Author name: Мащенко Юрій

I have been working in international trade since 2006. Licensed customs broker, my own company since 2010, thousands of declarations processed. You would think I knew everything about importing. But in mid-2023, when I switched sides for the first time — not as a broker for a client, but as an importer of my own goods — I quickly realized that knowing the theory and actually going through the process yourself are two very different things. Here is how it went. No sugarcoating, but no drama either. Why Gloves and Thermal Wear Choosing the right product is the first decision every importer faces. And it is rarely as straightforward as it seems. After the full-scale invasion began, demand for military gear in Ukraine surged. The market was undersupplied, manufacturers could not keep up. I decided to enter that space — specifically winter softshell gloves and military-style thermal underwear. It was a deliberate choice: a product with real demand, a clear sales channel, and a market I understood. Not a quick speculation — a calculated business decision. Alibaba: Registration Is the Easy Part Finding a supplier starts with registering on a platform. Alibaba, 1688, Taobao — each has its own features. For a first import, I chose Alibaba: it has an English-language interface, the Trade Assurance buyer protection system, and verified suppliers. Registration itself is straightforward: create an account, confirm your email, add payment details. Twenty minutes, maybe less. The harder part is choosing the right supplier from hundreds of near-identical listings. Supplier selection deserves its own article. But one rule is non-negotiable: Always order samples first. Always. Even if the supplier looks perfect, the product photos are flawless, and the price is right. My samples arrived in 20 days. I checked the quality, tried them on — satisfied. Only then did I place the first order. The First Order: Numbers and Reality The first shipment: 1,200 pairs of winter softshell gloves 100 sets of thermal underwear Total goods value — just over $3,500 I deliberately started small. A first import is always a test — of the supplier, the logistics, customs, and your own processes. It is better to verify everything on a small volume than to commit serious capital and run into unexpected problems. For anyone just starting out: do not try to go big on the first order. The supplier, the logistics chain, the customs process — all of it needs to be tested first. The Contract and the Bank: Where I Lost the Most Time Once the terms are agreed with the supplier, you sign a foreign trade purchase and sale contract. It is a standard document — but banks scrutinize it carefully before approving a foreign currency purchase. In my case, the bank returned the contract for revisions: some clauses needed to be added, others removed. This took significantly longer than I had planned. Key takeaways from this stage: Foreign currency accounts must be open before you need them — not on the day you plan to pay A knowledgeable bank manager matters — someone who knows the currency regulations and will flag changes before they delay your payment Have your contract reviewed by a lawyer or an experienced customs broker before submitting it to the bank — it can save you a week Logistics and Customs: No Issues Here: After payment was confirmed, the supplier quickly prepared the export documents: commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and export declaration. The goods were shipped without delays. This stage went smoothly for us — logistics and customs clearance is what we do every day. Route planning, freight cost calculation, declaration preparation, customs duty payment — all handled. For first-time importers, this stage typically generates the most questions and delays. An incorrect HS code, errors in documentation, or an understated customs value — each of these mistakes costs time and money, sometimes significant amounts. What I Took Away from This Experience Importing from China is not a black box reserved for large corporations. Small and medium-sized businesses do it successfully every day. But early mistakes are expensive. The three areas that hurt the most: Choosing an unreliable supplier without ordering samples first Contract and banking issues that delay payment and shipment Customs clearance errors — wrong commodity code or undervalued goods The first shipment confirmed what I already knew professionally: importing from China is entirely achievable. But every stage demands attention.   Planning to import from China? Or already importing but running into customs and logistics issues? CBS has been handling this since 2010. Customs clearance, freight forwarding, documentation — we take care of it. First consultation is free.   Phone: +38 (050) 410-73-88 Yurii Mashchenko Director, Capital Brok Service LLC (CBS)