Cost structure

The document pack for a first import from China

Buyers often ask what first import document pack costs. The useful answer is which line items move, and who controls each one.

Charges set before loading: incoterm and named place

Agree the incoterm and the named place early, since they determine who arranges export clearance, main carriage, insurance and the destination entry.

We quote these separately so a landed-cost model does not hide them inside a single freight number.

Charges that depend on the declaration: broker readiness

Confirm the consignee's broker, importer number and any power of attorney before the vessel sails, not after the arrival notice is issued.

This is the line most likely to change if the description or classification is amended.

Charges that appear after arrival: one consistent set

A first shipment needs the sales contract, commercial invoice, packing list, transport document, classification note and the importer's registration details in one consistent set.

We flag these in advance rather than presenting them as a surprise on the arrival invoice.

The failure point we see most often: Letting the factory issue its own invoice wording and discovering at destination that the consignee and importer of record do not match.

Have these ready before filing:

Commercial invoice and packing list with matching values and descriptions.
Classification, origin and any licence references used in the declaration.
Booking reference, transport document and the consignee’s broker contact.

Questions importers ask us

Who is responsible for getting this right on a China-origin shipment?

The shipper supplies accurate product and value data; Hovmar Logistics checks the file before submission and coordinates with the destination broker. We confirm the split in writing at booking.

Can Hovmar review this before the cargo leaves Shenzhen?

Yes. Send the commercial invoice, packing list and intended classification before cutoff and our customs desk will flag gaps while they are still easy to fix.

Where this fits in your shipment

Planning a shipment from Shenzhen?

Request a routed freight quote · Chat on WhatsApp · info@hovmar.com

Notes from the Hovmar Logistics customs desk in Shenzhen. Confirm current requirements with your licensed broker before filing.