How To Import Electronic Components From China To A Country In Europe?

Image source Pinterest

You are in Europe and would like to buy electronic components in China? Whether it is for personal use or you want to buy bulk electronic components for sale, a proper guide is all you need.

Read on, as this blog will provide you with all the information you need to import electronic components from China and ship them to an EU country.

We’ll explore how you can set up your own trading company, what documents are required when importing electronic components, and how much duty you could pay.

Table of Contents

Why You Should Buy Electronic Components in China: Top Reasons

‍

Photo by Pexels

You are in Europe and you are thinking of buying electronic components in China. Have you ever wondered why most buyers prefer China when it comes to electronic products?

You can easily assume that price is their main driving force. In reality, there are several other factors that make China a preferred destination for electronic components. Let’s look at some of these reasons.

China is the world’s factory for electronic components

Electronics is the largest industry in China, and about 30% of the world’s electronics are manufactured in China. These include not only sensors and controls, but also many processors running computers, mobile phones, and cloud services.

Electronics manufacturing in China is highly competitive and is used as a basis for the country’s economic growth and development.

China has become a major supplier of integrated circuits (ICs) and other electronic components to the world.

Electronic components are usually cheap in China

This is perhaps one of the strongest reasons to import electronic components from China to Europe. Since China is one of the largest producers of electronic components, they have a very large and efficient network that can provide you with quality electronic components at a very low cost.

Electronic components, especially the ones used in the production of digital devices, are usually manufactured in large quantities. So, the production cost per piece of electronic components usually decreases as the quantities go up.

Compared to other countries, you are likely to pay a low price for importing electronic components from China to Europe.

There’s a wide selection of electronic components in China

The electronic components manufactured in China not only include the ones we use in our daily life but also the ones used in the production of various machines. In China, there are various markets for electronic components, and you’ll find most of the popular components in these markets.

Electronic components use a standardized system for identifying the properties of the component, such as voltage and current rating, kind of power, etc. These properties and the standard system can be used to easily identify the component, select it, and place an order for it.

Electronic components include resistors, capacitors, transistors, inductors, connectors, circuit boards, sensors, switches, wires, etc. You can easily find a wide range of these electronic components in China.

The quality of electronic components produced in China is good

Electronic components are usually made of different materials, such as carbon, silver, gold, silicon, etc. The quality of these materials decides the quality of the component, and the materials used in the making of electronic components usually meet the quality standards.

Electronic components are produced in large quantities, and thus, there is no chance of them being defective or faulty. The electronic components are also tested thoroughly to make sure they perform as they should. Electronic components manufactured in China are usually of good quality.

However, it is important that you check the quality of the components, especially if you are planning to use them in a critical application.

You can easily get customized electronic components in China

Electronic components have become a commodity of sorts, but they are more than just commodities because they can be customized. With the help of technology, you can modify the properties of components, including functionality and size.

Electronic components are usually produced in bulk, but there are times when you might need a customized component for your project. You can easily get customized electronic components in China.

Manufacturers and suppliers in China usually take customization requests to meet the needs of their customers. Electronic components can be customized in terms of design, size, and functionality. You can also get customized printed circuit boards (PCBs) in China.

With plenty of open communication channels between Europe and China, you can easily order for your customized electronic components.

China has a large pool of skilled labor force for electronic manufacturing

Electronic components are used in almost every industry, and they have become an integral part of our daily lives. The world has become dependent on electronics and machines, and this has led to the growth of the electronic components industry. Electronic components are usually produced in an industry that has a high level of automation.

This allows for the production of high-quality components at a low cost. The electronic components industry employs a large number of skilled workers, and China happens to be home to a large pool of skilled labor.

This is a major advantage to buyers who are seeking well-refined electronic components from China.

The electronic market in China is fully equipped with the latest technologies

Electronic components are used in almost all modern machines, and they are produced with the latest technologies.

Electronics manufacturing in China uses the latest technologies to produce a wide range of electronic components.

Electronics manufacturing in China uses the latest equipment, technologies, and techniques to produce high-quality components with the minimum amount of human effort.

With all the reasons that we have listed here, it is crystal clear why if you are in Europe you should consider buying your electronic components in China.

Even though other countries may be possible options, you stand to gain more why you choose China as your go-to source for electronic components.

How to Find the Best China Electronic Component Distributors?

