Alright, let’s walk through what actually happens when you import stone from China. I have helped hundreds of buyers through this process, and while it can seem complicated, it is actually pretty straightforward once you know the steps.
The Process in Simple Terms
Phase 1: Getting Started
This is where you:
- Confirm what stone you want (size, thickness, finish)
- Agree on price and payment terms
- Sign a simple purchase agreement
- Pay your deposit (usually 30-50%)
This step takes 1-2 days once you have made up your mind.
Phase 2: Production
The factory starts making your stone:
- Standard orders: 7-15 days
- Custom specs: 15-25 days
- They will send you photos during production
- Final quality check before packaging
This is where you want to stay in touch. Good factories send updates without you asking.
Phase 3: Getting Ready to Ship
The factory handles the paperwork:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List (what is in each box)
- Bill of Lading (B/L) – your cargo ownership document
- Certificate of Origin
- Quality Inspection Certificate
This usually takes 3-5 days. They will send you copies before the goods ship.
Phase 4: On the Water
- Container gets loaded and sealed
- Ship departs from Chinese port
- You get tracking number
- Sitting and waiting (20-35 days depending on destination)
Phase 5: Arrival
- Ship arrives at your port
- Customs clearance (usually 2-5 days)
- You pay the remaining balance
- Container delivered to your warehouse
How Long Does It Actually Take?
- Production: 7-15 days
- Documentation: 3-5 days
- Shipping: 20-35 days
- Customs: 2-5 days
- Total: 32-60 days from deposit to delivery
Peak season (March-June, September-November) can add 1-2 weeks. Plan accordingly.
Popular Shipping Routes
- Shanghai to Los Angeles: 20-25 days
- Shanghai to Rotterdam: 28-32 days
- Shanghai to Sydney: 20-25 days
- Shanghai to Dubai: 18-22 days
Things That Can Delay Your Shipment
- Port congestion (check current situation)
- Customs issues (usually paperwork problems)
- Weather – typhoon season affects some routes
- Holiday shutdowns (Chinese New Year, Golden Week)
What Documents Do You Actually Need?
The good news: your factory handles most of this. You will need to keep copies of:
- Commercial Invoice (from factory)
- Packing List (from factory)
- Bill of Lading (you get this from the shipping company)
- Certificate of Origin (factory provides)
If you use a freight forwarder, they handle most of this for you.
My Tips
- Build in buffer time – things happen
- Keep good communication with your factory
- Use a freight forwarder for your first few orders – worth the fee
- Get insurance. Yes, it costs extra, but one damaged container can ruin your project.
Need help navigating this? That is what we do every day. Send us a message and we will walk you through it.
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WhatsApp: +86 18060068315
Email: info@primestoneworks.com
