First direct purchase in China: preparing imports to Spain

Define the purchase

Record model, material, dimensions, quantity and packaging. Keep the approved sample and agree in writing how discrepancies will be resolved. Ask for availability, package count, dimensions and weight; label estimates until final packing is confirmed.

Review requirements before dispatch

Check the requirements applicable to the product and identify the importer. Commercial paperwork and a quality inspection do not replace a compliance review. CE marking requirements depend on the product category and applicable rules.

Agree delivery and compare costs

Specify the trade rule and named place. Separate purchase, pickup, receiving, transport, clearance and final delivery. With several suppliers, prepare a shared inventory before consolidation. Confirm inclusions, exclusions and outstanding documents before dispatch.

One sample does not identify every variant

Imagine approving a sample before ordering two colours and different sizes. Connect each variant to its reference, quantity, material and agreed packing. Retain photographs and supplier confirmation, distinguishing what was observed from what still requires checking. If the goods supplied change, obtain a decision before booking transport. The record should identify exactly what was purchased, which sample represents it and which differences remain unresolved. Carry the approved variant references into the packing list rather than relying on a general product name.

Documents linked to the goods purchased

Organize documents by model and variant, rather than only in a folder bearing the supplier’s name. Note who provided each document, its date and the product it identifies. Refer compliance questions to the responsible person, keeping their answer and outstanding items. A satisfactory visual inspection and an invoice do not automatically resolve that review. If a requested document is missing, record the gap and obtain a decision before authorizing departure. Keep the decision connected to the actual goods under review.

Reference: Your Europe · Product compliance

The first dispatch needs an approved version

Before the first dispatch, bring together the order, package list, transport offer and agreed handover. Identify the responsible party and start and end points for each stage. With several suppliers, confirm which references have arrived and which remain outstanding. Do not treat an initial estimate as the final packing record. Retain the approved version and departure authorization so later changes can be compared against the decision made. This gives purchasing and transport teams the same starting information for the shipment.