In this guide, we deal with the import of shoes from China. Although the Chinese footwear industry is facing increasingly fierce competition from Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries, it is still the largest exporter of footwear in the world. The production base is huge and there is a large number of opportunities for small and new businesses.
In this article, we explain what you need to know about shoe factories, technical specifications, regulations, labeling and the criteria of the Minimum Order Quantity.
Chinese footwear manufacturers
Most of China’s shoe and footwear manufacturers are located in the eastern provinces of Fujian, Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu. However, many Chinese shoe and footwear suppliers do not primarily target exports to developed markets such as the United States, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
In contrast, most manufacturers and trading enterprises sell primarily in China’s domestic market, while others target emerging markets such as India, Nigeria, and Brazil. When selecting a supplier, their target markets are incredibly important.
Quality requirements are generally higher in developed markets than in developing markets. Suppliers who have never exported goods to the United States and the European Union are less likely to offer quality footwear. That said, the different qualitative facets present within these markets must also be taken into consideration.
On the other hand, buyers in Africa and India can recruit low-cost suppliers more easily, even if the quality of the footwear is below average.
Product Specifications
Chinese suppliers are used to making products according to the buyer’s specifications.
Therefore, it is essential to understand those technical specifications that define the quality of shoes and footwear. Many buyers consider this element relevant only for the purchase of custom-made footwear. This is a profoundly mistaken belief.
Most Chinese manufacturers, and not just those who make shoes, lack guidelines for in-house quality, which mostly stems from the fact that they have worked as OEM suppliers (i.e., custom shoe suppliers) for decades.
Therefore, confirming product specifications is essential, even when purchasing industrially designed shoes and footwear. Below is a list of product specifications to keep in mind:
- Upper material (e.g., suede)
- Pantone Colors (All Components)
- Inner lining material (e.g., cotton fabric)
- Insole material (e.g., PU plastic)
- Sole material (e.g., TPR plastic)
- Thickness of the slab (e.g., 5 mm)
- Measures (e.g., 40 – 44 for Italy)
- Nonslip
Although you do not need to give product specifications to the supplier for the purchase of industrially designed items, you still need to receive a complete specification from your supplier and you must make it clear to them that you will verify that the final product is manufactured according to those specifications.
Otherwise, you may receive a product made of materials and components that do not match your desired specifications.
Yet, when importing footwear, there is more you need to take into account. Today, packaging is almost as important as the product itself. Below is a list of the shoe box specifications that you need to keep in mind:
- Type of printing (e.g., embossing)
- Layout (design file)
- Dimensions
- Box (e.g. corrugated cardboard, 3 layers)
- Surface (e.g., glossy lamination, matte lamination, UV coating, hot stamping)
- Outer paper (white, 300 gr)
- Inner paper (black, 230 gr)
- Inner bag (e.g., plastic bag)
Minimum Order Quantity Criteria
Most Chinese shoe and footwear manufacturers follow a Minimum Order Quantity criterion that includes between 1,000 and 2,000 pairs of shoes.
In most cases, this is the Minimum Order Quantity for each model, but there is the option to purchase various sizes (e.g. 400 to 500 pairs per size). As a result, many small businesses turn to wholesalers who offer smaller quantities.
These wholesalers sometimes have a Minimum Order Quantity criterion that starts at 50 pairs per model.
However, most merchants who offer small quantities of goods, sell items made for the Chinese domestic market. Keep in mind that these products tend to be of quite poor quality.
The purchase of small quantities of goods also excludes the possibility of customizing the design, colors, materials and components, since no supplier is willing to modify already finished products.
The Minimum Order Quantity of custom packs often ranges between 5,000 and 10,000 units. As a result, you may find yourself in a situation where the Minimum Order Quantity of the packages far exceeds that of the products (if you are going to create a custom packaging design for your products).
This, however, is not a problem when you buy non-customized packaging, as the supplier can reuse regular shoe boxes taken from a batch of several orders.
In addition, most suppliers are willing to keep unused shoe boxes in stock for future orders, in case you decide to choose custom packaging.
International transport
Shoes and footwear take up a lot of space, so air freight cannot be taken into account, as shipping costs are not only calculated on the weight of the cargo, but also on its volume. Sea freight is the only viable option when importing shoes and footwear from China.
But that’s not to say you have to order an entire container. If you’re only importing a few thousand pairs, you may want to consider LCL (less than truckload container) freight.
Footwear Directives: European Union
Within the European Union, footwear is regulated by the General Product Safety Directive (GPSD). According to a report by Bureau Veritas, the footwear industry has responded to this Directive by improving various aspects of the quality of its products, including:
- Slip resistance of the sole and upper part of the shoe
- Pointed ends and sharp edges
- Seam strength
- Top grip
- Heel fit
- Sole grip
However, not all Chinese manufacturers are able, or willing to comply with, EU regulations, especially suppliers who have never exported goods to the European Union.
According to one of the first articles of the General Product Safety Directive, it is also the responsibility of the importer to ensure that shoes are labeled according to the European Footwear Labeling Directive.
Materials that make up 80% of the surface, or 80% of the sole of footwear, must in fact be labeled according to the provisions of this Directive.
European importers of footwear must also observe that compliance with REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) is mandatory with regard to the import of footwear, as well as for all consumer products.
Footwear Directives: The United States
In the United States, there are various legal acts that govern the different types of footwear. While there is no single regulation that applies to all types of footwear, companies that import children’s footwear or protective footwear should be aware of the following federal laws and regulations:
- Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA): Children’s Footwear
- ASTM F-2412-2005 Standard Test Methods for Foot Protection
- ASTM F-2413-2005 Standard Specification for Performance Requirements (Protective Footwear)
- ANSI Z41-1999 American National Standard for Personal Protection (Protective Footwear)
- ANSI Z41-1991 American National Standard for Personal Protection
In addition to these laws and regulations, there are also different labeling requirements that apply depending on the materials. Labeling indicating the country or provenance of the goods (e.g., Made in China) is also required, as specified in 19 CFR 134.
Mainland China and Hong Kong Footwear Fairs
The Canton Fair Phase 3
China’s largest trade fair, the Canton Fair takes place annually in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province. Footwear manufacturers and buyers will participate in the Canton Fair.
There will be manufacturers and trading companies dealing in the following items:
- Men’s Shoes
- Women’s shoes
- Sports shoes
- Sneakers
- Running shoes
- Hiking shoes
- Sneakers
- Training shoes
- Children’s shoes
- Sandals
- Slippers
- Boots (for special uses)
- Materials, components and semi-finished products
The China Sourcing Fair – Fashion Accessories
This is one of several trade shows organized by Global Sources in Hong Kong. Although this fair is not as large as the Canton Fair, Global Sources is known for its high-end manufacturers and trading companies present at its trade shows. Unlike mainland China, Italians do not need a visa to visit Hong Kong.
The China International Footwear Fair (CIFF)
The China International Footwear Fair is held annually in Shanghai and is an important footwear fair for both importers who buy footwear made in China, and for foreign manufacturers looking to access the Chinese domestic market.
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