cargo transport

The details of each transaction are laid out within purchase orders and invoices. These documents should clearly define all details of the transaction without leaving any room for misinterpretation. This includes basics but should also cover shipping terms and payment terms. The main IncotermS used for importing and exporting Chinese paper cups are FOB (Free Onboard or Freight On Board), EXW (ExWorks), and CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight). Usually, FOB is the best and most cost-effective option for new importers, it indicates that the seller's responsibilities end when the goods board the ship leaving the port of origin.

4. Clear your shipment through customs

Customs clearance is a critical part of importing from China. If you don’t provide the correct documentation and follow the right procedures, you run the risk of having your goods detained and/or examined—both of which result in delays and hefty fees. In the worst-case scenario, your merchandise is seized by CBP and destroyed or sold at auction.

Documents Request:

Port of entry

Contact information of Purchaser, Vendor, and Shipper

Detailed description of merchandise (including country of manufacture)

Piece count of each product (quantities and measures)

Cost per item and currency

All charges relating to the shipment including packaging, shipping charges

Date of purchase

Once your goods have been cleared through customs and all parties have been paid, the cargo needs to either be retrieved or transported to its final destination. You’ll also be provided with a Cargo Control Number that serves as a unique identifier for your shipment. These details can then be used to pick up or ship the imported goods.

Tuobo Packaging was founded in 2015, is one of the leading paper packaging manufacturers, factories & suppliers in China, accepting OEM, ODM, SKD orders. We have rich experiences in production & research development for different kinds of types such as single-wall/double-wall coffee cups, compostable custom ice cream cups, and so on. With advanced production equipment, and a factory covering an area of 3000 square meters, we are able to provide better products and services.

If you are interested in getting a quote for your branded paper cups or need some help or advice then get in touch with Tuobo Packaging today! Call us at 0086-13410678885 or email us at fannie@toppackhk.com.