What Documents Are Required for Importing from China?
What documents are needed for importing from China? We explain the invoice, bill of lading, certificate of origin, and other mandatory paperwork.
When importing from China, certain documents are necessary to complete the customs process. If these documents are incomplete or incorrect, the product will be held in customs, leading to additional costs and delivery delays.
In this article, we explain which documents are required for importing from China, the purpose of each document, and what to pay attention to.
Mandatory Documents
1. Commercial Invoice
This is the fundamental document that documents the commercial relationship between the buyer and the seller. It should contain the following information:
Buyer and seller details
Product description and HS code
Quantity, unit price, and total amount
Delivery terms (FOB, CIF, etc.)
Payment terms
The value on the invoice affects the customs basis. Declaring a low invoice value constitutes smuggling and carries heavy penalties.
2. Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
This is the document issued by the carrier that shows the goods have been loaded onto a ship or aircraft. In maritime transport, it is referred to as Bill of Lading (B/L), while in air transport, it is known as Airway Bill (AWB).
The bill of lading also serves as a proof of ownership — it confirms who owns the goods.
3. Packing List
This is a detailed list showing the contents, weights, and dimensions of the packages. It is used during customs inspection and warehouse delivery.
4. Certificate of Origin
This document indicates the country of manufacture of the product. For products of Chinese origin, Form A or a general certificate of origin is issued.
This document can directly affect the customs duty rates. Due to Turkey's free trade agreements with certain countries, the certificate of origin can provide tax advantages.
Additional Documents According to Product
Additional documents may be required for some product categories:
CE Certificate: Mandatory for products like electronics, toys, and machinery
TAREKS Reference Number: Required for products under inspection
Health Certificate: Required for food and cosmetic products
Analysis Report: May be requested for chemical-containing products
TSE Compliance Certificate: Mandatory for certain product groups
Common Mistakes in Documents
The product description on the invoice does not match the bill of lading
The certificate of origin is incomplete or incorrectly issued
The weight information on the packing list does not match reality
Failure to obtain documentation for products that require a CE certificate
These mistakes can lead to serious delays and penalties in customs.
Who Prepares the Documents?
The commercial invoice and packing list are prepared by the Chinese supplier. The bill of lading is issued by the carrier company. The certificate of origin is obtained through trade chambers in China.
In Turkey, the customs declaration is prepared by the customs broker.
Conclusion
Document deficiencies or errors can result in products being held at customs and incurring additional costs. Clarify from your supplier which documents you need to obtain from the beginning and maintain regular communication with your customs broker.
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