Ethiopia export to China – all you need to know!

Ethiopia export to China – all you need to know!

China is gradually becoming one of Ethiopia’s leading export destinations, currently importing 16% of Ethiopia’s total import products. Some of the imports include coffee, soybeans, leather footwear, groundnuts, and sesame seeds. Interestingly, 70% of Ethiopia’s sesame seeds exports go to China! For potential exporters, therefore, this guide will be of great help as you gather information on Ethiopia export to China,

Here are some of the most important facts you need to know about importing into China.

1. Customs agents or partners
   1. Foreign firms recommend the use of customs agents or partners for the entire process. These agents are popular and efficient because of their knowledge of the area of importing, and their expertise in dealing with clients.

• Registration with Customs authorities
  • Every person or company importing into China must register with the Customs Authorities to receive an Importer Customs Registration Code (ITPD) or Importer of Record (IOR). The Customs Registration Code should then be indicated on the Customs Declaration Form for all shipments.

• Import Restrictions
  • Another thing you need to know about importation is what should not be included in any Ethiopia export to China. Such items include firearms, printed materials, counterfeit, photos, among many others.
  • Any imports that may prove to be detrimental to the people of China are banned at the entry point.
  • Any food product that may be harmful to public health by the National Health and Family Planning Commission is also restricted from entry.
• China Compulsory Certificate Mark
• The China Compulsory Certificate mark is necessary for 23 categories of products.
• Any product that is not on this list cannot cross the border until the CCC marks have been obtained.
• Products that do not comply with the standards and do not have the CCC mark must remain at the border until the marks have been obtained.
• Any item that does not comply with the CCC mark will be held at the Chinese border, and the exporter may have to pay several penalties.

• Import Standards
  • Before importing into China, one must consider the local laws of the land, and get to know about the different levels of import standards applicable to the various categories of imports.
  • These product standards are arranged in the following groups:
    • National standards
    • Industrial standards
    • Local standards
    • Enterprise standards

• Import Tariffs
  • Import tariffs fall into 6 categories:
    • General taxes
    • Preferential rates
    • MFN (Most Favored Nation) rates
    • Tariff rates
    • Quota rates
    • Provisional rates
    • Agreement rates
  • Note that China gives some of its MFN special rates for goods that the Chinese government has identified as necessities in the development of key industries.

• Value Added Tax – VAT
  • Foreign and domestic enterprises are required to pay VAT. VAT is assessed based on the importation of goods, and subsequent sales.
  • VAT is assessed after the import tariff is calculated, and incorporates the total value of the tariff rate.
  • VAT is collected regularly on all imports into China.

• AQSIQ Inspection Certificate
  • This inspection certificate is issued by the General Administrator of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine (ASQIQ), or any of its local bureaus.
  • Individuals interested in Ethiopia export to China must note that exporters of food products must be registered with ASQIQ. They must also receive inspection certificates for all their products.

• Inspection and Release of Goods
  • Inspection of imported goods is done under the supervision of Chinese customs officials. The examination report is then entered into the system where all other imported shipments are listed.
  • Other clearances are then done and completed by the China customs authorities. Once they are satisfied that the goods are fit to enter the country, they give permission to move the cargo out of the China customs bonded area.

• Import Documents

The following documents are required for the import process.

• Bill of lading
• Commercial invoice
• Packing list
• Sales contract
• Proforma invoice
• Certificate of origin signed by a local Chamber of Commerce
• AES filing
• Customs declaration
• Insurance policy

In addition, there are a few specialized documents required depending on the kind of import.

• Import license (where applicable)
• Import quota certificate for general commodities (where applicable)
• ASQIQ inspection certificate (where applicable)
• Other safety or quality licenses

Ethiopia export to china is not a very complicated process – all you need to know is what you require, and the procedures to follow. All the best!