Export & Import Documentation for Goods from China
The right paperwork, done right: invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin and conformity, prepared and checked so your cargo clears without delays.
Most customs delays aren't about the goods — they're about the paperwork. A value that doesn't match between the invoice and the declaration, a missing certificate of origin, an HS code that doesn't fit the product: any one of them can hold a shipment at the border. We prepare and check your trade documents so that doesn't happen.
From the commercial invoice to certificates of origin and conformity, we make sure every document is correct, consistent, and complete before your cargo moves — and we tell you what to request from the supplier if something's missing.
Who this is for
This service is for:
- Importers whose shipments get held at customs over missing or wrong documents.
- First-time importers unsure which certificates and papers their goods need.
- Buyers whose Chinese supplier provides only a basic invoice and nothing else.
What we do
- 1
List what's needed
We tell you the exact document set for your goods and route.
- 2
Prepare the core docs
We draft the contract, invoice and packing list correctly.
- 3
Source certificates
We obtain the certificate of origin and any conformity papers.
- 4
Check & translate
We verify everything matches and arrange required translations.
- 5
Hand to clearance
A complete, consistent package goes to the customs broker.
Documents we prepare and check
The standard set for a clean import — prepared, checked, and aligned so nothing contradicts anything else.
Commercial invoice
Values, terms, and parties stated correctly for customs.
Packing list
Weights, quantities, and carton breakdown matching the invoice.
Certificate of origin
Proof of where goods were made, for duty and compliance.
Certificate of conformity
Where the product needs a safety or standards certificate.
Contract / proforma
The foreign-trade contract customs expects to see.
Transport documents
Bill of lading, air waybill, or CMR for the route.
What we check
A document set fails when its parts disagree. We cross-check everything so the invoice, packing list, and declaration tell exactly the same story.
Consistency is what gets cargo through; we make sure of it before it ships.
- Values consistent across invoice, packing list, and declaration
- HS / УКТЗЕД code matches the actual product
- Incoterms and currency stated clearly
- Certificates valid and covering the right goods
- Quantities and weights that reconcile
- Translations where customs requires them
- Signatures, stamps, and required formats
How we handle your documents
We don't just collect what the supplier sends — we review it, fix it, and fill the gaps before customs ever sees it.
The result is a clean set that clears without back-and-forth.
Why documents get cargo stuck
The same handful of paperwork mistakes cause most border delays. Knowing them in advance is half of avoiding them.
We catch these before the cargo ships, not after it's stuck.
Why it matters
The problem we solve — and how we solve it.
Suppliers issue sloppy invoices that don't match the goods, triggering customs holds.
We prepare consistent documents that match the shipment exactly.
Missing a certificate of origin means you overpay duty or get stuck at the border.
We obtain the certificate of origin so you claim the right duty rate.
Some goods need extra permits you only find out about at the border.
We flag conformity, phytosanitary or other permits before shipping.
How we compare
| Silk Way Sourcing | Typical logistics company | Alibaba sourcing | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope | Full document set prepared | Transport docs only | Supplier's basic invoice |
| Certificate of origin | Obtained for you | Rarely | On you to request |
| Consistency check | All docs cross-checked | No | No |
| Permits | Flagged in advance | No | No |
Frequently asked questions
What documents do I need to import from China?
At minimum a commercial invoice and packing list; usually a contract or proforma and transport documents; plus certificates of origin or conformity for some goods. We prepare and check the full set.
What is a certificate of origin?
An official document stating where goods were manufactured; customs uses it for duty and compliance. We arrange it where it's needed.
Why does my cargo get held at customs?
Most often a paperwork problem: mismatched values, a wrong HS code, or a missing certificate. We check for exactly these before shipping.
Do you prepare the documents or just check them?
Both — we prepare the standard set and check anything the supplier provides, fixing errors and filling gaps.
What's the difference between a certificate of origin and conformity?
Origin proves where it was made; conformity proves it meets a safety or quality standard. Some goods need one, some both.
Do documents need to be translated?
Sometimes — customs in the destination country may require translations of certain documents. We handle that where it's needed.
Can you fix documents the supplier got wrong?
Yes — that's a core part of the service. We correct inconsistencies and align everything before it reaches customs.
How much does documentation cost?
Pricing isn't fixed — it depends on the complexity, scope, and resources the job needs. Tell us what you're planning and we'll give you a clear quote up front, with no hidden costs.
What importers say after working with us
Sourcing wins across steel, solar, energy storage, construction materials and supplier verification. Client names are withheld for confidentiality.
- Steel & metals
We needed 200 tonnes of hot-rolled coil and kept getting quotes from traders. Silk Way took us straight to the mill, verified it, and inspected the load before we paid the balance.
Importer, steel & metals · Egypt - Solar energy
They caught that our 'factory' was actually a trading company and found us the real manufacturer — it saved us from a costly mistake.
Importer, solar EPC · Poland - Fiber optics
Single-mode fiber for a regional network build, delivered on spec and on time. The pre-shipment inspection report gave our own client real confidence.
Telecom contractor · Kenya
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Learn moreMeet our team of experts
Our team brings hands-on experience in sourcing, quality control, and logistics, working closely with manufacturers to ensure reliable results at every stage.
Arkadii Vakhnovskyi
Founder & CEO
Dmitry Markov
Head of Operations & CTO
Andy Wang
Logistics & Compliance Manager
Alyona
Marketing & SMM
Contact Us
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