China electronic component distributors are wholesalers who sell parts and components directly to businesses. There are tens of thousands of wholesalers in China, with new ones being created every day. In fact, the market is so fragmented that there isn’t a single website where you can find them all listed together.

So how do you know which suppliers are good enough to be your partners?

Here are some pointers on how to find the best China electronic component distributors out there:

Search ‘China best electronics distributors’ on Google

The first step to finding the best China electronic component distributors is to find the companies selling the products you need. To do this, simply search Google for “China best electronics distributors.”

You can also include the product types, brands, and quantities you need to make the search even more specific. This method will give you a list of wholesalers selling the products you need.

You can then narrow down this list by searching for each company’s name individually on B2B e-commerce websites and Chinese B2B websites.

Search China best electronic components distributors in China B2B e-commerce website

Chinese B2B e-commerce websites are a great way to find China electronic component distributors. You can search each website for distributors selling the products you need and then narrow down this list by searching for each company’s name individually on B2B websites.

Examples of these B2B platforms include Made-in-China, Alibaba, and Global Sources. These websites have a huge number of suppliers and products, so chances are you’ll find what you’re looking for.

Search electronic components in Alibaba(alibaba.com)

Alibaba is the world’s largest B2B e-commerce website and a great place to find China electronic component distributors. You can search for each one by name and then narrow down this list by searching for each company’s name individually on B2B websites.

Search electronic components in made-in-china(made-in-china.com)

Like Alibaba, Made-in-China is the world’s largest B2B e-commerce website and a great place to find China electronic component distributors.

If you’re looking for components, you can browse the site and search for things like “vacuum tube”, “capacitor”, “resistor”, etc. You can also use the filters at the top of the page to drill down your choices based on price, brand, and other factors.

Search electronic components in globalsources(globalsources.com)

Like Alibaba and Made-in-China, Globalsources is a B2B e-commerce website and a great place to find China electronic component distributors.

This site also allows you to find out different brands and select the one that has the potential of meeting your needs.

Participate in exhibitions in China

A great way to find China electronic component distributors is to visit exhibitions in China. There are hundreds of exhibitions each year and thousands of companies exhibiting at them.

At these exhibitions, you can meet with the exhibitors and ask them about their products, their company, and why you should do business with them. You can also meet with other buyers at the exhibition to find out how they source their parts.

There are two main exhibitions to attend: the Canton Fair and the Hong Kong Electronics Fair. Both of these exhibitions bring together tens of thousands of companies selling and exhibiting their products. You can also search for exhibitions in your country and find the exhibitors there.

Participate in the Canton Fair

The Canton Fair is the world’s largest exhibition for the Chinese trade industry, with over 10,000 exhibitors from over 70 countries. It’s held every autumn in Guangzhou, China, and lasts for about two weeks.

If you want to find the best China electronic component distributors, the Canton Fair is the perfect place to look. Thousands of companies exhibit at the fair and you can meet with them and have them send you samples of their products. You can also meet with other buyers at the exhibition to find out how they source their parts.

Participate in the Hong Kong Electronics Fair

The Hong Kong Electronics Fair is a smaller exhibition to the Canton Fair. It’s held every spring and lasts for about two weeks, with about 2,500 exhibitors from over 30 countries. Like the Canton Fair, the Hong Kong Electronics Fair is the perfect place to find China electronic component distributors.

You can meet with exhibitors and ask them about their products, their company, and why you should do business with them.

Participate in the China Sourcing Fair

The China Sourcing Fair is a sourcing exhibition held in China every winter. China Sourcing Fair is great for finding China electronic component distributors. You can visit the exhibitors and ask them about their products, their company, and why you should do business with them.

You can also meet with other buyers at the exhibition to find out how they source their parts. Some common industries and product types you’ll find at the China Sourcing Fair include consumer electronics, home appliances, medical equipment, and industrial automation.

Know the Technical Specifications of the Electronic Components you want to import from China to Europe

Image Source: FreeImages‍

When importing electronic components from China to Europe, it is important to pay attention to its key technical specifications.

Regardless of the end use of an electronic component, manufacturers will always provide specifications to help you make the right choice. These technical details represent different measures that are essential for getting value for your money. Test and measurement devices will measure parameters like frequency response or distortion using different test protocols.

Let’s take a closer look at some of these specifications so that you can know what to ask for if you ever need to source them again:

Frequency in an electronic component

A frequency response measurement shows how an electronic component reacts in terms of amplitude and phase to various frequencies.

