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How we import

A six-stage methodology, with deliverables at each one.

How we evaluate suppliers, how the cost is built, which risks we manage and what documentation an import from China to Argentina involves.

Process

From inquiry to delivery.

At each stage we tell you what we do, what you get and what we need from you.

You tell us what you want to import

We analyze initial viability: product type, possible import requirements and quantities.

You getConfirmation of whether we can quote it and what information is missing.

We needDescription, photos or reference links, estimated quantity and destination city.

Stage1 of 6
We find and analyze suppliers

We search for manufacturers in different regions of China and review their business license, declared certifications and capacity.

You getA comparison of shortlisted suppliers with price, minimum quantity and lead times.

We needMinimum specifications (dimensions, materials, voltage) and, if you have one, a target price.

Stage2 of 6
We present options and costs

We build the quote with every component: goods, logistics, taxes, expenses and management fees.

You getA written quote, with defined validity and terms.

We needYour choice of supplier and option, and your tax status.

Stage3 of 6
We coordinate samples and production

We coordinate the sample, adjustments and the agreement with specifications and lead times. We follow production.

You getThe sample (or its photos and video) and the purchase order with specifications.

We needYour approval of the sample and the agreed payment to start production, according to the written terms.

Stage4 of 6
We inspect and manage the shipment

We inspect the goods before shipping, book the freight and gather the documentation.

You getThe inspection result with photos and video, the shipping documents and the estimated arrival date.

We needThe payments planned for this stage, according to the written terms of the operation.

Stage5 of 6
We coordinate customs clearance and delivery

The customs broker formalizes the import; we coordinate tax payment, release and transport.

You getThe goods at destination, with their documentation.

We needDelivery details and, if you import in your own name, your importer registration.

Stage6 of 6

Supplier evaluation

What we check before recommending a factory.

A good catalog photo is not enough. These are the criteria we use to evaluate each supplier.

Valid business license

We verify that the company exists, that its license is valid and that its declared activity matches what it manufactures.

Manufacturer or middleman

We identify whether it's the factory or a trading company. Sometimes a trading company makes sense, but you need to know.

Capacity and lead times

How much it can produce, real lead times and low seasons, such as Chinese New Year.

Declared certifications

We ask for the certificates and, when possible, verify them with the issuing body.

Export experience

Which markets it sells to and whether it knows the packaging and documentation requirements for export.

Commercial terms

Minimum quantity, payment terms, warranty and handling of defects, in writing.

Cost structure

What the cost of an import is made of.

Each item, who charges it and how it impacts. VAT and withholdings are paid in advance at customs: whether you can credit them depends on your tax situation.

Components of the cost of an import
Item	How it's calculated	Who charges it	Treatment
Goods	Factory price per unit. It can be quoted EXW (at the factory) or FOB (loaded at the port of origin).	Factory	Cost
Origin charges	Only if bought EXW: inland freight in China and export formalities.	Freight forwarder	Cost
International freight	Sea: per container or per cubic meter. Air: per kilo, using the greater of actual and volumetric weight.	Freight forwarder	Cost
Cargo insurance	Percentage of the insured value.	Insurer	Cost
Import duties	Percentage of the customs value (CIF). Depends on the tariff classification (NCM).	Customs	Cost
Statistics fee	3% of the customs value (in force until 12/31/2027).	Customs	Cost
VAT	21% or 10.5% depending on the product, on the import tax base.	Customs	Tax credit if you are VAT-registered
VAT, income tax and gross income withholdings	Percentages depending on your tax status and province.	Customs / province	Advance payment, depending on your situation
Customs broker and clearance costs	Fees and costs of the import declaration.	Customs broker	Cost
Local costs	Terminal, bonded warehouse and freight to your destination.	Terminal / transport	Cost
SYT IMPORTS management fees	Depending on the contracted service: a percentage of FOB value or a fixed amount, stated in the quote.	SYT IMPORTS	Cost, invoiced separately

Withholding percentages depend on your registration and province. Your accountant confirms what you can credit. Try the calculator with your numbers.

Risks

What can go wrong and how we manage it.

Importing has risks. We don't hide them: we identify them beforehand and manage them during the operation.

Import risks and how they are managed
Risk	How we manage it
Unreliable supplier	Prior supplier verification and staged payments, never everything upfront.
Quality different from the sample	Written specifications, approved sample and pre-shipment inspection.
Production delays	Dates in the agreement, weekly follow-up and planning around seasons.
Incorrect tariff classification	Analysis of the tariff classification with the customs broker before buying.
Unforeseen requirements	Prior review of licenses, certifications and agency approvals your product may require.
Cost changes	Quote with a defined validity. If something external changes, we let you know and requote before moving forward.
Damage in transit	Packaging suited to the means of transport and cargo insurance.

Logistics

How your goods travel.

We choose the option based on the volume, weight, urgency and value of the cargo.

Sea freight, full container (FCL)

A 20 or 40 ft container just for your cargo. Worth it when the volume justifies it.

Sea freight, consolidated (LCL)

Your cargo shares a container with others. You pay per cubic meter or per ton, whichever is greater.

Consolidation at origin

If you buy from several suppliers, we gather the goods in China and ship them together.

Air

For urgent, light or high-value cargo. Charged per kilo, using the greater of actual and volumetric weight.

Reference lead times

As a reference, sea transit usually takes 45 to 60 days from the moment the goods leave the factory, and air freight 7 to 15 days. Production and customs clearance come on top of that.

What can change lead times

The factory's production time
Low-activity seasons, such as Chinese New Year
Space availability on ships and planes, and transshipments
Selectivity channel assigned by customs
Complete documentation and product requirements

Documentation

The paperwork of an import.

We prepare and review it from the purchase onward, so the goods arrive with everything in order.

Commercial invoice

Issued by the factory. It details the goods, quantities, prices and Incoterm.

Packing list

Number of packages, contents, weights and dimensions of each.

Transport document

Bill of lading (BL) for sea or air waybill (AWB) for air.

Certificate of origin

Proves where the goods were manufactured, when the operation requires it.

Certifications and licenses

Depending on the product: electrical safety, approvals or other agency requirements.

Import declaration

The declaration the customs broker files with customs to formalize the import.

Glossary

Terms you'll hear.

FOB: Goods loaded at the port of origin. From there, freight and insurance are paid by the buyer.
EXW: Goods collected at the factory. The buyer pays inland freight in China and export.
CIF: Cost of the goods plus insurance and freight to the port of destination. It is the basis for import taxes.
NCM: Mercosur Common Nomenclature: the code that classifies each product and defines its tariff and requirements.
FCL and LCL: Full container for your cargo (FCL) or consolidated cargo sharing a container (LCL).
Volumetric weight: In air freight, the weight derived from the cargo's dimensions. The greater of actual and volumetric weight is charged.
Customs broker: Licensed professional who files the import declaration with customs.
Selectivity channel: Green, orange or red: the level of control customs assigns to each declaration.

Want to go deeper? Read the articles (in Spanish) in Learn to import.

What do you want to import from China?

Tell us the product and the quantity. We reply with a written quote, with detailed costs and a defined validity period.

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