This article focuses on foreign trade import-export services, detailing document processing, logistics arrangements, analyzing advantages and procedures in Russian and Southeast Asian markets, discussing trade conditions, and providing practical guidance on certification assistance.

Ceramic tableware, an everyday necessity, encompasses bowls, plates, cups, tea sets, and other utensils, carrying the essence of five millennia of Chinese ceramic culture. At present, the global ceramic tableware market is steadily expanding; particularly in Belt and Road countries, as economies develop and consumption upgrades, demand for high-quality, uniquely designed Chinese ceramic products is growing robustly. Yet the inherent complexities of international trade—qualification barriers, cross-border payments, customs clearance, and quality standards—often deter companies lacking import-export experience. As a professional import-export service provider, Zongdaifu not only offers traditional logistics and customs brokerage services but also focuses on resolving the most fundamentalTrade qualificationsandCash flowProblems, helping businesses expand into international markets with ease.

Market Status and Trends

Countries along the Belt and Road exhibit diversified demand for tableware and ceramic products:

1. Central and Eastern European countries: Emphasizes product design and quality, adheres to strict safety standards and environmental certifications, and favors a minimalist, modern style.
2. Southeast Asian countries: High demand, strong price sensitivity, and a distinct preference for ceramics in traditional Chinese styles.
3. Central Asian countries: As the economy develops, demand for mid-to-high-end ceramic tableware is rising, with greater emphasis on product durability and cost-effectiveness.
4. Middle Eastern countries: Prefers luxurious, highly decorative ceramic tableware, especially those with distinctive religious and cultural motifs.

Common pain points and key considerations for companies entering the Belt and Road markets:

1. Product standard differences: Different countries have varying safety standards for ceramic tableware, including requirements for lead and cadmium leaching.
2. Cultural Preference Differences: Dietary habits and cultural backgrounds lead to varying preferences for the shape, color, and pattern of tableware.
3. Certification requirements are complex: some countries mandate that imported ceramic tableware must obtain local compulsory certification.
4. Logistics and Transportation Risks: Ceramic products are fragile; long-distance transport requires specialized packaging and logistics solutions.
5. Tariff barriers: Different countries impose varying tariff rates on ceramic tableware; it is essential to make full use of the benefits offered by free-trade agreements.

Main Process/Steps

Main procedural steps for exporting tableware and ceramic products to Belt and Road countries:

1. Supplier Screening and Qualification Review
   • Ensure that the supplier possesses the qualifications and capabilities required for manufacturing and exporting ceramic tableware.
   • Review the supplier's quality management system and relevant certifications (e.g., ISO 9001)
   • Evaluate the supplier's production capacity and delivery assurance capability
   • Confirm that the supplier can provide products that meet the standards of the target market
2. Product Quality Control and Certification
   • Conduct raw material inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards
   • Quality monitoring during the production process, including molding, firing, and glazing stages
   • Finished product inspection, including tests for appearance quality, dimensional specifications, and safety indicators such as lead and cadmium leaching levels.
   • Obtain the necessary certifications required by the target market, such as CE, FDA, EAC, etc.
3. Trade Contract Signing and Production Scheduling
   • Sign a trade contract with overseas buyers, specifying terms such as product specifications, quantity, price, and delivery date.
   • Schedule production plans to ensure on-time delivery
   • Prepare the commercial invoice, packing list, and other documents required for export.
   • Confirm payment method and settlement terms
4. Export customs declaration and logistics arrangement
   • Prepare the documents required for export customs declaration, including the customs declaration form, invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, etc.
   • Select the appropriate packaging method based on product characteristics to ensure safe transportation
   • Select the optimal transportation route and mode (ocean freight, air freight, or land transport)
   • Take out cargo transportation insurance to reduce transit risks
5. Import Customs Clearance and Tax Handling
   • Prepare the documents required for import customs clearance, including the import license, certificate of origin, sanitary certificate, etc.
   • Pay customs duties and value-added tax in accordance with the tax laws of the destination country
   • Handle import customs declaration procedures to ensure smooth customs clearance for the goods.
   • HandledExport tax refundProcedure: The comprehensive agency service will handle the process for the client using its professional qualifications.Export tax refund, and return the tax refund to the customer—this is the core profit point we create for them.
6. Payment Settlement and After-Sales Service
   • Collect USD payments from overseas buyers: As a comprehensive agent, the agency uses its own qualifications to help clients collect overseas payments.
   • Carry out foreign exchange settlement, converting the USD payment into RMB and remitting it to the customer.
   • Track the delivery status of the goods to ensure customer satisfaction
   • Handle any potential quality disputes or return and exchange matters

