Revealed! How Chinese ceramics break into the Dutch market and become an international focus

In the current global economic situation, Chinese ceramic products occupy an important position in the international market. In recent years, the export volume of Chinese ceramic products has continued to increase, and the export scope has also been expanding. Among them, the Netherlands, as an important country in Europe, has a certain demand for Chinese ceramic products. Chinese ceramics are highly favored in the international market for their exquisite craftsmanship, rich variety, and unique cultural connotations.

However, to successfully export ceramic products to the Netherlands, it is crucial to understand the specific process and relevant precautions. Therefore, this article will introduce in detail the whole process of exporting Chinese ceramic products to the Netherlands, as well as information on regulations and certifications, providing reference and guidance for export enterprises.

I. Specific export process

1.Quotation and order

• Quotation: According to factors such as the quality grade, specifications and models, packaging requirements, purchase quantity, delivery date, and transportation method of ceramic products, provide Dutch customers with a detailed quotation. Common quotation forms include FOB, CNF, CIF, etc.
• Order: After the buyer and the seller reach an agreement on the quotation, a formal Purchase Contract is signed to clarify terms such as the commodity name, specifications and models, quantity, price, packaging, origin, shipping date, payment terms, and settlement method.

2.Negotiation of payment method

• Letter of CreditPayment: The Dutch importer applies to the bank to open a letter of credit. The exporter needs to ensure that the goods are shipped within the shipping period specified in the letter of credit and submit documents that meet the requirements of the letter of credit within the presentation period to ensure smooth receipt of payment.
• TT payment: The Dutch customer directly remits the payment to the foreign exchange bank account designated by the exporter, and the two sides can negotiate and determine the remittance time.
• Direct payment: The buyer and the seller directly deliver the goods and make the payment. This method has relatively high risks and is generally less used.

3.Goods preparation

• Check the quality and specifications of the goods: Carefully check the quality and specifications of ceramic products according to the contract requirements to ensure they are consistent with the contract provisions.
• Determine the quantity of goods: Ensure that the quantity of the prepared goods meets the requirements of the contract or letter of credit.
• Arrange the goods - preparation time: According to the shipping period specified in the letter of credit, combined with the shipping schedule, reasonably determine the goods - preparation time to ensure a smooth connection between the ship and the goods.

4.Packaging

• Select the packaging form: According to the characteristics of ceramic products and transportation requirements, select an appropriate packaging form to prevent damage during transportation.
• Mark the shipping marks: Clear shipping marks should be marked on the packaging, including information such as the consignee, consignor, product name, specifications, quantity, weight, volume, as well as necessary transportation marks and warning signs.

5.Handling of customs clearance procedures

• Commodity inspection and quarantine: Ceramic export commodities subject to legal inspection need to be reported to the entry - exit inspection and quarantine agency. After passing the inspection, an export commodity inspection certificate can be obtained.
• Customs Declaration: Personnel holding a customs declaration certificate shall declare the export to the local customs with documents such as commercial invoices, packing lists, customs declaration powers of attorney, exportIn order to crack down on tax evasion, the customs and tax departments are now strictly examining the operation of buying export declarations. If the behavior of buying export declarations is discovered, the regulatory authorities will require tax replenishment (even a 2% tax rate may be a considerable amount). In addition, fines may also be imposed on the relevant responsible parties.verification and write - off sheets, copies of export cargo contracts, and export commodity inspection certificates. After the customs conducts inspection, tax collection and other procedures on the goods, they will be released.

6.: After the goods arrive at the destination, agents assist enterprises in completing customs clearance and delivery.

• Selection of Transportation Mode: Based on factors such as the quantity, volume, weight, and delivery date of the goods, select an appropriate transportation mode, such asMaritime Transportation,Air Transportationland transportation, etc. For the export of ceramic products to the Netherlands, sea transportation is a more common transportation mode.
• Arrangement of Transportation Insurance: Before the goods are loaded onto the ship, the exporter should, in accordance with the agreement in the Purchase Contract, insure the goods with corresponding transportation insurance to reduce the risks during transportation.

7.Bill of Lading and Settlement of Exchange

• Obtaining the Bill of Lading: After the goods are loaded onto the ship, the freight forwarding company or shipping company will issue a bill of lading. The bill of lading is a certificate of ownership of the goods and an important document for the importer to pick up the goods.
• Settlement of Exchange: The exporter, holding documents such as the bill of lading, commercial invoice, and packing list, shall handle the settlement of exchange procedures with the bank in accordance with the payment method agreed in the contract.

II. Relevant Regulations and Certification Standards

1.Relevant Regulations

• EU Common Regulations:As a member state of the EU, the Netherlands follows the common laws and regulations of the EU, such as the Common Customs Code, the Common Rules of Origin, and the Common Product Technical Safety and Hygiene Regulations. Ceramic products need to meet the requirements regarding product quality, safety, and hygiene in these regulations.
• Food Contact Material Regulations:If ceramic products are used for contact with food, such as ceramic tableware and kitchenware, they also need to meet the regulatory requirements of the EU and the Netherlands regarding food - contact materials to ensure that the products do not release harmful substances and cause harm to human health.
• Import Tariff Regulations:The import tariffs of the Netherlands are governed by the unified tariff regulations of the EU. The specific tariff rates for ceramic products can be found in the EU Taric database. The tariff rates for different types, uses, and materials of ceramic products may vary.
• Inspection and Quarantine Requirements:The Dutch government implements inspection and quarantine on imported ceramic products in accordance with relevant EU and national regulations and standards. The consignee of imported goods must register the imported goods with the inspection and quarantine agency at the port of discharge or the arrival station. The inspection content includes quality inspection, safety and hygiene, quantity verification, weight verification, etc.

2.Certification Standards

• REACHCertification:The REACH regulation aims to ensure a high - level of protection for human health and the environment and stipulates the registration, evaluation, authorization, and restriction of chemicals. Some chemical substances used in the ceramic production process may need to be registered and evaluated to ensure that they meet the restriction standards of the REACH regulation.
• CECertification:If ceramic products fall within the scope of EU CE certification, such as ceramic products with electronic components or those with specific safety requirements, they need to be affixed with the CE mark to prove that the products meet the requirements of relevant EU directives and harmonized standards, facilitating their free circulation in the Netherlands and other EU member states markets.

In addition, some Dutch certification agencies such as KIWA, NV, VROM, CGCMD, etc., may conduct relevant certifications on ceramic products under specific circumstances, but currently, there are few cases where the export of Chinese ceramic products to the Netherlands clearly involves the certifications of these agencies. Export enterprises should pay close attention to changes in the certification requirements of the Netherlands and the EU to ensure that their products meet local regulatory standards.

Conclusion

In conclusion, inimport and exporttrade, only by being familiar with all aspects of export and meeting the relevant regulations of the destination country can enterprises ensure that ceramic products can smoothly enter the Dutch market.

If you have further needs in carrying out import and export business, please feel free to contact us at any time. We will provide you with high - quality services and solutions with professional knowledge, rich experience, and a high sense of responsibility.