Color systems and product specifications in China sourcing

Color systems

Why color accuracy matters in China sourcing When importing products from China, color is more than just a design choice – it’s a technical parameter that directly affects quality, branding, and customer satisfaction. Even a small difference in shade can result in: That’s why it’s crucial to define and document colors precisely – from your product specification sheet and invoice to the bilingual English-Chinese contract. Main color coding systems used in design and manufacturing Before you place an order for a product, you need to inquire if the manufacturer agrees on the chosen color standard. Chinese manufacturers are … Read more

Dragon Boat Festival 2026

Dragon Boat Festival 2026

Duānwǔ Jié (端午节) is a Chinese holiday celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th month of the lunar calendar. It is one of the unique traditional holidays in China. The 2026 Dragon Boat Festival falls on June 19th and includes a three-day holiday from June 19th to 21st. Dragon Boat Festival 2026 – legend and … Read more

Importing candles from China to the EU 

Importing candles to the EU

Europe is a great market for candles, as the continent accounts for around two-thirds of total global candle imports. The largest exporter of candles in the world is China. The country accounts for exporting almost ¼ of the candles on the market. … Read more

Chinese New Year 2028

Chinese New Year 2028

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival (春节, chūnjié), is the most important holiday in the Chinese calendar. Colorful celebrations attract millions of people in China and beyond, combining tradition, family, and joyful marking of a new beginning. In 2028, the New Year will begin on January 26, and according to the Chinese zodiac, it will be the Year of the Monkey – a symbol of intelligence, cleverness, and energy. When is the Chinese New Year 2028? Chinese New Year does not have a fixed date in the Gregorian calendar – it falls on the first day of the new moon in the first month of the lunar year. In 2028, it falls on Wednesday, January 26. The Year of the Monkey, starting on this day, is traditionally associated with creativity, flexibility, and activity, both in personal and professional life. … Read more

PPWR Packaging Compliance for China Importers

PPWR: Packaging Compliance

If you import packaged goods into the European Union, PPWR can no longer be ignored. The new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), Regulation (EU) 2025/40, came into force in February 2025 and brings major changes to EU packaging … Read more

Sourcing travel accessories from China to the US

Sourcing travel accessories from China to the US

Every traveler knows how travel accessories come in handy. Since China is the biggest manufacturer, it is no surprise that most suppliers of travel gear are in China. We present a comprehensive guide to sourcing travel accessories from China to the US. Sourcing travel … Read more

Canton Fair Spring 2026

Canton Fair Spring 2026

If you plan to visit the Canton Fair Spring 2026, good preparation can save you a lot of time, money, and unnecessary risk. The Canton Fair remains one of the most important trade shows in the world for importers, brand … Read more

139th Canton Fair: A Practical Global Sourcing Checklist

139th Canton Fair

The 139th Canton Fair is an essential event for international buyers. This guide covers dates and phases of the Canton Fair 2026 Spring Edition, product categories, step‑by‑step registration and costs, plus tried‑and‑true ways to verify suppliers, inspect quality, and secure … Read more

Importing books from China to the European Union

Importing books from China to the EU

Nowadays, there is a trend going analog. Reading books fits perfectly into this movement. If you want to start importing books from China to the European Union, there are things you should keep in mind. Importing books from China to the European Union Where in … Read more

April 2026 Global Sources Hong Kong Shows Registration

April 2026 Global Sources Hong Kong Shows Registration

Are you looking for new suppliers from Asia? Look no further than the Global Sources Hong Kong Shows—the top destination for global sourcing in AI-integrated consumer & mobile electronics and lifestyle products! Mark your calendar for the upcoming April 2026 … Read more

Anti-dumping duty on ceramics from China 2026

Anti-dumping duty on ceramics from China

With the adoption of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/274, the rules for importing selected products from China has changed. Under the regulation, the anti-dumping duty on ceramics from China has been unified. What is the new EU measure on Chinese ceramics? Why does the EU impose anti-dumping duties? EU anti-dumping duties aim to limit the effects of dumping, i.e., sales at prices deemed to be low enough to harm the EU industry. The anti-dumping … Read more

Importing travel accessories from China to the EU

Importing travel accessories from china to the UE map

The right travel accessories can make traveling better and more enjoyable. There are many kinds of those products on the market, most of which are manufactured in China. How to take advantage of China’s manufacturing base and source travel gear? We share the most important information on importing … Read more

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in the European Union

Extended Producer Responsibility

The European Union is constantly introducing new rules aimed at removing obstacles to achieving a low-emission, circular economy. This often entails additional obligations for producers and importers. One such scheme in the EU is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). What do producers and importers need to know about EPR? … Read more

Qingmingjie 2026

Qingmingjie 2026

Qingming Jie (请明节) is one of the most symbolic holidays in the Chinese calendar. Every year, Chinese people honour their ancestors while enjoying spring walks, planting trees, and celebrating the arrival of the new season. Qingming Jie 2026 falls on April … Read more

