How to Import Shoes from China - 6 Top Tips
In both the fashion and business worlds, importing footwear from China has become a lucrative venture for many entrepreneurs and retailers. With a long history of craftsmanship and a vast network of manufacturers, China offers a rich selection of footwear at very competitive prices. However, embarking on this journey requires careful planning and a deep understanding of the complexities of international trade. To ensure your success and avoid common pitfalls, we have compiled eight key tips to guide you through the process. From finding the right suppliers to complying with customs regulations, this article will provide you with the knowledge and expertise you need to launch a successful footwear import business.
1. Where are China's footwear manufacturers located?
Most of China's footwear manufacturers are located in the eastern coastal areas, mainly in Fujian, Zhejiang, and Guangdong. Some are also located in Sichuan (see the map below). This is a common trend in many industries such as clothing and textiles.
2. What is a good shoe factory?
When looking for a shoe factory in China, it is recommended to consider those with a registered capital of at least RMB 1 million or more. We use this number because it is one of the few clear data points that can provide insight into the financial stability of Chinese companies. Obtaining other financial information, such as balance sheets, can be more challenging. This registered capital figure helps assess whether you are dealing with a factory or a trading company, and it is usually better to work with a manufacturer.
In addition, it is recommended to look for a footwear manufacturer with more than 25 years of industry experience. Their extensive experience in the industry means a wealth of knowledge and strong manufacturing capabilities, ensuring that you receive first-class expertise and production quality.
In the footwear industry, it is also important to find suppliers with a quality management system so that they can track and resolve quality issues throughout the production process. This includes specifying inspection points and standardized protocols on the production line. For example, ISO 9001:2015 is one of the quality standards to consider. Ask for documents and audit reports to verify their quality management system. If possible, you can visit the supplier's factory to personally evaluate their quality control measures.
3. How to find these shoe factories?
When you consider importing shoes from China, the first step is to identify the factory responsible for the production of shoes. This process can be carried out in a variety of ways:
● Attend well-known events such as the China Canton Fair or other international footwear exhibitions around the world.
● Take advantage of platforms such as Alibaba, keeping in mind that some sellers may act as middlemen. To verify whether they are real manufacturers, check the official website.
● Leverage the power of social platforms. For example, you can search for manufacturers on Instagram using relevant hashtags such as #shoemanufacturer and #shoefactory.
4. How do I place an order with a shoe factory?
To get a product that meets your specifications, you must provide a comprehensive specification sheet. Suppliers will produce products to your specifications, even if they private label the product. You need to detail all of your specifications before production begins. These specifications include upper material, lining material, insole, outsole, thickness, size, sizing system, and any additional features such as non-slip soles. It is important to specify a Pantone color or choose from the supplier's catalog to meet your needs. The minimum order quantity (MOQ) requirements in the footwear industry are relatively high. MOQs are usually quoted in pairs, not individual units. MOQs may vary from supplier to supplier, but as a general guideline, you can expect an MOQ of about 1,000 pairs per model and 500 to 2,000 pairs per color.
5. Shipping costs for shoes imported from China
When shipping shoes from Asia, they can only be shipped by sea freight (full container load and less than container load) due to their large size. Air freight is not a viable option. Full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL) are your main shipping options, and LCL allows you to share container space with other importers with a shipping volume of at least 1 cubic meter.
6. About shoe quality and safety standards
Although footwear is not the most strictly regulated product, there are still some compliance considerations. When importing children's footwear for children 12 years of age or younger into the United States, you need to ensure compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). In addition, there are substance regulations that govern the use of chemicals such as lead and other heavy metals in products, such as California Proposition 65 and the European Union's REACH.
In the European Union, the General Product Safety Directive specifies documentation and safety requirements, as well as labeling requirements that vary depending on the materials used. Even in the absence of specific product regulations, ensuring product safety is essential, including testing its suitability for various surfaces and conditions.
