One of the members of the Linkedin China Law Blog Group asked "why there aren't more companies in China that are totally transparent with their supply chain". The reason is that importers would take high risks by disclosing the names of … [Read more...]
The 5 advantages of shipping smaller quantities
I used to work for an importer who had a rule to ALWAYS importer full containers from China and Vietnam. One order was one container. He was in the fashion business, so there was no reorder for most references. Only one-shots. Either they … [Read more...]
How importers can manage their inventory effectively
Most importers act as wholesalers, meaning that they keep stock in a warehouse in their country and then deliver it to their customers. Of course the purpose is to pre-sell the products and to get them just in time to fill domestic … [Read more...]
Changes from Incoterms 2000 to Incoterms 2010
I just read the latest issue of the CHaINA magazine (edited by the Supply Chain Council) and I found a very nice explanation of the changes from Incoterms 2000 to Incoterms 2010. To sum it up grossly: Two changes for the FOB … [Read more...]
Saving money thanks to better packaging
This is the sequel to our previous post about packaging optimization, where Kevin Howard (principal consultant at Packnomics) responds to my questions. Question: Can you share an example where the importer saved money through smarter … [Read more...]
The importance of packaging optimization for importers
I recently got in contact with Kevin Howard, the principal consultant at Packnomics. He has been working on packaging issues since 1984, and has been involved with China since 1987, when he taught Distribution Packaging and Testing at the … [Read more...]
The Entry Summary Declaration (ENS): what it means for China shippers
The European Union imposed a new regulation for all shipments (coming from all countries except for Norway and Switzerland): the Import Control System (ICS). It comes from the Commission Regulation 1875/2006: Those measures should produce … [Read more...]
Dangerous gases in containers
Last weekend I got an interesting email conversation with my friend Paul Wijmenga. He lives in Xiamen and helps European importers source softlines such as shoes and garments. Some of his shipments got stopped in the Port of Rotterdam … [Read more...]
Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong: same purpose?
Small countries (or autonomous regions) have an unfair advantage over large nations. What do Hong Kong, Singapore and Dubai have in common? A lot of freedom in re-issuing bills of lading and in arranging trans-shipments; A strong … [Read more...]
Preventing parallel supply chains
In my last post I wrote about what I call "parallel supply chains" from China to Western countries: stock lots left in factories, and copies of brand name products. My clients usually don't buy stock lots, and they never buy any … [Read more...]
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