Frequently Asked Questions
How importing from China works—and where DassGO supports you from Guangzhou.
Below we answer what Ethiopian, East African, and other African buyers ask us most often. We explain the process first, then what DassGO arranges on the China side. Your bank, customs broker, and local regulator still have the final say in your country—we prepare the export side so their job is easier. (If you do not have a freight forwarder or customs broker yet—or are not sure how to find the right one for your product and destination—DassGO can help with that too.)
Importing from China to Africa
How do I import goods from China to Ethiopia or East Africa?
We are a Guangzhou-based procurement and export coordination team. You send product requirements, quantities, and destination; we identify suitable factories or authorized channels, compare terms, and manage China-side communication. We coordinate verification, pre-shipment inspection when you need it, export documents, and consolidation if your order spans more than one supplier. We do not sell from a fixed warehouse catalogue—you buy against your spec and schedule.
How do I request a quote for sourcing products from China?
Use Get Quote on this website. Tell us the product, specifications, estimated quantity, destination, and target timing. Attach a datasheet, photo, or packing list if you have one. We review the requirement, propose sourcing options and lead times, and list the next steps we will handle (samples, factory shortlist, inspection, shipping plan) versus what your bank or customs broker must do locally. (If you do not have a freight forwarder or customs broker yet—or are not sure how to find the right one for your product and destination—DassGO can help with that too.)
Will a sourcing agent hold inventory in China on my behalf?
No. We work on coordinated purchasing tied to confirmed demand and agreed supplier programs—not speculative inventory held in our name. That keeps your capital on your orders instead of on goods sitting in a third-party warehouse without a buyer.
How can Chinese factories work with African buyers?
Yes. Export-ready factories and authorized distributors can apply through Join Suppliers. We partner with suppliers who can support structured volume, consistent quality, and African market programs—not only one-off spot deals.
We are a Guangzhou-based procurement and export coordination team. You send product requirements, quantities, and destination; we identify suitable factories or authorized channels, compare terms, and manage China-side communication. We coordinate verification, pre-shipment inspection when you need it, export documents, and consolidation if your order spans more than one supplier. We do not sell from a fixed warehouse catalogue—you buy against your spec and schedule.
Use Get Quote on this website. Tell us the product, specifications, estimated quantity, destination, and target timing. Attach a datasheet, photo, or packing list if you have one. We review the requirement, propose sourcing options and lead times, and list the next steps we will handle (samples, factory shortlist, inspection, shipping plan) versus what your bank or customs broker must do locally. (If you do not have a freight forwarder or customs broker yet—or are not sure how to find the right one for your product and destination—DassGO can help with that too.)
No. We work on coordinated purchasing tied to confirmed demand and agreed supplier programs—not speculative inventory held in our name. That keeps your capital on your orders instead of on goods sitting in a third-party warehouse without a buyer.
Yes. Export-ready factories and authorized distributors can apply through Join Suppliers. We partner with suppliers who can support structured volume, consistent quality, and African market programs—not only one-off spot deals.
Sourcing & reliable suppliers
How do I know if a Chinese company is a factory or a trading company?
On Alibaba and similar platforms, many listings are trading companies—they buy from factories and resell, which adds margin. A real manufacturer should provide a business license (营业执照), Unified Social Credit Code, factory address, and production capacity for your product. Before we recommend any channel for your order, DassGO checks supplier type, export experience, and whether the quoted entity matches the production site. You still approve the supplier; we do the China-side legwork so you are not guessing from a profile page alone.
Can I trust quality if I cannot travel to China?
Quality comes from written specifications, an approved sample, and inspection before the balance payment—not from hope. Independent inspectors in China can verify dimensions, finish, labeling, and carton counts and send photos and reports. DassGO schedules inspection after production and before cargo leaves the supplier, aligns the checklist with your spec, and shares results so you can release payment or ask for correction. You choose whether to inspect; we organize timing and access on the ground in Guangzhou and other production hubs.
How do I protect my private-label or OEM design from being copied in China?
Copying is a real risk if you only send a picture and no contract. Serious programs use China-law NNN agreements (non-disclosure, non-use, non-circumvention), control of molds and packaging artwork, and registered trademarks where appropriate. DassGO introduces factories under structured programs, keeps communication on record, and can coordinate legal templates and factory acknowledgment as part of your sourcing project. We are not a law firm—your lawyer should review NNN terms—but we help ensure the factory you work with understands your product is not for resale to your competitors.
