Quality & Sourcing

Importing Filling & Packaging Machinery from China: Lead Times, Shipping and Installation

What to expect when importing filling and packaging machines from China: lead times, Incoterms, crating, documents, power supply, installation and spare parts.

By Filling Machine Factory application engineering teamPublished Updated 8 min read
Importing Filling & Packaging Machinery from China: Lead Times, Shipping and Installation
Short answer

Importing a filling or packaging machine from China usually takes 15–45 days of production plus 2–6 weeks of sea freight. Agree the Incoterm (FOB, CIF or DAP), confirm voltage and frequency, require export crating, collect the commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading, and plan installation by video or with an on-site engineer.

Lead times

  • Standard machines: around 7–25 days
  • Customized machines and complete lines: around 30–45 days, plus FAT

Incoterms in plain English

TermSeller pays to…Good for
EXWFactory doorBuyers with their own China agent
FOB ShanghaiLoaded on vesselBuyers with a forwarder
CIFDestination port incl. insuranceFirst-time importers
DAP / DDPYour door (DDP incl. duties)Hands-off delivery

Power supply

Confirm voltage, phase and frequency (for example 220 V single-phase 60 Hz in the Americas or 380–415 V three-phase 50 Hz in Europe and Asia) and plug type before production. Machines can be built for 110–480 V.

Crating and protection

Machines should be film-wrapped, fixed on a skid and packed in fumigation-free plywood crates with desiccant. Ask for crate photos before loading.

Shipping documents

  • Commercial invoice and packing list
  • Bill of lading or air waybill
  • Certificate of origin (for duty preferences)
  • CE declaration / test report as required

Installation and training

Most single machines are installed by the buyer with video guidance. Lines usually get an engineer on site for commissioning and training. Keep the free wearing-parts kit and order a 2-year spare list with the machine.

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