International trade between Spain and Southern China is a complex process that requires meticulous planning in order to avoid incidents or delays when transporting goods, whether they are imports or exports.

In logistics between southern China and Spain, it is essential to consider current regulations, trade agreements between the two countries, any documentation that must accompany the goods, such as the commercial invoice and packing list, the customs procedures, and product tariff classification.

To begin with, Spanish companies must be properly registered as exporters through the Spanish Tax Agency Register of Authorized Exporters (REX). They must also obtain the EORI number (Economic Operator Registration and Identification), which identifies European Union (EU) companies that conduct exports or imports to or from the EU.

Procedures for exporting to Southern China from Spain

• Single Administrative Document (SAD): This document details the nature, quantity, and value of the exported goods and must be presented to Spanish customs for inspection and control. Customs will verify the documentation and, in some cases, may carry out physical inspections of the goods.
• Transportation Selection: Depending on the nature of the goods, a choice must be made between air, sea and land transportation, taking into account costs and transit times. Documents such as the Bill of Lading for sea transport or the Airway Bill for air transport must be issued correctly. In addition, it is crucial to clearly define the Incoterms that define each party’s responsibilities in terms of costs, risks, and customs procedures.

Requirements for importing from Southern China

• Registration with Chinese customs: Chinese companies receiving the products must register as importers with the General Administration of Customs of China. Depending on the nature of the products, a specific import license may be required, such as for food and beverages, which need sanitary and phytosanitary registrations.
• Quality inspection and quarantine in China: Authorities will examine the goods at customs and issue a certificate. Additionally, customs duties and other taxes will need to be calculated and paid.

Hiring a logistics company for exporting to China

It is important to note that, according to the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry of Spain, China is the EU’s second-largest trading partner, behind the United States, and the EU is China’s largest trading partner.

Trade between Spain and other EU countries with Southern China and important regions such as Hong Kong or Macau is not an easy task. Although there is no free trade agreement with China, there is an agreement that guarantees the legal protection of one hundred European specialties with geographical protection in China and, vice versa, one hundred Chinese geographical indications in the EU.

At Logisber, we specialize in freight forwarding operations between southern China and Spain. Our team of professionals understands all the necessary procedures and requirements to successfully and safely manage the export or import of products such as clothing, food, vehicles, medicines, vaccines, machinery, waste, or hazardous goods.

If your company wishes to send products to China from Spain or import them from Asia to the European Union, contact Logisber now, and we will assist you throughout the process to make your logistics a success.