Buying color stainless (PVD, embossed, mirror) from China for the first time? This concise checklist walks you through Incoterms 2020, correct HS codes, estimated duties and a proven 15-day production & shipping timeline so your containers arrive on time and on budget.
| Term | Risk Transfer Point | Est. Cost (USA) | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| EXW | Factory gate | USD 0 seller freight | You have own China forwarder |
| FOB | On vessel at Chinese port | +USD 250/20GP | Most common; balanced risk |
| CIF | Arrival port USA/EU | +USD 1 200/20GP | Small buyers who want one invoice |
Tip: FOB Shenzhen gives you freight control while the supplier handles China export clearance—lowest hassle-to-cost ratio.
7219.33 – flat-rolled stainless 304 > 1 mm, polished/-coated → 0 % duty into USA; 0 % EU (erga omnes).
7219.34 – 316L same thickness → same duty.
8302.42 – stainless name-plates/logos (if sold separately) → 2.6 % USA.
Always declare “PVD colour coated stainless steel sheet for architectural use” to avoid anti-dumping flags that apply to cold-rolled uncoated widths < 600 mm.
| Day | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 0 | PO + 30 % T/T deposit received |
| 1-2 | Material release (304/316L coil) |
| 3-5 | Leveling, polishing, PVD colour coating |
| 6-7 | QC (thickness, colour ΔE, salt-spray certs) |
| 8 | Fumigated wooden pallets, corner protectors |
| 9 | Loading container, customs declaration |
| 10 | On board, seller sends BL & commercial docs |
| 12 | Arrival port (e.g. LA) – you file ISF & arrange pick-up |
| 15 | Container gated out, ready for final 70 % balance |
Payment: 30 % T/T advance, 70 % against BL copy (FOB). Opens with Alibaba Trade Assurance if credit is limited.
Insurance: Buy “All Risks” cargo cover for 110 % of CIF value; premium ≈ 0.3 %.
Bill of Lading (3/3 originals)
Commercial Invoice (shows HS code & Incoterm)
Packing List (gross/net weight, pallet count)
Certificate of Origin (Form A or CO)
Mill Test Certificate (EN 10204 3.1)
PVD salt-spray test report (ASTM B117 ≥ 500 h)
Choose FOB Shenzhen, declare HS 7219.33, and follow the 15-day map above. You’ll land color stainless sheets with 0 % import duty and a total transit cost under USD 1.8 per kg to US West Coast—cheaper than domestic supply and weeks faster than India or Turkey.
Get a detailed FOB quotation in 24 h
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