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Trade Q&A
The testing requirements for heavy metals in consumer products according to California Proposition 65
We are a toy export company. Recently, a client from California, USA, placed an order, but they require that our products must meet the heavy metal testing standards of California Proposition 65. Could you please tell us which specific heavy metals need to be tested? What are the regulatory limits? What legal risks would we face if the test results fail to meet the standards? How long will the entire testing process take? How can we prepare in advance to avoid delays in shipping?
Feb 27, 2026 at 02:231563 AnswersThe import and export rights for Wuxi haven't been approved yet. Oh well
Our company just established in Wuxi, and the application for import and export rights is still in the process. It's estimated to take another two months. However, our regular customer is eager to place the first order, and the goods worth $300,000 are already ready. Now, we're stuck at the customs declaration and export stage, worried that the order might slip away, and even more concerned about potential non-compliance issues with customs regulations. We want to ask if there are any legal ways to ship the goods first? How long does it typically take to apply for import and export rights? And how can we explain this to our clients during this period without appearing unprofessional?
Feb 26, 2026 at 07:331473 AnswersWhat should I pay attention to before submitting the Project Initiation (PI) document?
We have a new client who wants to place an order, and they asked me to send them a proforma invoice (PI) first. I want to ask, is there anything special I need to pay attention to before sending the PI? I'm worried that sending it incorrectly might cause trouble later on.
Feb 26, 2026 at 04:211533 AnswersRegarding the use of offshore accounts
We recently opened a Hong Kong offshore account, but we're not sure how to use it safely and in compliance with regulations. Will the customs and foreign exchange authorities check if we use the offshore account to receive payments? What should we do if the customs declaration form and the receiving account don't match? If a client questions whether the account belongs to a mainland company, how can we explain this without losing the deal?
Feb 24, 2026 at 05:512033 AnswersHow to declare CIF Hong Kong?
We are a hardware manufacturing factory in Dongguan. Recently, we received an inquiry from a Hong Kong trading company asking for a CIF quotation to Kowloon, Hong Kong, including taxes. Previously, we have only handled deliveries to mainland factories and are completely unfamiliar with export customs declaration, maritime insurance, and customs clearance in Hong Kong. Especially since we heard that Hong Kong is a free trade port, is the customs declaration process simpler there? What exactly should be included in the CIF quotation to avoid losing money?
Feb 24, 2026 at 03:441453 AnswersHow is the number of full container boxes calculated?
We are a building materials exporter and recently received a full container order from a Middle Eastern client. This is my first time handling FCL orders, so I'd like to ask: How can we calculate the exact number of boxes in a full container most accurately? What should we do if the declared quantity doesn't match the actual one during customs clearance? And how can we communicate with clients in a professional manner to avoid potential disputes in the future?
Feb 23, 2026 at 02:111403 AnswersPlease translate the following sentence into English and explain it in detail: nLetter of Credit and Forfaiting Information
We have an export business where the client requires a fake forward letter of credit, and we want to finance it through forfaiting. The bank requires us to prepare a lot of documents. What specific documents are needed? What pitfalls should we watch out for in each step?
Feb 23, 2026 at 01:181633 AnswersWhat is the S/C No.?
I'm new to the foreign trade industry. What should I fill in the "S/C No." column on the documents? Is it the same as our sales contract number? Would filling it in incorrectly affect client payments and customs clearance?
Feb 22, 2026 at 06:051933 AnswersThe problems with offshore companies...
Recently, we want to accept orders from American clients through our Hong Kong offshore company, but we're concerned about issues like customs declaration, payment collection, and tax compliance. How can we ensure safe and compliant operations in this regard?
Feb 21, 2026 at 05:501553 AnswersHow much is EC21 fee
Our company wants to engage in foreign trade, and we've heard that EC21 can help develop overseas clients, but after searching for a long time, we still don't know the exact cost. What is the membership fee for EC21 exactly? Are there any other fees besides the annual fee? Are there any hidden charges? We'd really appreciate it if any experts could provide some guidance!
Feb 21, 2026 at 05:031703 AnswersWhat does "Value date" mean in the water bill?
The client sent me a payment slip, but there's a Value Date on it that's three days earlier than the actual time I received the payment. What does this mean? Will it affect my shipment? Has the client not paid yet?
Feb 20, 2026 at 08:542133 AnswersRegarding the letter of credit payment from Algeria
We recently negotiated with a new client from Algeria, who insists on paying via letter of credit. However, we've heard that Algerian letter of credit review is particularly strict, banks' processing efficiency is low, and there are many hidden risks. As this is our company's first foray into the Algerian market, we're most concerned about the risk of losing both money and goods. Could you please advise us on the potential pitfalls of receiving Algerian letter of credit payments and how to safely collect the funds?
Feb 20, 2026 at 04:071663 Answers