Knowledge Base · Evergreen References

Knowledge Base

Practical guides distilled from 26 years of China-port experience. Covers HS codes, customs documentation, Incoterms, export VAT refunds, route economics, and more — written so importers, sourcing teams, and freight buyers can apply it directly.

Documentation

Export Shipping Documents Guide: 15 Essential Files from Invoice to B/L

Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Customs Declaration, Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, VGM, Fumigation Certificate — all 15 essential files explained with preparation timeline and top 10 common errors.

~16 min read 2026-08-25

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Incoterms

FOB vs CIF vs DDP: Risk and Freight Cost Comparison

Risk-transfer points, freight cost breakdown, who pays what, and when to choose each term — with a side-by-side comparison table and scenario-based decision guide.

~8 min read 2026-08-21

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Ocean Operations

Container Size Chart: 20GP / 40GP / 40HQ / 45HQ

External/internal/door dimensions, volume 33/67/76/86 m³, tare/MGW/net payload, heavy-vs-light cargo box selection, packing efficiency, CBM formula, LCL-vs-FCL tipping points, special containers, VGM and trucking weight limits.

~13 min read 2026-08-06

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Destination Operations

Destination Port Clearance & DDU/DAP Charges: Who Clears, Who Pays

The six-step destination clearance flow, 12 charges itemized (D/O, DTHC, duty & VAT, demurrage/detention), DAP vs DDP cost splits, market-by-market notes, and abandoned-cargo risk control.

~15 min read 2026-07-29

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Ocean Operations

Qingdao Port Export Operations: Terminals, Cut-offs, Trucking & Delays

Qianwan/Huangdao terminals, in-gate and SI/VGM cut-offs, empty pickup and full trucking, depots, top roll-over causes, and a shipper checklist — Qingdao field guide.

~16 min read 2026-07-17

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Certificate of Origin

RCEP Certificate of Origin: A Practical Guide

15 countries, ~30% of global GDP. CO application, 5 origin criteria (WO/PE/CTC/RVC/CR), cumulation, back-to-back certificates, approved-exporter self-declaration, FORM E comparison, and rejection causes.

~14 min read 2026-07-02

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Export Tax Rebate

2026 China Export Tax Rebate Changes: A Practical Guide

249 product categories see rebates go to zero; 22 battery categories drop to 6% (zero in 2027). Policy points, filing rules, rebate calculation, critical-period orders, official library links, and an exporter action checklist.

~15 min read 2026-07-02

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Incoterms

DDP Shipping from China: Door-to-Door Duty Paid Guide

The full DDP workflow, cost breakdown, IOR requirements, duty estimation, common risks, and how DDP compares with DAP/DDU — for importers, Amazon FBA sellers, and DTC brands.

~14 min read 2026-05-20

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Incoterms

Incoterms 2020 Explained: FOB / CIF / CFR / DDP — How to Choose

The 11 Incoterms 2020 rules ranked by seller obligation: responsibilities, risk-transfer points, cost scope, and when to use each. Side-by-side FOB vs CIF and container shipping pitfalls.

~13 min read 2026-05-20

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DG Logistics

Lithium Battery & Dangerous Goods Shipping from China

UN3480 / UN3481 / UN3090 / UN3091, the four required documents (UN38.3, SDS, DG packaging cert, DGD), IATA air rules, IMDG ocean rules, and destination-country compliance for US, EU, UK, Canada, Japan, Australia.

~15 min read 2026-05-20

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Shipping Documents

Bill of Lading (B/L) Types & Handling Guide

MBL/HBL, straight / order / bearer, originals vs telex release vs Seaway Bill, the 14 critical fields, Switch B/L, lost-B/L recovery, and release-without-original risk.

~14 min read 2026-05-20

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Customs Documentation

HS Code Lookup & Classification Guide for China Exports

How China's 10-digit customs code is structured, where to verify it, the WCO classification rules, and what to do when classification turns out to be wrong.

~12 min read 2026-05-11

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Coming Soon

More guides on the way

Topics in our pipeline:

LCL export operations & cost breakdown
Letter of Credit (L/C) settlement & document checks
Marine insurance: coverage, claims & best practices

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