Importing from China is mostly project management: the same seven steps, every time. Buyers who plan all seven up front avoid most delays and surprises.
Importing from China is mostly project management: the same seven steps, every time. Buyers who plan all seven up front avoid most delays and surprises.
Quick answer
Importing molds or molded parts follows seven steps: specify, quote and DFM, tooling and samples, production, inspection, shipping, and customs and delivery. Manage three risks along the way: quality, intellectual property and logistics. At HC-Mold, a dedicated project manager follows the project from engineering review to worldwide delivery, an NDA is signed before any file review, and orders are covered by Alibaba Trade Assurance. Duties, taxes and import rules depend on your country and product, so confirm them with a customs broker.
Key takeaways
- Settle tooling ownership and NDA terms before you send final CAD.
- Approve samples in writing before production starts.
- Agree the Incoterm so you know who pays freight, insurance and clearance.
- Compare landed cost, not only the unit price.
The seven steps
| Step | What you do | What to agree |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Specify | Prepare the model, drawing, resin or material, volume and finish | Target market and regulations |
| 2. Quote and DFM | Send a complete RFQ and answer engineering questions | Scope, MOQ, lead time, ownership |
| 3. Tooling and samples | Approve the tool design, review T0 and T1 samples | Number of correction rounds |
| 4. Production | Place the PO after sample approval | Quantity, packaging, delivery date |
| 5. Inspection | Review reports, or send a third-party inspector | Acceptance criteria, report format |
| 6. Shipping | Choose air, sea or express | Incoterm, packing, cartons, labels |
| 7. Customs and delivery | Clear customs and receive the goods | Documents, importer of record, duties |
Step 1 and 2: specify and quote
A complete package is the fastest route to an accurate quote: STEP or IGES model, a 2D PDF with critical dimensions, material or resin, color and finish, annual and first-order volume, and your destination country. HC-Mold accepts STEP, IGES, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, STL and PDF with dimensions, replies within 12 hours and quotes within 24 hours of a complete RFQ. Free DFM review is included. See how to get a quote in 24 hours.
Know the minimums before you plan: CNC has no minimum order and prototypes start at 1 piece; injection molding starts from 500 pcs; die casting, sheet metal and extrusion from 1,000 pcs; assembly and packaging from 500 pcs. See MOQ by process.
Step 3: tooling, ownership and samples
Decide who owns the mold before the PO. HC-Mold offers three tooling models: buyer-funded, factory-funded and refund-by-volume. Read who owns the mold and how mold cost is built up. A T0 trial and modification are included in the mold project, and the mold lead time guide explains the schedule. Approve T1 samples against your drawing in writing. The sample process page describes the gates.
Step 4 and 5: production and inspection
Place the production order only after samples are approved. Agree packaging, labeling and acceptance criteria at the same time. HC-Mold uses SPC monitoring and full batch inspection in production: see the inspection page. Ask for inspection reports, and for high-value orders consider a pre-shipment inspection by a third party.
Step 6: shipping and Incoterms
Incoterms define who is responsible for what. The common ones in general terms:
| Incoterm | Seller's responsibility (simplified) | Buyer's responsibility (simplified) |
|---|---|---|
| EXW | Goods ready at the factory | Everything from pickup onward |
| FOB | Delivery to the vessel at the origin port, export clearance | Sea freight, insurance, import clearance |
| CIF | Freight and insurance to the destination port | Import clearance and delivery from port |
| DDP | Delivery to your door, duties paid | Receive the goods |
These are simplified. Check the current Incoterms rules and agree the term in the quote. Choose air freight for urgent or lightweight parts and sea freight for volume. Tools, being heavy, need export packing and clear handling terms.
Step 7: customs and delivery
Typical import documents include a commercial invoice, packing list, and a bill of lading or air waybill. Some products also need certificates of origin or compliance documents. HC-Mold can provide RoHS and CE documentation on request, depending on your product. Your importer of record, forwarder or customs broker normally handles clearance. Classification, duty rates and rules vary by country and product, so confirm them before you place a large order.
Landed cost, not just unit price
| Cost item | Check |
|---|---|
| Unit price and tooling | See cost per part |
| Samples and trials | Included or extra |
| Packaging | Export cartons, pallets, labeling |
| Freight and insurance | Incoterm dependent |
| Duties and taxes | Depend on country and classification |
| Inspection | Third-party fees if used |
| Storage or demurrage | Delays at ports or warehouses |
Protect your project
- Check the supplier first: see the factory audit checklist.
- Use a written NDA and written tooling terms.
- Use payment milestones tied to approvals, and avoid paying everything before any evidence of progress. HC-Mold orders are covered by Trade Assurance.
- Keep records: quote assumptions, approved drawing revision, sample reports and packing photos.
Plan around holidays
Spring Festival and National Day reduce factory and freight capacity. Place orders and approvals ahead of them, and add buffer for sea freight.
Pre-order checklist
- Files and revision are frozen.
- NDA and tooling terms are signed.
- Samples are approved in writing.
- Incoterm, packaging and labeling are agreed.
- Documents and import rules are confirmed with your broker.
- A delivery date and a contact on both sides are named.
FAQ
Does HC-Mold deliver worldwide?
Yes. HC-Mold provides worldwide delivery, with a dedicated project manager at every stage. Incoterms and shipping arrangements are agreed per project.
What is the minimum order for imported parts?
CNC has no minimum and prototypes start at 1 piece. Injection molding starts from 500 pcs, die casting, sheet metal and extrusion from 1,000 pcs, and assembly and packaging from 500 pcs.
Who handles customs clearance?
Normally your importer of record, forwarder or customs broker, depending on the Incoterm agreed in the quote. Confirm responsibilities in writing.
How do I protect my design when I request quotes?
Ask for an NDA before you send files. HC-Mold signs an NDA before any file review and keeps drawings access-controlled.
Do I need to visit the factory before ordering?
Not always. For tooling investments, a visit or a structured live video audit is recommended. See the factory audit checklist.
Start your import with a complete RFQ
Send your STEP/IGES file, resin, volume and destination. We review under NDA, reply within 12 hours and quote within 24 hours of a complete RFQ.
Talk to HC-Mold engineering
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