demand
Preliminary requirement alignment
Customer requirement confirmation
Receive customer quotation requests (RFQ), clarify specific requirements such as product specifications, quantity, packaging, delivery time, trade terms (e.g., FOB, CIF), payment methods (T/T, L/C, etc.).
Conduct internal evaluation of production capacity, inventory, and costs, and provide the customer with a proforma invoice (PI) containing details such as price, delivery time, and payment terms.
I. Contract Signing After both parties negotiate and confirm the order details, a formal foreign trade contract (Sales Contract) shall be signed, clearly specifying terms such as product description, quantity, unit price, total price, delivery period, transportation method, payment terms, and liability for breach of contract. If payment is made by letter of credit (L/C), the buyer shall open the L/C through the bank within the agreed time, and the exporter must strictly review whether the L/C terms (e.g., delivery period, document requirements, etc.) are consistent with the contract.
II. Production and Stock Preparation Phase Production Arrangement After confirming the order, arrange factory production scheduling, follow up on production progress, and ensure product quality complies with the contract and international standards (e.g., ISO, CE certification, etc.). If inspection or special certification is required (e.g., FDA for the food industry, CPNP for cosmetics), apply in advance and prepare the relevant documents. Stock Preparation and Packaging Prepare goods according to the order quantity, and conduct packaging labeling (shipping marks, Marking), indicating the destination, number of pieces, gross weight/net weight, and other information, in compliance with international transportation packaging standards (e.g., shockproof, moisture-proof treatment).
III. Export Customs Declaration and Transportation Arrangements Booking and Freight Forwarding Based on the delivery schedule and transportation method (sea, air, or land), engage a freight forwarder or shipping company to book cargo space and obtain the booking confirmation (S/O, Shipping Order). For sea freight, confirm the sailing schedule, destination port, and container type (FCL or LCL). For air freight, verify flight details and the air waybill (AWB) information. Preparation of Export Customs Documents Prepare the required documents for customs declaration: • Commercial Invoice : Indicates the value, quantity, specifications, etc., of the goods. • Packing List : Details the contents, weight, and volume of each package.
IV. Customs Declaration Form: Declares export goods information to customs. Verification Form (if applicable, some countries have abolished it), Export License (if involving controlled products). Inspection Certificate (if required by the customer or destination country), Certificate of Origin (CO, FORM E, etc., used to enjoy tariff preferences). Customs Declaration and Release Submit the customs declaration documents to the customs broker for export declaration to customs. After customs approval, the goods will undergo inspection (such as random checks), and upon verification, they will be released (with a release stamp affixed).
V. Cargo Shipment and Bill of Lading Acquisition Cargo Loading onto Vessel/Aircraft Based on the customs release notice, transport the goods to the port or airport and arrange for loading onto the vessel/aircraft. After the freight forwarder or shipping company confirms the cargo loading, they will issue a Mate's Receipt. Bill of Lading (B/L) Issuance The exporter exchanges the Mate's Receipt with the shipping company or freight forwarder to obtain the original Bill of Lading (typically 3 original copies, which can be released via telex or mailed). The contents of the Bill of Lading must align with the customs declaration and contract, including: • Shipper, Consignee, and Notify Party information; • Cargo description, quantity, container/seal numbers, vessel name/voyage number, port of loading, and port of destination; • Date and place of B/L issuance, along with the issuer's signature. For a Telex Release B/L, the notation "Telex Release" must be marked on the Bill of Lading, and the consignee can take delivery by submitting a telex release guarantee. For original Bills of Lading, they must be sent to the customer via bank or courier (depending on the payment method, e.g., L/C requires submission through the bank).
