Frequently Asked Questions About Importing from China

The cost varies widely with the type of line, the degree of automation, and the production capacity. As a general estimate: small semi-automatic lines start from $15,000–40,000, mid-size automatic lines from $50,000–200,000, and large fully automated lines can exceed half a million dollars. The golden rule: add 20–40% on top of the machine's FOB price to cover shipping, insurance, customs, transport, and installation. Read the detailed breakdown here.

On average 3 to 5 months: manufacturing takes 30–90 days depending on the line's complexity (some lines are ready in stock), sea freight to Arab ports takes 25–40 days, then customs clearance and inland transport take one to three weeks. Always plan with an extra month as a safety margin.

The common, safe arrangement: a 30% deposit on signing the contract and 70% after inspection and before shipment, via T/T bank transfer to the manufacturer's official corporate account — never to a personal account or a company with a different name. For large deals, use a documentary letter of credit (L/C). More important than the payment method: tie every payment to a milestone documented with photos and video.

Yes, reliable factories provide a 12–24 month warranty on mechanical and electrical parts (excluding consumables such as blades and belts), and usually ship a free set of consumable spare parts with the line. Our advice: contract for a spare parts list covering two years within the same deal — shipping it with the line is far cheaper than ordering it later.

In most Arab countries, yes: you need a commercial or industrial registration that permits importing, plus an importer number with the customs authority. The good news is that many countries (Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, and others) grant customs exemptions for industrial equipment imported for industrially licensed projects — we help you verify your eligibility for the exemption before purchase, which could save you thousands of dollars.

Five steps you should never skip: (1) Request the company's Business License and verify it in the official Chinese registry. (2) Ask for CE and ISO certificates and a track record of exporting to Arab countries. (3) Hold a live video call from inside the production hall, not from an office. (4) Search the company's name in English and Chinese together with the word "scam". (5) Most importantly: an on-site inspection by an independent engineer before any final payment. Full details in our supplier selection article.

Yes, most production line deals include sending 1–3 technicians from the factory to install and commission the line and train your team, for anywhere from a week to a month depending on the size of the line. The buyer usually covers flight tickets, accommodation, and a daily allowance ($50–100 per technician) agreed in the contract. We coordinate the visas and scheduling entirely.

New gives you a warranty, guaranteed spare parts, newer technology, and lower energy consumption. Used is 40–60% cheaper but the risk is higher: usually no warranty, and hidden maintenance costs can eat up the difference. Our rule: only buy used if it is a well-known brand with spare parts available, it has passed a full engineering inspection under operation, and the price difference is truly worth it.

We work with everyone: from a single machine for a home business or a small workshop, up to fully integrated industrial complexes with dozens of lines. The practical minimum to benefit from our full-service package is a deal of around $10,000 — below that, we offer you free consultation and guidance so you can import safely on your own.