What documents do you need to import goods from Yiwu, China?
Short answer: To import goods from Yiwu you normally need three core documents: a commercial invoice, a packing list and a transport document (bill of lading for sea, air waybill for air, or a courier waybill). The seller side also files a Chinese export declaration. Depending on the product and your country, you may also need a certificate of origin, product test reports or certificates, and your own importer registration, such as an EORI number in the EU or UK.
- Always neededCommercial invoice, packing list, transport document
- Filed in ChinaExport declaration, by the exporter or its broker
- Sometimes neededCertificate of origin, test reports, permits
- On your sideImporter number, HS codes, customs broker
The core documents for every shipment
Commercial invoice
The commercial invoice is the bill for the goods and the main document customs uses to calculate duty. It should show the seller and buyer, a clear description of each item, quantity, unit price, total value, currency, country of origin, HS codes and the agreed trade term (for example FOB or CIF). Be specific: "zinc alloy keychains" is better than "gifts".
Packing list
The packing list shows how the goods are packed: number of cartons, what is in each carton, carton sizes, and net and gross weights. It matters even more when goods come from many Yiwu booths; our guide to consolidating goods from many suppliers explains how mixed cartons are recorded.
Transport document
For sea freight it is the bill of lading. For air freight it is the air waybill, and for express courier it is the courier's waybill. Your forwarder issues or arranges it. See shipping from Yiwu compared for how the methods differ.
Documents filed on the China side
Every export from China needs an export customs declaration. It is filed by the exporter, usually through a licensed customs broker or the freight forwarder, using the invoice and packing list. You do not file it yourself.
Yiwu has a special export method for market goods, called market procurement trade (in Chinese, 市场采购贸易). It was set up in Yiwu in the mid-2010s to make it easier to export many small, mixed purchases from market vendors under one declaration. Whether it is used depends on the exporter and the goods; a Yiwu agent or forwarder will choose the right method.
Some goods need extra paperwork before export. Batteries and products containing them often need a safety data sheet and a transport test report, and solid wood packaging must be treated and marked under the international ISPM 15 standard.
Documents that depend on your product and country
| Document | Who prepares it | When you need it |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | Seller or agent | Every shipment |
| Packing list | Seller or agent | Every shipment |
| Bill of lading / air waybill | Carrier or forwarder | Every shipment |
| Chinese export declaration | Exporter or customs broker | Every export from China |
| Certificate of origin | Issued by Chinese authorities on the exporter's request | When your customs asks, or to claim a lower duty under a trade agreement |
| Test reports or certificates | Testing lab, arranged by supplier or buyer | Regulated goods such as toys, children's products, electronics, food-contact items |
| Import declaration | You or your customs broker | On arrival, unless a door-to-door service handles it |
Product rules are set by the importing country, and the importer is usually responsible for meeting them. Common examples: toys and many electrical goods sold in the EU need CE marking and a Declaration of Conformity; children's products sold in the United States need a Children's Product Certificate based on tests by an accepted lab; electronics often need radio or electrical safety approvals. Ask for existing test reports before ordering and check them during quality checks before shipping.
What you need on your side
- An importer number. In the EU and UK this is an EORI number. In the United States, the importer of record uses an IRS or CBP number, and many sea shipments need an Importer Security Filing before loading, usually filed by a broker.
- The right HS codes. Agree the codes with your broker before the goods ship, so the invoice matches your import declaration.
- A customs broker or a door-to-door service. A broker files the import entry for you. With a duties-paid door-to-door service, the forwarder handles clearance and includes duties and taxes in its price.
- Labelling that meets local rules. Many countries require origin marking (for example "Made in China") and language or safety labels. Tell us early so labels can be added in Yiwu.
Duty rates, low-value import thresholds and extra tariffs change, sometimes at short notice. Check current rules with your customs authority or broker before each new product.
Common document mistakes that cause delays
- Vague descriptions such as "samples" or "accessories" without detail.
- Invoice and packing list that do not match in quantities, weights or carton counts.
- Undervalued invoices, which are illegal in most countries and can lead to fines.
- Missing test reports for regulated products, found only when customs asks.
- Branded goods without permission. Copies of famous logos can be seized; we do not buy them.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum paperwork to import from China?
For almost every shipment you need a commercial invoice, a packing list and a transport document (bill of lading, air waybill or courier waybill). Customs in your country may also ask for a certificate of origin, product test reports or permits, depending on the goods and the destination.
Who prepares the export documents in Yiwu?
The seller side does. The exporter, its customs broker or the freight forwarder prepares the commercial invoice, packing list and Chinese export declaration. The carrier or forwarder issues the bill of lading or air waybill. When you buy through a Yiwu agent, the agent usually coordinates all of this.
Do I need a certificate of origin for goods from Yiwu?
Not always. It is needed when your country asks for proof of origin, or when you want a lower duty rate under a trade agreement with China, such as Form E for ASEAN countries or a certificate under RCEP. Ask your customs broker whether one would lower your duty before the goods ship.
What is the HS code and why does it matter?
The HS code is the international product classification number used by customs. It decides the duty rate and whether extra rules apply. The first six digits are shared worldwide; each country adds more digits. The code on the invoice should match what you declare on import.
Do I need an import licence to buy from Yiwu?
Most everyday goods from Yiwu, such as accessories, stationery, toys and household items, do not need a special licence, but you usually need an importer number (for example an EORI number in the EU or UK). Some goods, such as food, cosmetics, medical items or batteries, can need permits or extra approvals, so check before you order.
Can I import without handling customs myself?
Yes. With a door-to-door shipment where duties are paid in advance (often called DDP), the forwarder handles import clearance and charges you duties and taxes in the price. You may still need to give your tax or importer number, and you remain responsible for the goods meeting local rules.
When you buy through us, preparing the commercial invoice and packing list and helping with Chinese export papers are included in our flat 10% service fee on the goods value (US$50 minimum per sourcing order). Samples, freight and third-party lab tests are billed at cost. Tell us your destination country and we will flag the documents your goods are likely to need.