Low-quality components might suffer from poor frequency response and deliver distorted sound. The frequency response of an electronic component is typically specified as a range, with the low and high values.

For example, a frequency response range of 20-20,000 Hz indicates that the component will produce a full range of sound (20 Hz to 20 kHz) without any dropouts.

Resistance in an electronic component

We all know the importance of resistance in a circuit and in the electrical grid, but what does it mean for an electronic component? The resistance value of a component indicates how much current it allows to flow as a voltage is applied.

When selecting a component with a given resistance value, you must also take into account the load it will have to bear.

The maximum allowable current and voltage ratings are usually specified. You can use a multimeter to measure the resistance of a component, but because the reading will change depending on the current flow, it’s best to use the value specified by the manufacturer.

Capacitance in an electronic component

The capacitance value indicates how much charge, in the form of electrons, a component can store. This is important, because it determines how much current your circuit will draw when a voltage is applied. For example, the capacitance of a capacitor in an electronic circuit might be 100nF. This means that the capacitor can store 100 nano-Farads of charge. When the capacitor is connected to a voltage source, it will draw a certain current, depending on its capacitance value.

Inductance

The inductance value of a component is often measured in Henries and specified in nano-Henries for smaller components.

The inductance of a component determines how much current will flow in a circuit as a voltage is applied. The amount of current flow is particularly important in applications where high-frequency signals are involved, as well as power and signal routing in circuits.

Size and dimensions of the component

You should know the physical dimensions of the electronic component that you want to buy. This may end up affecting the cost of shipping electronic components rom China to Europe.

You can measure the dimensions of a component, such as its width, lengt,h and height, to find out how it will fit inside your product. For example, you can use the width to determine if it will fit in a circuit board. It’s always best to check the dimensions of the component you want to buy, rather than rely on the maximum or minimum values specified by the manufacturer. This is particularly important when you’re choosing parts for an application with stringent space limitations.

Weight of the electronic component

Like size, you need to pay attention to the weight of the electronic components that you want to buy in China.

The weight of a component is always specified in grams, but you can also convert it to ounces or pounds.

Other than shipping concerns, the weight may also affect the integration and handling of the component.

Design and structure of the component

The design and structure of a component are important for detecting any flaws or defects in its construction.

A visual inspection before and after soldering is essential to check for cracks or breaks in the component. Your multimeter can help you spot any issues with the design of a component, such as a short circuit or open circuit.

You can also check the resistance of your component and see if it falls within the safe range specified by the manufacturer.

Temperature range

The temperature range of a component indicates how it will behave in different temperatures.

Some electronic components are designed to operate within specific temperature ranges.

You can find this information in the component datasheet, along with the derating curve that shows how the component’s properties will change as the temperature rises. As the temperature of a component increases, its resistance will increase and its capacitance will decrease.

Error tolerance of the electronic component

The error tolerance of a component refers to the amount of deviation from a specific value that can be expected from a given sample. For example, a resistor might have an error tolerance of ±10%, which means that you can expect 10% of the components to have slightly different resistance.

A low error tolerance indicates that the component is very precise, while high tolerance means that it’s suitable for applications with low accuracy requirements, such as controlling a relay with approximate timing.

When you’re designing a circuit, you can select components with an appropriate tolerance to reduce the risk of introducing an error into your system.

Check the relevant certifications for the electronic components

If you are planning to import electronic components from China to Europe, you will need to check if they are certified. As there are many different certification bodies and standards for electronic components, it can be quite confusing.

However, it is important that you check which of these certifications your supplier needs before placing an order. Checking the relevant certifications helps you in importing electronic components easily and efficiently.

Having access to this information beforehand streamlines the process and saves time, money, and stress in the long run. Here we list various certifications for electronics manufacturers so you know where to start when sourcing from China.

RoHS Certificate

An important certification for electronic components that you should verify is the RoHS certification. RoHS stands for “Restriction of Hazardous Substances” and is a European Union (EU) Directive. The EU RoHS certification for electronic components is a way of regulating the use of certain materials in electronic devices. These materials are considered hazardous to the health of people and the environment.

FCC Certification

If you are planning to import electronic components from China, you will need to make sure that these components are also FCC certified. If you want to do business in the United States, you will need to make sure that electronic components are FCC certified. FCC stands for “Federal Communications Commission”, which is a government agency that regulates radio communication in the USA. If you are planning to import electronic components from China, you will need to check if they are FCC certified.