How to visit trade fairs in China by yourself – complete travel guide

How to visit trade fairs in China by yourself

One of the best ways to establish direct contact with Chinese suppliers is by attending trade fairs. Going to a trade fair in China on your own allows you to thoroughly inspect products and negotiate better prices without intermediaries. In this guide, we explain step-by-step how to organize a business trip to China, including booking flights, applying for a visa, choosing accommodation, and preparing for Chinese trade shows. Why is it worth going to a trade fair in China on your own? Going to a trade fair in China … Read more

Trade fairs in Hong Kong 2026 – A Guide

Trade fairs in Hong Kong 2026

Hong Kong is a global business hub. For many industries, such as electronics, lighting, books, food, fashion, and jewelry, Hong Kong is the best place to efficiently meet with hundreds of suppliers in a short period. Which trade fairs in … Read more

€3 Customs Duty on Small Parcels in the EU from July 1, 2026

customs duty 3 euro

On July 1, 2026, the European Union will introduce a fixed customs duty of €3 on small parcels valued under €150 that enter the EU—mostly e-commerce shipments to consumers. This is a temporary measure adopted by EU countries. When will you pay the €3 customs duty on small parcels? How the new €3 customs duty on small parcels in the EU works Why the EU is doing this now EU finance ministers point to the explosion of small parcels entering duty-free under the current rules for sub-€150 items, alongside rampant undervaluation used to avoid duties. The €3 flat duty is meant to be a simple, quickly deployable fix while the EU readies a permanent overhaul of customs for e-commerce. That overhaul, already agreed in principle in November 2025, will eliminate the duty-relief threshold and apply normal EU tariff rates to low-value goods once it takes effect. What it means for buyers and sellers Frequently asked questions about the €3 … Read more

How to book flights in China – complete guide for foreign travelers

Flights in China

China is a massive country, so when it comes to domestic travel, flights are the fastest and most convenient option for tourists and business travelers. Domestic flights in China connect major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu, saving hours or even days in comparison to rail or road travel. This guide provides a step-by-step approach for booking flights, airline options, typical fares, and essential travel tips, ensuring a smooth journey across China. How to book domestic flights in China as a foreigner Foreign travelers can easily book domestic flights in China with a valid passport; no Chinese … Read more

Quality inspection in Turkey

Quality inspection in Turkey 2

Turkey, the 19th largest economy in the world by GDP, holds a significant position among the top thirty importers and exporters globally. Knowing the quality of sourced products is crucial for an importer. Understanding how to conduct a quality inspection in Turkey is a key … Read more

Sourcing from China or Vietnam? Tips for importers  

Sourcing from China or Vietnam

Vietnam is gaining share in EU sourcing due to EVFTA and “China+1 in the event of increased US tariffs on goods from China. But not many people are aware that many Vietnamese plants are funded by Chinese capital. However, few people realize that some Vietnamese plants are funded by Chinese capital, which may raise questions about the rules of origin and the risk of … Read more

Top Container Ports in Europe: 2024 Rankings and 2026 Outlook

Top 15 container ports in Europe

Top Container Ports in Europe: 2024 rankings Container ports in Europe play a crucial role in global supply chains, acting as gateways for trade between continents. Which ones are the largest? Below is a ranking of the largest container ports in Europe based on TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) … Read more

Lantern Festival 2026 – History, Traditions, and Importance 

Lantern Festival 2026

The Lantern Festival is one of the most iconic holidays in China. It is celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month. The Lantern Festival 2026 falls on February 22nd. It is the final stage of the Chinese New Year celebrations and a symbol of happiness, family unity, and hope for a prosperous year. History of the Lantern Festival The history of the Lantern Festival dates back over 2,000 years, to the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE). Initially, it was a religious celebration, with people praying for fortune and a good harvest. Over time, the festival evolved into a joyful family celebration, where people admire the decorative lanterns and eat traditional foods, symbolizing happiness and unity. How is Lantern Festival 2026 celebrated? For the Chinese New Year celebrations, … Read more

China visa-free policy 2026 – what travelers need to know 

China visa-free policy 2026

China has announced an extension of its visa-free entry policy for citizens of selected countries until the end of 2026, which allows travelers to enter China for short stays without a visa. The decision reflects Beijing’s efforts to boost tourism, business exchanges, and people-to-people connections in the post-pandemic era. The list of countries with visa-free access was also expanded. China visa-free policy 2026 Under the extended policy, citizens of several European and Asian countries can enter China without a visa for up to 30 days per visit. The visa-free entry is valid for tourism, business, family visits, cultural exchange, and transit purposes. According to the official announcement by the Chinese government, the visa-free scheme is effective until December 31, … Read more

Solar panel battery storage suppliers in China

Solar panels battery storage suppliers in China

Battery storage devices allow one to “store” electricity if there is an overproduction. They are particularly useful in photovoltaic installations, including home ones. In some cases, prosumers are obliged to install energy storage with a PV installation. China is the … Read more

IP68 and IP69 – which one is better?

IP68 and IP69

Consumer electronics is a category that consists of computer equipment, TVs, cameras, small home appliances, accessories, and much more. Especially in the case of mobile devices, it is important for consumers that they are resistant to water and dust. On … Read more