This article help oversea purchaser know the process of import lamps from China.

How to source decorative lighting from China for interior projects?

This article help oversea purchaser(Who with Modern Chandeliers, Wholesale Decorative Lighting, China Lighting Manufacturer, Hospitality Lighting Solutions) know the process of import lamps from China.

Step1. Identify which factory: OEM vs. ODM

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): If you have your own designs or specifications, you can provide to factory and they will manufacture.

ODM (Original Design Manufacturer): Choose from their catalog and white-label products for your projects.

Step2. Technical Compliance & Certification

Ensure products meet your region’s legal requirements:

USA/Canada:UL, ETL, FCC.

Europe:CE (LVD/EMC), RoHS, UKCA.

Australia:SAA, C-Tick.

Step3. Quality Assurance (3 main points)

Pre-Production: Approve a "Golden Sample" before mass production.

During Production: Ask factory send production video or pictures, normally this period need 40-45 days for one order. In Raise Lighting, we need purchase raw material and make inspection, this will speed a lot of time to make the Modern Chandeliers.

Pre-Shipment Inspection: Ask your agency or hire a third-party agency to make inspection. Especially for functionality and finish quality.

Step4. Protection & Packaging

Some lighting with glass or crystal is fragile. Make a standard according to your local market indeed. Here are some suggestion for you:

Mandatory: Require 5-layer corrugated "Export Grade" boxes.

For High-Value Items: Specify honeycomb cardboard or wooden cases.

Drop Test: Demand a 1A or 3A ISTA drop test report for fragile chandeliers.

Step5. Shipment: Logistics & Financial Strategy

Terms: Most wholesale decorative lighting business use container to load the goods. Use FOB(Free on Board) if you have your own forwarder, or CFR (including shipping charge need to pay factory), for ensure you can use CIF((including shipping charge and insurance fee need to pay factory).

Consolidation: If sourcing from multiple factories (e.g., in Guzhen and Shenzhen), use a central warehouse to consolidate into one FCL (Full Container Load) to save 30-40% on shipping.

Lead Times: Account for 30-45 days for production + 30 days for sea freight. Factor in the Chinese New Year shutdown (usually Jan/Feb).

Step6. Payment

Here is a tips from Raise Lighting: If a quote is 30% lower than average, they are not good inspection on raw material or recycled metal.

Payment Terms: Standard is 30% deposit / 70% balance after QC inspection but before shipping.

How to source lighting from China for interior projects?