On Alibaba and similar platforms, many listings are trading companies—they buy from factories and resell, which adds margin. A real manufacturer should provide a business license (营业执照), Unified Social Credit Code, factory address, and production capacity for your product. Before we recommend any channel for your order, DassGO checks supplier type, export experience, and whether the quoted entity matches the production site. You still approve the supplier; we do the China-side legwork so you are not guessing from a profile page alone.
Quality comes from written specifications, an approved sample, and inspection before the balance payment—not from hope. Independent inspectors in China can verify dimensions, finish, labeling, and carton counts and send photos and reports. DassGO schedules inspection after production and before cargo leaves the supplier, aligns the checklist with your spec, and shares results so you can release payment or ask for correction. You choose whether to inspect; we organize timing and access on the ground in Guangzhou and other production hubs.
Copying is a real risk if you only send a picture and no contract. Serious programs use China-law NNN agreements (non-disclosure, non-use, non-circumvention), control of molds and packaging artwork, and registered trademarks where appropriate. DassGO introduces factories under structured programs, keeps communication on record, and can coordinate legal templates and factory acknowledgment as part of your sourcing project. We are not a law firm—your lawyer should review NNN terms—but we help ensure the factory you work with understands your product is not for resale to your competitors.
Payments & foreign currency
What is the safest way to pay a Chinese supplier?
We discourage 100% upfront before production unless the relationship and contract fully support it. A structure we often align with factories is about 30% deposit to start production and 70% after inspection and before shipping documents are released—ratios vary by product and factory. Platform Trade Assurance, bank T/T, and L/C each fit different order sizes. DassGO maps payment milestones to production and inspection steps in the purchase flow we coordinate, so you know when to pay and what document or inspection result should trigger the next transfer.
How do Ethiopian importers get USD to pay for goods from China?
Foreign exchange in Ethiopia is regulated by the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE). Your bank releases USD (or other approved currency) against your import license, registration, and supporting documents such as a pro forma or commercial invoice—not on demand every day. You apply through your bank; NBE rules and allocation apply. DassGO prepares pro forma invoices, commercial invoices, and packing lists in the format banks and customs expect for the goods we procure for you, and we align quantities and descriptions with the contract so your permit and payment application match the shipment. We do not replace your bank or NBE approval—we make the China-side paperwork correct so your forex and clearance process can move forward. After forex is approved, destination clearance is handled through a customs broker (If you do not have a freight forwarder or customs broker yet—or are not sure how to find the right one for your product and destination—DassGO can help with that too.).
Can I pay Chinese suppliers in yuan (CNY) or in local currency?
Most factories quote in USD; some can accept CNY if their account is set up for it. Local currency payment to a supplier usually requires your bank’s conversion to USD under licensed channels—not informal third-party schemes. When you tell us your country and bank, we state what the supplier accepts and structure the invoice and contract accordingly. Payment still runs through proper banking; we coordinate terms and documents on the China side.
We discourage 100% upfront before production unless the relationship and contract fully support it. A structure we often align with factories is about 30% deposit to start production and 70% after inspection and before shipping documents are released—ratios vary by product and factory. Platform Trade Assurance, bank T/T, and L/C each fit different order sizes. DassGO maps payment milestones to production and inspection steps in the purchase flow we coordinate, so you know when to pay and what document or inspection result should trigger the next transfer.
Foreign exchange in Ethiopia is regulated by the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE). Your bank releases USD (or other approved currency) against your import license, registration, and supporting documents such as a pro forma or commercial invoice—not on demand every day. You apply through your bank; NBE rules and allocation apply. DassGO prepares pro forma invoices, commercial invoices, and packing lists in the format banks and customs expect for the goods we procure for you, and we align quantities and descriptions with the contract so your permit and payment application match the shipment. We do not replace your bank or NBE approval—we make the China-side paperwork correct so your forex and clearance process can move forward. After forex is approved, destination clearance is handled through a customs broker (If you do not have a freight forwarder or customs broker yet—or are not sure how to find the right one for your product and destination—DassGO can help with that too.).
Most factories quote in USD; some can accept CNY if their account is set up for it. Local currency payment to a supplier usually requires your bank’s conversion to USD under licensed channels—not informal third-party schemes. When you tell us your country and bank, we state what the supplier accepts and structure the invoice and contract accordingly. Payment still runs through proper banking; we coordinate terms and documents on the China side.
