Base metals—such as iron, copper, aluminum, and their products—are widely used in global industrial production and daily life. With the vigorous growth of international trade, the export volume of base metals and their products has continued to expand. However, in this process, various issues keep emerging, posing numerous challenges for exporting enterprises.

I. Compliance Challenges

1. Issue: The technical standards and certification requirements of the destination country are complex (e.g., EU CE certification, RoHS Directive, US FCC certification).
   Solution：
   • Conduct advance research on the regulations of the target market and commission third-party organizations (e.g., SGS, TüV) for pre-inspection.
   • Apply for the necessary certifications for different product categories (e.g., steel exports to the EU require testing under the EN 10025 standard).
2. Issue: Environmental regulations (e.g., REACH controls on chemical content).
   Solution：
   • Use eco-friendly coatings or alternative materials (e.g., aluminum treated with chromium-free passivation).
   • Provide a material composition analysis report (MSDS) and a compliance statement.

II. Tariffs and Trade Barriers

1. Issue: High anti-dumping duties.
   Solution：
   • Apply for a certificate of origin (e.g., RCEP Certificate of Origin) via transshipment trade through a third country.
   • Adjust product specifications or intended use to sidestep HS Code restrictions.
2. Issue: Non-tariff barriers (such as technical barriers to trade, TBT).
   Solution：
   • Participate in industry associations to stay updated on the latest policy developments (e.g., early-warning information from the China Chamber of Commerce of Metals, Minerals & Chemicals Importers & Exporters).
   • Collaborate with the importer, who will provide local market access support.

3. Logistics and Quality Control

1. Issue: Transport loss and corrosion (metal rusting caused by marine salt spray).
   Solution：
   • Use rust-preventive packaging (vacuum sealing + desiccant) or apply rust-preventive oil.
   • Opt for temperature- and humidity-controlled containers to shorten the ocean transit time.
2. Issue: High shipping costs due to weight and volume.
   Solution：
   • Optimize product design (e.g., hollow-structured aluminum profiles) to reduce the weight of individual components.
   • LCL (Less-than-Container Load) shipping or sharing a full container (FCL) with peer companies.

IV. Documentation and Customs Clearance Risks

1. Issue: Discrepancy in documents leads to customs clearance delays.
   Solution：
   • Use trade compliance software (such as an ERP system) to automatically verify the consistency between customs declarations and invoices.
   • Engage a professional customs broker to handle sensitive categories (e.g., copper-containing alloys require additional declarations).
2. Issue: The certificate of origin has been questioned.
   Solution：
   • Retain complete production chain documentation (e.g., raw material purchase invoices, processing workflow records).
   • Apply for AEO certification with customs to enhance clearance credibility.

V. Payment and Exchange Rate Risk

1. Issue: Exchange-rate fluctuations erode profits (e.g., annual USD/CNY volatility exceeds 5%).
   Solution：
   • Enter into a foreign-exchange forward contract to lock in the exchange rate, or use cross-border RMB settlement.
   • The clause stipulates an exchange-rate fluctuation sharing mechanism (e.g., the buyer bears fluctuations within ±3%).
2. Issue: Soft-clause traps in Letters of Credit (L/C).
   Solution：
   • The issuing bank must be a mainstream international bank (e.g., HSBC, Citibank).
   • Scrutinize the letter of credit terms strictly and delete unfavorable conditions such as "cash on delivery."

VI. Intellectual Property and Legal Disputes

Issue: Patent infringement (e.g., copying the designs of European and American brand hardware tools).
Solution：

• Before export, search the patent status in the target country via the WIPO database.
• Self-designed or legally authorized through ODM/OEM.

7. Insufficient Market Adaptability

Issue: Product specifications do not align with local usage habits (e.g., differences between US and European screw sizes).
Solution：

• Conduct advance research on target market standards (e.g., ASTM, DIN) and customize production accordingly.
• Provide multi-spec samples for customer testing to reduce return risks.

VIII. After-Sales Service and Brand Building

1. Issue: Lack of local after-sales support affects customer repurchase.
2. Solution：
   • Establish bonded warehouses in the target country to respond rapidly to return and exchange needs.
   • Sign a service agreement with the local dealer and provide technical training.

概要

The export of base metals needs to establish a "compliance-first + risk-backstop" system:

1. Compliance level: Certification, environmental compliance, and documentation—none can be missing;
2. Cost level: Achieving cost reduction and efficiency gains through logistics optimization and tariff avoidance;
3. Risk control level: Utilize financial instruments and insurance to transfer payment risks;
4. Market level: Deeply cultivate local needs and build a brand moat.

Finally, if you need agency services in export trade or require further support from us, please feel free to contact us!