CE marking and ISO certification

Another mandatory certification for electronic components that you should verify is the CE Marking and ISO certification. CE Marking and ISO certification is another way of regulating the use of certain materials in electrical and electronic equipment. These certifications are applicable to manufacturers and importers in the EU, Australia,

UL Certification for electronic components

If you are planning to import electronic components from China, you will need to check if they are UL certified. UL stands for “Underwriters Laboratories”, which is a company that sets and maintains safety standards for various products and services in the USA. Electronic components like circuit breakers, fuses, transformers, and more need to be tested and certified as compliant with UL’s standards.

The UL certification is applicable for manufacturers and importers of electrical equipment in the USA. The aim of the UL certification is to reduce the amount of hazards in products that might be released into the environment.

GS Certification

GS stands for German Standards Institute. It is one of the main certification bodies in the EU. It is responsible for the standardization and regulation within Germany. GS certification is mandatory for manufacturers who want to import electronic components from China and sell them in the European market. GS certification is the same as the CE marking certification.

EMC

This certification is applicable for manufacturers and importers of electrical equipment and machinery in the European Union (EU). EMC stands for “Electromagnetic Compatibility”, which is an indication of the ability of an electronic product to function correctly in an electromagnetic environment. The EMC certification is mandatory for all imported electronic components.

LVD certification

The LVD certification stands for “Low Voltage Directive”, which is a set of regulations regarding electrical equipment in the European Union (EU).

This regulation has now been replaced by the EMC regulation, but it is still applicable to products manufactured before the regulation was put in place. LVD certification is mandatory for all imported electrical components.

Choose the right supplier of electronic components in China

Image Source: FreeImages‍

With so many suppliers of electronic components in China, finding the right supplier requires careful consideration and sound judgment before making a decision. When you’re on the lookout for suppliers of electronic components, it helps to have some strategic sourcing tips in mind.

Define your requirements for the electronic components

Before you begin sourcing, it is important to first define your needs, requirements, or specification for the components. Make a note of the type of product you need and the quantity.

Also, note down the quantity of each type of product you need. You can ask your potential sourcing agents in China to provide a sample of the product.

This will allow you to test and confirm if the product is up to your standards. You can also ask for a certificate of quality and testing of the components.

Gain an understanding of the electronic components market

The best way to find suppliers of electronic components is to get an idea of the market. This will help you choose a supplier that provides the best price and quality combination.

You can get started by getting in touch with your current suppliers, or finding new ones online. You may also want to subscribe to some electronic component trade magazines. These publications can be great sources of information about the market and new products.

You can also use trade shows to learn about new products and suppliers of electronic components. Trade shows are great for networking, and can help you find new suppliers for your business.

Check the reputation and track record of the supplier/ sourcing agent

Of course, reputation and track record are important, but they are also subjective. So, as you consider the reputation and track record of electronic component suppliers in China, it is important to look beyond the numbers.

Check customer reviews from both online and offline sources. See what the customers say about their experiences with the supplier.

Ask the supplier for proof of their track record, such as certifications, customer testimonials, or online reviews.

Are they experts in electronic components?

Electronic components are frequently used in a wide range of products, but there are some products that require specialized components.

You want to make sure that the supplier of electronic components are experts in the field that you need.

A supplier that specializes in high-end audio components is not the right choice for a manufacturer of basic electrical components.

Check the certifications of the supplier

In addition to the reputation and track record, certifications can be helpful in identifying the right supplier of electronic components.

Electronic component manufacturers are required to be certified by their governments. The certification is important because it shows that the manufacturer complies with the industry standards and regulations. Electronic components are not the same as any other products.

They are very sensitive to both the environment and human errors. So, the components require a higher standard of certification. Electronic components are required to have certifications from third-party agencies. These agencies are responsible for ensuring that the product complies with certain standards.

Negotiate Prices Based on ROI Calculation

Electronic component suppliers in China usually quote a lower price than their competitors. You can use the price to shortlist the suppliers, but you should not rely on the price alone.

Instead, you can negotiate prices based on an ROI calculation. You can calculate the Return on Investment by using this formula: Revenue – Cost = ROI For example, if you buy 100 pieces of a certain electronic component for $100, and you sell each piece for $200, then your revenue is $10,000, and the cost is $1000. So, your ROI is $9,000. Electronic component suppliers usually quote a price based on the quantity. So, you can use the formula to calculate the cost based on the price they quote.