Shipping & logistics
Should I use air freight or sea freight from China to Africa?
Air and express suit urgent or high-value small lots (often a few days to major airports, higher cost per kilo). Sea suits bulk and heavy cargo—typical transit toward East African ports is often on the order of several weeks, with lower cost per cubic metre. Many clients sea-ship main volume and air-fly critical lines. DassGO works with your nominated freight forwarder or suggests routing options, books cargo ready dates with suppliers, and ensures export documents match the mode you choose. We do not replace your forwarder—we synchronize factory readiness, consolidation, and China export clearance with their booking. (If you do not have a freight forwarder or customs broker yet—or are not sure how to find the right one for your product and destination—DassGO can help with that too.)
What is the shipping route from China to Ethiopia?
Most sea cargo for Ethiopia discharges at the Port of Djibouti, then moves by Ethio-Djibouti rail or truck to inland dry ports such as Modjo for customs processing. Air cargo often enters via Addis Ababa or regional hubs depending on airline and product. Your freight forwarder and customs broker handle port and inland legs in Africa. (If you do not have a freight forwarder or customs broker yet—or are not sure how to find the right one for your product and destination—DassGO can help with that too.) DassGO manages pickup or delivery to port in China, export declaration, and the invoice, packing list, and bill of lading data that must match what Djibouti and Ethiopian customs will see.
Can I combine orders from several Chinese suppliers into one container?
Yes—that is a common request when clients source from Yiwu, Guangzhou, and other cities in one program. Goods are collected at a consolidation point, held briefly, and loaded as LCL (shared container) or FCL (your full container), with one combined export packing list and aligned marks. DassGO coordinates supplier delivery dates, warehouse receiving, and loading so one slow line does not block the whole shipment without you chasing five factories yourself. Your freight forwarder books the ocean leg and destination clearance (If you do not have a freight forwarder or customs broker yet—or are not sure how to find the right one for your product and destination—DassGO can help with that too.)
Air and express suit urgent or high-value small lots (often a few days to major airports, higher cost per kilo). Sea suits bulk and heavy cargo—typical transit toward East African ports is often on the order of several weeks, with lower cost per cubic metre. Many clients sea-ship main volume and air-fly critical lines. DassGO works with your nominated freight forwarder or suggests routing options, books cargo ready dates with suppliers, and ensures export documents match the mode you choose. We do not replace your forwarder—we synchronize factory readiness, consolidation, and China export clearance with their booking. (If you do not have a freight forwarder or customs broker yet—or are not sure how to find the right one for your product and destination—DassGO can help with that too.)
Most sea cargo for Ethiopia discharges at the Port of Djibouti, then moves by Ethio-Djibouti rail or truck to inland dry ports such as Modjo for customs processing. Air cargo often enters via Addis Ababa or regional hubs depending on airline and product. Your freight forwarder and customs broker handle port and inland legs in Africa. (If you do not have a freight forwarder or customs broker yet—or are not sure how to find the right one for your product and destination—DassGO can help with that too.) DassGO manages pickup or delivery to port in China, export declaration, and the invoice, packing list, and bill of lading data that must match what Djibouti and Ethiopian customs will see.
Yes—that is a common request when clients source from Yiwu, Guangzhou, and other cities in one program. Goods are collected at a consolidation point, held briefly, and loaded as LCL (shared container) or FCL (your full container), with one combined export packing list and aligned marks. DassGO coordinates supplier delivery dates, warehouse receiving, and loading so one slow line does not block the whole shipment without you chasing five factories yourself. Your freight forwarder books the ocean leg and destination clearance (If you do not have a freight forwarder or customs broker yet—or are not sure how to find the right one for your product and destination—DassGO can help with that too.)
Customs, duties & documentation
What documents do I need for customs clearance when importing to Ethiopia?
Authorities typically expect a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, certificate of origin when required, insurance proof under CIF terms, and product-specific certificates. Ethiopia and each African country add local permits and forms. Your customs broker confirms the final list for clearance. (If you do not have a freight forwarder or customs broker yet—or are not sure how to find the right one for your product and destination—DassGO can help with that too.) DassGO prepares and checks the China-origin set—invoice, packing list, weights, HS codes, and descriptions—so they match the physical cargo and your import permit. Missing or mismatched documents delay clearance for weeks; we reduce that risk on the export package we control.
