Most of our customers buy industrial machinery abroad for the first time. The process is simpler than it looks from the outside, but a few terms deserve explaining before you wire a deposit. This is the checklist we walk through with every new buyer.
MOQ: why machines are different from consumer goods
For machinery, MOQ usually means one set — the minimum for a full production line, including spare parts kit. What actually varies is the configuration minimum: some options (a second mold set, an oil treatment unit) only make sense in batches. Our machine pages show indicative prices with MOQ — for example our frying line lists MOQ 1 set — so budgeting is straightforward.
Lead time: what happens between deposit and shipping
- Standard machines (single washers, fryers, individual machines): 15–25 days.
- Full production lines: 30–45 days, depending on oven length and packing integration.
- Custom lines: 45–60 days including drawing confirmation.
The long pole is usually steel procurement and the oven assembly. Ask the supplier for a production schedule photo at week 2 and a video call at final testing — serious manufacturers offer a live test run with your own materials before packing.
Payment terms
The market standard is 30% T/T deposit, 70% balance before shipment, against photos and a test-run video. Larger lines often go L/C at sight. Paying 100% upfront is unnecessary and risky; insisting on payment after arrival is not workable for any factory. For extra comfort, use a third-party inspection company (US$200–400) for a pre-shipment report — we welcome them.
Incoterms: EXW, FOB, CIF, DDP
- EXW — you arrange everything from our gate; cheapest invoice, most work for you.
- FOB — we deliver loaded to the Chinese port; the most common term for machinery.
- CIF — we add freight and insurance to your port; good for first-time importers.
- DDP — door delivery with duties paid; available to selected countries, ask us.
Shipping and packing
Machines travel wrapped in plastic film, fixed on steel pallets or in plywood cases (fumigated, ISPM-15 marked) inside 20'GP or 40'HQ containers. A full biscuit line typically fills one 40'HQ. You should receive: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin and the manual set. Marine insurance is arranged under CIF or on request under FOB.
Documents for your customs broker
Have your broker check the HS code (most food machinery falls under 8438), any import licenses for food-contact equipment in your country, and voltage/frequency requirements — we ship 220V/380V 50Hz or 60Hz to order, stated in the contract.
Start the conversation
Send us your product and target capacity through the inquiry page or WhatsApp. You will get a quotation with MOQ, lead time and a shipping estimate within 12 hours — and factory photos or a live video tour of the machine running before you commit to anything.