You can then use the price as a negotiation tool to shortlist the suppliers that offer you the best price.

Find out about their customer service

Poor customer service is an indication that there are problems with the manufacturing quality. A supplier that provides good customer service is usually a good supplier.

You can ask them to show you how they respond to customer complaints or inquiries. You can check if the supplier has a customer service hotline, an email address, a website, or social media page.

If there is no information about customer service, it can be a red flag. Keep in mind that a supplier that responds quickly and efficiently to customer inquiries is more likely to deliver the goods on time as well.

Find out about their delivery and lead time

A supplier that can meet your demand for a particular product is more likely to deliver the goods on time. Look for electronic component suppliers in China that offer a variety of delivery options.

Ask them about their delivery standard and lead time. Keep in mind that the delivery standards and lead times are approximate times.

You can ask them to specify when they will deliver the goods as per their standards.

Do they have the capacity to supply the electronic components?

If you are sourcing a high-volume product, it is important to find a supplier that has the capacity and resources to deliver the goods on time.

You can ask them how much of the product they can produce in a day or a month. You can also ask them how much of the product they have in stock at the moment.

It is better to go with a supplier that has a lower capacity but a higher inventory. That supplier is more likely to meet your demand for the product if there is a sudden increase in orders.

Inquire about their references

A supplier that has been in business for years is more likely to have a great track record. You can ask them for references, but make sure that the references have nothing to gain from the transaction. You can also go online to check the references of the suppliers.

There are many websites that list references of electronic component suppliers in China. These are all great ways to identify the right supplier of electronic components. A supplier that meets your criteria will be able to deliver the goods on time, at the right price, and with the right quality.

Customs duty and taxes when importing electronic components from China

When importing electronic components from China to Europe, you’ll run the risk of having your goods being held at the border, or even being confiscated.

This happens when the importer fails to complete all the necessary documentation, or if the goods are considered to be unsafe or counterfeit.

There are two types of taxes that you have to pay when importing goods from China:

Import Duty

This is a tax that is imposed on all imported goods when they enter the country. The amount of import duty will depend on the type of goods you’re importing, and whether they’re being imported under a special program. You can find the import duty rates in your country’s customs tariff.

VAT or Sales Tax

When importing goods to sell in your country, you will be required to charge VAT or sales tax to your customers. The amount of sales tax you have to charge will depend on your country’s sales tax rules.

In overall, you should verify all the information about taxes and duties of your country with respect to buying electronic components in China. This is vital as these duties tend to vary from one jurisdiction to another.

Once you are sure with the data that you have gathered, you can proceed to import electronic components from China to Europe.

Shipping electronic components from China to Europe

This is the last step of the whole importation process. You will want to ship your electronic components from China to Europe. There are various things to consider when choosing the best shipping method.

The main shipping considerations are:

Time: How long will it take?
Cost: How much will it cost?
Risk: What are the risks?
Convenience: Is it easy or hard to do?
Payment methods accepted and security of payment, including insurance, tracking and tracing, dispute resolution, and so on.

As a general rule, the faster, simpler, and cheaper the better (assuming risk is kept within acceptable levels).

You can use various methods to ship your products from China to Europe including sea freight, air freight, and courier services such as DHL Express or UPS Express Saver service among others.

Of course, you should liaise with the supplier in China for the most convenient shipping method

ICRFQ: A Trusted Supplier of Electronics Components in China

One of the key factors that you should consider when importing electronic components from China to a European country is choosing the right supplier. And this is where ICRFQ comes in. We are an electronic components distributor in China, and we are specialized in providing our products to European countries. We provide the following services to our clients:

We offer a wide range of products for all occasions, and we are always up-to-date with the latest technology trends. We also have a 24/7 customer service that will help you out with any problems or questions you might have.

Our prices are low, but this doesn’t mean that the quality of our products is low as well. All of our products undergo a strict quality control procedure before they are shipped to your address.

Our goal is to satisfy our customers and make them happy by offering them high-quality service and electronics components at affordable prices.

For more information about ICRFQ or if you have any questions regarding your order, feel free to contact us at any time through email or telephone.

Conclusion

So, what are you waiting for? I hope that this guide has given you valuable insights into what it takes to import electronic components from China to a country in Europe.

As you can see, it is not a complicated process. You simply need to follow the tips above and strive to stay within the legal frameworks of your jurisdiction. Everything else will fall into its perfect place.