Importing Shading Systems from China: MOQ, Lead Times, Container Loading and Incoterms
A practical procurement guide for distributors importing pergolas, screens, blinds and shutters — how MOQ is really set, what drives lead time, how container fill works and which Incoterm to choose.
Short answer: the product cost is usually only part of the landed cost. The MOQ, the lead time, the Incoterm and the container utilisation together decide whether a shipment is competitive when it arrives.
How MOQ actually works
Chinese shading manufacturers quote MOQ in square metres of finished product, not in units.
- Custom-colour fabric — 500–1,000 m² per colour.
- Stock-colour fabric — 100–200 m².
- Custom-colour powder coating — 500–1,000 m² per RAL.
- Stock-colour powder coating — 100–300 m².
Realistic lead times
| Item | Production |
|---|---|
| Stock-colour fabric + stock-colour frame | 3–4 weeks |
| Custom-colour fabric + stock-colour frame | 5–6 weeks |
| Stock-colour fabric + custom-colour frame | 5–6 weeks |
| Custom-colour fabric + custom-colour frame | 7–9 weeks |
Container loading: where the cost is won or lost
- 20ft general purpose — ~33 m³ usable.
- 40ft high cube — ~67 m³ usable.
Incoterms: what the buyer is actually paying for
| Incoterm | Buyer arranges |
|---|---|
| EXW | Everything from factory door |
| FOB | Sea freight + onward |
| CIF | Onward transport + import |
| DDP | Nothing until delivery |
What to ask any supplier
- "What is the MOQ for this product in this colour?"
- "What is the lead time from order confirmation to ex-factory?"
- "Which Incoterm is the quotation on?"
- "What are the packed dimensions?"
- "Can you provide a container loading plan?"
- "What is the payment structure?"
- "What is included in the quotation?"
Written by the engineering team at GRAND HOMEDECOR (Guangdong Grand Homedecor Technology Co., Ltd.).
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