The partnership between Kenya and China have strengthened in diverse areas such as infrastructure development. Moreover, small business holders find china goods easily selling in the Kenyan market. Thus, the need to import goods from China to Kenya can be an important ingredient to one's small businesses. Here are some of the steps that can guarantee one the chance to import china goods and make an immense profit:
1. Identify what to import. You can find some good products which can attract demand locally such as mobile phones, cameras or audio machines and hardware materials. Then, consult the relevant customs office to make sure the products you are planning to import are acceptable under Kenyan laws. Also, do ensure you have a KRA pin for customs clearance process once your goods arrive in Kenya.
2. Find a good supplier. Best reliable sites such as alibaba.com or aliexpress.com usually have an excellent database of Chinese manufacturers. To avoid scams you can get contacts of one of the Kenyans living in China to locate the right suppliers and spot checking quality of your products or alternatively you can ask the company to send you free samples then you pay for freight charges estimated to be around Ksh 5,000.
3. Determine how much you’re going to spend. It is important that before you place the order you plan carefully since you are going to resell these goods. Apart from paying the supplier for the goods, you will be required to pay for freight, clearing, duty fee, inspection fee among other charges.
4. Identify the port of loading. China has many outlets, unlike in Kenya where we only have one main port city. In each port city, you will find courier companies which can deliver to Kenya and help you clear with the customs offices. These may include DHL and EMS services. Once you have identified your port and potential courier company, you can direct your supplier to drop your goods at your agent’s office in the nearest port city. Once you receive your goods is know the point, you can negotiate with the courier agent in terms of delivery.
5. Finally, collect your goods at the port. If you pay for your goods to be delivered by air then you will have to collect them from your nearest international airport. Alternatively, if you chose delivery by sea, then you have to collect your products from the port of Mombasa.You will be required to pay custom duties and inspection charges. You can seek the assistance of your clearing and forwarding agent at this juncture to expedite the process of clearing your goods from the port.