Articles:RSS Feed

Engineering in China

January 27, 2011 Articles

For this article, I would like to focus on options for developing your specifications so that your suppliers know exactly what you desire. The process of building up the specifications is sometimes called “Design for Manufacture” (DFM). DFM ensures that the concept is valid and the right materials and production processes are in place to ensure not only quality, but also price and leadtime targets are achieved. DFM is a critical step in the sourcing process if your product is customized or if the supplier has not manufactured the item in the past.

RMB: The Best Currency for China Trade

January 24, 2011 Articles

In addition to a sea of change in international tax regulation, Hong Kong is making efforts to become the preferred location of Trade Settlement in RMB (see China Focus Jan 2010). Since the scheme has now been expanded but still lacks clarity, we have decided to provide you with a Q&A on the most important issues for foreign companies doing business via Hong Kong.

Outsourcing and Assuring FDA Compliance

January 20, 2011 Articles

The Specifications Developer’s responsibility may be greater than you know. An FDA veteran describes what you need to know before working with a Contract Manufacturer.
Most of the new companies are set up by entrepreneurs, whose strength lays in the concept design and marketing of their products …

Product Recall: What Importers & Manufacturers Need to Know

January 17, 2011 Articles

When we began importing products from Asia a few years ago, I distinctly recall my excitement about our new venture: this business, I thought, would be easy money. I imagined our company to be an air traffic controller, directing incoming products from China to soon-to-be customers after a quick layover at our warehouse. But I was naïve. The bewildering complexity of the process gradually became apparent as we encountered unexpected curve balls with each new transaction. It never ceases to amaze me how little we know: there are always new obstacles of which every new firm should be made aware, yet are not made aware. As an import firm, we are legally responsible for all liability associated with the manufacture and use of our products.

Qualifying 3rd Party Logistics (3PLs)

December 14, 2010 Articles

Just like picking suppliers in China, the problem isn’t finding a 3PL, as there are so many to choose from, the problem is how to find the right one for you. Assuming you keep it easy and purchase “FOB China Port” from your supplier, then the role of your 3PL will be to orchestrate the movement of your goods from the China port to your destination point. In most cases this means organizing ocean freight or express air for the international leg of the journey then customs clearance in your national plus local trucking for domestic delivery.

Need a Hand in China?

Follow this link to contact Mike if you need support in China and wish to be introduced to reputable companies from his endorsed service providers list.

China Sourcing Fundamentals

Ten short videos to get you started sourcing in China, compliments of www.GlobalSources.com
Video 1: Finding Suppliers
Video 2: Evaluating Suppliers
Video 3: Negotiations
Video 4: Project Management and Quality Control
Video 5: Protecting Your Intellectual Property
Video 6: Leveraging Global Sources
Video 7: How to Find and Manage Partners for Logistics
Video 8: Avoiding Scams
Video 9: Returning Defective Products
Video 10: Resolving a Dispute

Subscribe to CSIC

Enter your email and receive the latest CSIC content the moment it is published.

Sign Up

Sign up Form

To Receive Our Monthly "CSIC's Highlights" Mailing

*

Permission to Steal

Please "steal" our content! Yes, that’s right, you are very welcome to use the content found on this website in your own newsletter, blog, magazine… We only ask that you contact us first to get permission and that you kindly provide a link referencing CSIC as the source of the content.

Donate...Keep our services free!