Why Import from China?
China produces 60–70% of the world’s cement bag machinery exports. For most developing market buyers, Chinese machines offer the best balance of price, performance, and availability. However, importing from China requires careful planning to avoid costly mistakes.
This guide covers the entire import process from supplier identification to machine delivery.
Step 1: Find Qualified Suppliers
Where to Search
- Alibaba.com — Largest B2B platform; verify Gold Supplier status, trade assurance
- Made-in-China.com — Alternative platform with manufacturer focus
- Canton Fair — Biannual trade show in Guangzhou (April and October)
- Industry referrals — Ask other bag factories who they bought from
- CementPackPro directory — Our verified machine directory
Supplier Screening Criteria
| Criteria | Minimum Standard |
|---|---|
| Years in business | 5+ years |
| Export experience | Exported to 10+ countries |
| Annual revenue | >$2M |
| Factory size | >3,000 m² |
| Certifications | ISO 9001, CE mark |
| References | 3+ contactable customers |
Request for Quotation (RFQ)
Include these details when requesting quotes:
- Machine type needed (tuber, bottomer, circular loom, etc.)
- Bag specifications (size, material, layers, GSM)
- Required production speed/capacity
- Automation level
- Power supply (voltage, frequency — 220V/380V, 50/60Hz)
- Delivery destination (for shipping quotes)
- Timeline
Step 2: Factory Visit
A factory visit is the single most important step in importing from China. Budget $3,000–$5,000 for a 5–7 day trip.
Pre-Visit Planning
- Visit 2–3 suppliers in one trip (cluster in Wenzhou or Dongguan)
- Arrange hotel near the factory clusters
- Hire a translator if needed ($50–$100/day)
- Prepare a specification checklist
What to Verify During Visit
- ✅ Factory scale matches claims (worker count, floor space)
- ✅ Machines running in production (not just assembled for show)
- ✅ Quality of welding, assembly, and painting
- ✅ Component brands (PLC, motors, sensors — are they genuine?)
- ✅ Finished machine test run with your bag specifications
- ✅ References — call previous buyers from your region
Red Flags During Factory Visit
- 🚩 Factory is actually a trading company (just a showroom)
- 🚩 Workers appear unfamiliar with machines
- 🚩 No quality control procedures visible
- 🚩 Components labeled differently than quoted
- 🚩 Reluctance to let you see inventory or work areas
Step 3: Negotiate and Contract
Key Negotiation Points
| Item | Standard Practice | Negotiable? |
|---|---|---|
| Price | FOB Chinese port | Yes, 5–15% |
| Payment terms | 30% deposit, 70% before shipping | Somewhat |
| Delivery time | 30–90 days | Limited |
| Warranty | 1 year parts | Try for 18–24 months |
| Installation | 1 technician, buyer pays travel | Include more time |
| Training | 3–5 days at factory | Request longer |
| Spare parts | Separate quote | Bundle for discount |
Contract Essentials
Your contract should include:
- Detailed machine specification (model, components, dimensions, speed)
- Component list (exact brands — Siemens PLC, ABB motors, etc.)
- Performance guarantee (speed, bag quality standards)
- Payment schedule (tied to milestones)
- Delivery terms (FOB, CIF, DDP)
- Warranty terms (duration, coverage, response time)
- Penalty clause (for late delivery or performance failure)
- Dispute resolution (which court/arbitration)
Step 4: Pre-Shipment Inspection
Before Paying the Balance
Conduct pre-shipment inspection either personally or through a third-party inspection service:
- SGS, Bureau Veritas, TÜV — Professional inspection ~$300–$800
- Video inspection — Manufacturer runs machine on video call
- Request that the machine run for at least 1 hour under load producing your bag specification
- Count all components against the packing list
- Check that components match the contracted brands
Step 5: Shipping and Logistics
Shipping Options
| Method | Cost | Transit Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea freight (FCL) | $3,000–$8,000 | 20–45 days | Full container loads |
| Sea freight (LCL) | $1,500–$4,000 | 25–50 days | Partial container |
| Rail (China–Europe) | $4,000–$7,000 | 15–20 days | Central Asia, Europe |
| Air freight | $8,000–$25,000 | 5–7 days | Urgent spare parts |
Container Loading
- Most single machines fit in a 20ft container ($2,500–$5,000 shipping)
- Complete production lines typically need 2–3 × 40ft containers ($10,000–$25,000 total)
- Request wooden crate packaging protected with moisture-proof film
Important Documents
- Bill of Lading (B/L)
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Certificate of Origin
- CE Certificate
- Insurance Certificate
Step 6: Customs Clearance
Import Duties by Region
| Destination | Duty Rate | VAT/GST |
|---|---|---|
| India | 7.5–15% | 18% |
| Nigeria | 5–10% | 7.5% |
| Kenya | 0–10% | 16% |
| Bangladesh | 5–10% | 15% |
| Indonesia | 0–10% | 11% |
| Turkey | 0–5% | 20% |
| Brazil | 14–18% | Various |
HS Code
Cement bag machines typically fall under HS Code 8441 (machinery for working paper pulp, paper, or paperboard) or 8449 (machinery for making textiles/woven goods). The correct HS code affects your duty rate — consult a customs broker.
Step 7: Installation and Commissioning
Installation Checklist
- Factory floor prepared (level concrete, drainage)
- Power supply ready (correct voltage, sufficient capacity)
- Air compressor installed (if pneumatic machine)
- Raw materials ready for test runs
- Workers identified for training
- Accommodation arranged for Chinese technician
Typical Installation Timeline
| Phase | Duration |
|---|---|
| Unpacking and positioning | 1–2 days |
| Assembly and connections | 2–5 days |
| Calibration and testing | 2–3 days |
| Trial production | 3–5 days |
| Operator training | 3–5 days |
| Total | 11–20 days |
Common Import Mistakes
- ❌ Buying without visiting factory — Highest risk mistake
- ❌ Choosing cheapest quote — Cheap usually means cut corners
- ❌ No pre-shipment inspection — Machine may differ from contract
- ❌ Unclear contract terms — Leaves disputes unresolvable
- ❌ No spare parts ordered — Waiting 30+ days for parts when machine breaks
- ❌ Wrong power specifications — Machine wired for wrong voltage
- ❌ No customs broker — Delays and penalties at port
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to pay 30% deposit to a Chinese supplier? With proper due diligence (factory visit, references, verified company), 30% deposit is standard practice and generally safe. Use Alibaba Trade Assurance or bank escrow for additional protection. Never send full payment before inspection.
How long from order to production? Typically 4–6 months: Manufacturing (30–90 days) + Shipping (20–45 days) + Customs (1–4 weeks) + Installation (2–3 weeks).
What if the machine doesn’t work properly? Your contract should include a performance guarantee and warranty. Most Chinese suppliers will send a technician or provide remote troubleshooting. Having a local maintenance technician trained during installation is your best insurance.
Compare Chinese machine brands in our China vs India vs Taiwan guide or browse the machine directory.