Cost breakdown

Risks/Difficulties and the Comprehensive Agency Service Solutions

1. Risk of customs delay

   Potential causes: Incomplete documentation, products not meeting standards, customs spot checks, etc.

   Comprehensive Agency Services Solutions: Our professional team is well-versed in the customs requirements of various countries and prepares complete documentation in advance; we conduct pre-shipment inspections to ensure products meet the standards of the target market; we leverage multilingual communication skills to liaise effectively with local customs, accelerating clearance; we have established an emergency protocol so that, should any delay occur, remedial actions can be taken immediately.

2. Risk of Payment

   Potential causes: Overseas buyer credit risk, foreign exchange controls, and obstructed payment channels

   Comprehensive Agency Services Solutions: As an agent, we leverage our own qualifications and channels to help clients safely collect overseas USD payments, resolving the issue of being unable to receive foreign exchange directly due to lacking import-export rights; we offer multiple payment options to reduce transaction risk; through professional credit assessments, we help clients identify reliable overseas buyers.

3. Cargo damage risks

   Potential causes: Ceramic products are fragile and susceptible to vibration, impact, and other factors during transportation.

   Comprehensive Agency Services Solutions: Provide professional packaging advice and solutions to ensure safe product transportation; select experienced logistics partners to minimize shipping risks; arrange comprehensive cargo insurance so that compensation can be promptly obtained in the event of damage.

4. Certification Compliance Risk

   Potential causes: Different countries have varying safety standards and certification requirements for ceramic tableware.

   Comprehensive Agency Services Solutions: Our team has in-depth knowledge of the product standards and certification requirements of Belt and Road countries, enabling us to guide clients in preparing the necessary certifications in advance. We collaborate with authoritative testing agencies to ensure products meet the requirements of target markets and provide certification consulting services to prevent returns or fines caused by certification issues.

Suitable types of enterprises

• Ceramic tableware manufacturer: ceramic manufacturing enterprises that possess production capacity but lack import-export qualifications or experience
• Trading Company: Traders who possess customer resources but lack professional import and export operational capabilities
• Start-ups: New ventures aiming to break into international markets but lacking experience and resources in global trade
• Brand Owner: A company that focuses on product design and market promotion and wishes to outsource production, logistics, and other operational stages.
• Cross-border e-commerce sellers: selling ceramic tableware through e-commerce platforms requires reliable supply chain support
• Individuals or small businesses without export qualifications: small operators who have products or market resources but are unable to handle export business on their own

in conclusion

Demand for ceramic tableware in Belt and Road countries continues to grow, offering Chinese companies vast market opportunities. However, the complexity and specialized requirements of international trade make it difficult for many enterprises to tackle the various challenges on their own. In particularTrade qualificationsandCross-border fund processingProblems are often the biggest barrier for companies entering international markets.

As a professional import and export trade service provider, Zongdaifu goes beyond traditional logistics and customs clearance; more importantly, it resolves the most fundamental issues of trade qualification and capital flow for enterprises. We help companies without import-export rights collect overseas USD payments, professionally handle export tax rebates, and return the refunded amounts to our clients—truly creating core profit for the business.

Choose Zongdaifu and you’ll gain professional, reliable, and efficient one-stop import & export services that turn complex international trade into something simple and smooth. Whether you’re a manufacturer, trader, or entrepreneur, we are your best partner for tapping into Belt and Road markets. Contact us now and launch your global trade journey!