01. Neglecting Supplier Verification
Common mistake: Choosing a supplier solely based on price without verifying their reliability or certifications.
Risk: Non-compliant products, delays, or even contractual disputes difficult to manage transnationally.
Our Advice:
- Ensure the supplier has the required certifications for import to Europe (CE marking, ISO standards, or equivalents).
- The European distributor's responsibility may be engaged in case of non-compliant products placed on the market (consumer law).
- Validate that the supplier accepts and respects contractual clauses, in compliance with private international law and arbitration rules, to be able to act easily in case of dispute.
02. Forgetting to Anticipate All Additional Costs
Common mistake: Focusing on the ex-works FOB* price without integrating logistics, customs and tax costs.
*FOB (Free On Board) price: Corresponds to the price of goods ready to be loaded on a ship, but without sea freight costs, insurance, or customs clearance upon arrival.
Risk: Eroded margins or even losses.
Our Advice:
- Integrate customs duties and import VAT (VAT on departure and possibly on resale).
- Comply with European customs rules (customs declaration, mandatory documents such as commercial invoice, certificate of origin).
- Ensure you respect Incoterms to clearly define who bears which costs and risks.
- When in doubt, consult an approved freight forwarder and/or a customs expert.
03. Ignoring European Product Standards and Regulations
Common mistake: Importing a product without verifying its compliance with European safety, environmental, and labeling standards.
Risk: Products blocked at customs, product recalls, criminal or civil sanctions, reputation damage.
Our Advice:
- Check applicable standards on official European websites (e.g.: EMA for medical sector, consumer protection agencies).
- All labeling must comply with local language requirements, safety information, composition, traceability.
- For regulated products (electronics, toys, equipment), verify which regulations apply.
- Note that the legal representative in Europe is responsible for compliance.
⚠️ Important legal point: The legal representative in Europe is responsible for the compliance of products placed on the market. Make sure you understand your legal obligations.
04. Not Formalizing a Clear Purchase Contract Compliant with European Law
Common mistake: Placing orders without a precise written contract.
Risk: Major difficulties in case of dispute (delay, non-conformity, breach), no effective recourse.
Our Advice:
- Draft a contract in English (and in the supplier's language if necessary) specifying delivery conditions, penalties, quality criteria, conflict resolution methods.
- Include clauses on intellectual property, warranties, transport insurance.
- Consider a compromise clause for arbitration in case of dispute.
- This simplifies procedures under European and international law.
💡 NOPA Tip: A well-drafted contract is your best protection. Don't hesitate to hire a lawyer specialized in international trade to secure your transactions.
05. Neglecting Quality Control Before Shipment
Common mistake: Trusting without independent control before shipping.
Risk: Receipt of defective products, poor quality, extended deadlines, return costs.
Our Advice:
- Travel to conduct a quality control. If travel is not possible, mandate a third-party quality control firm in Asia before shipment.
- This approach allows recourse in case of commercial dispute under legal warranty regimes (European commercial code).
- Clearly document each control, sample taking, photo report, which can serve in case of litigation or insurance.
Conclusion
Your first Asian import will be successful if you anticipate these classic mistakes with rigor, particularly by respecting European legal frameworks. Leave nothing to chance: certify, contract, control, and get accompanied from the start by legal and customs experts.
At NOPA Trading & Solutions, we support SMEs at every stage of their import project. From supplier selection to customs clearance, including transport choice and document management, we simplify international logistics so you can focus on your core business.