How do I calculate total landed cost for imports from China?
Landed cost is factory price plus freight, insurance, duty, excise if any, VAT, port handling, inland transport, broker fees, and inspections—not FOB alone. In many countries duty and tax apply to CIF value (goods + insurance + freight to entry). Your customs broker and accountant apply local rates. (If you do not have a freight forwarder or customs broker yet—or are not sure how to find the right one for your product and destination—DassGO can help with that too.) DassGO gives you FOB or CIF quotes from China with clear inclusions, freight and insurance when we arrange them, and weights and values for duty calculation before you commit to volume.
What about EFDA and other product approvals in Ethiopia and the region?
Food, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices often need Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority (EFDA) registration or import permits. Vehicles, electronics, and chemicals may need conformity or homologation. Neighboring countries have their own schemes (PVOC, CoC, SONCAP, etc.). Those approvals are issued in your market—you and your customs broker lead that process. (If you do not have a freight forwarder or customs broker yet—or are not sure how to find the right one for your product and destination—DassGO can help with that too.) DassGO supplies product specifications, test reports from the factory when available, and labeling information from China so your registration or pre-shipment verification application has the technical data regulators ask for.
What do FOB, CIF, and DDP mean when importing from China?
FOB: we deliver goods on board the vessel at the Chinese port; you or your freight forwarder pays ocean freight and everything after. CIF: we include freight and insurance to your named port—but CIF does not mean customs cleared or delivered to your warehouse in Addis or Nairobi unless that is written explicitly. DDP to your door is rare on large industrial orders and must be defined line by line. When we quote, we state which costs are included in our price and what your forwarder and customs broker must still handle, so you are not assuming “CIF” covers clearance at destination. (If you do not have a freight forwarder or customs broker yet—or are not sure how to find the right one for your product and destination—DassGO can help with that too.)
Authorities typically expect a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, certificate of origin when required, insurance proof under CIF terms, and product-specific certificates. Ethiopia and each African country add local permits and forms. Your customs broker confirms the final list for clearance. (If you do not have a freight forwarder or customs broker yet—or are not sure how to find the right one for your product and destination—DassGO can help with that too.) DassGO prepares and checks the China-origin set—invoice, packing list, weights, HS codes, and descriptions—so they match the physical cargo and your import permit. Missing or mismatched documents delay clearance for weeks; we reduce that risk on the export package we control.
Landed cost is factory price plus freight, insurance, duty, excise if any, VAT, port handling, inland transport, broker fees, and inspections—not FOB alone. In many countries duty and tax apply to CIF value (goods + insurance + freight to entry). Your customs broker and accountant apply local rates. (If you do not have a freight forwarder or customs broker yet—or are not sure how to find the right one for your product and destination—DassGO can help with that too.) DassGO gives you FOB or CIF quotes from China with clear inclusions, freight and insurance when we arrange them, and weights and values for duty calculation before you commit to volume.
Food, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices often need Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority (EFDA) registration or import permits. Vehicles, electronics, and chemicals may need conformity or homologation. Neighboring countries have their own schemes (PVOC, CoC, SONCAP, etc.). Those approvals are issued in your market—you and your customs broker lead that process. (If you do not have a freight forwarder or customs broker yet—or are not sure how to find the right one for your product and destination—DassGO can help with that too.) DassGO supplies product specifications, test reports from the factory when available, and labeling information from China so your registration or pre-shipment verification application has the technical data regulators ask for.
FOB: we deliver goods on board the vessel at the Chinese port; you or your freight forwarder pays ocean freight and everything after. CIF: we include freight and insurance to your named port—but CIF does not mean customs cleared or delivered to your warehouse in Addis or Nairobi unless that is written explicitly. DDP to your door is rare on large industrial orders and must be defined line by line. When we quote, we state which costs are included in our price and what your forwarder and customs broker must still handle, so you are not assuming “CIF” covers clearance at destination. (If you do not have a freight forwarder or customs broker yet—or are not sure how to find the right one for your product and destination—DassGO can help with that too.)
Your question is not listed?
Tell us the product, destination country, and timeline. We will explain the process and what DassGO can arrange from China—and clearly say what stays with your bank, forwarder, or customs broker. (If you do not have a freight forwarder or customs broker yet—or are not sure how to find the right one for your product and destination—DassGO can help with that too.)