Timeline Estimation
Time references for each import process step to help you plan
Overall Timeline Reference
Fastest Case
4-6 weeks
All qualifications + Air freight + Fast clearance
Normal Case
8-12 weeks
Sea freight + Normal clearance process
Complex Case
12-24 weeks
Need qualifications + Regulated goods
Qualification Processing
Import/Export License Filing
Commerce department
Customs Registration
Customs system
Food Operation License
Market supervision
Cosmetics Filing
NMPA
Medical Device Registration
Including technical review
Document Preparation
Trade Contract
Negotiation and confirmation
Letter of Credit
Bank processing
Import License
Commerce department
Certificate of Origin
CCPIT/Customs
Foreign Documents
Exporter preparation
International Transport
Sea Freight (Europe/US)
Port to port
Sea Freight (Southeast Asia)
Port to port
Air Freight
Airport to airport
China-Europe Railway
Station to station
Booking Wait Time
May be longer during peak season
Customs Clearance
Declaration Acceptance
Customs document review
Tax Payment
Electronic payment
Customs Inspection
Random or mandatory
Inspection & Quarantine
For regulated goods
Release & Pickup
Complete pickup procedures
Important Notes
- • Times are estimates and may vary by product type, origin country, and port
- • First-time imports of new products require more time for qualifications and testing
- • Holidays, trade shows, and policy changes may affect processing times
- • Plan ahead and allow sufficient buffer time