Buying chemicals from China for the first time looks complicated, but the process follows a simple routine. Below is what to expect when you order caustic soda, sodium sulfate, oxalic acid, urea or similar industrial goods from a Chinese supplier.
1. Minimum order quantity (MOQ)
Most powder and flake chemicals ship most economically in one 20ft full container (about 25 tons). Suppliers quote the best price per ton on FCL. Smaller buyers can often start with a partial container or mixed shipment, but unit price will be higher. Tell your supplier your monthly consumption so they can suggest the right quantity.
2. How goods are packed
The standard is 25kg bags on pallets, or 1000kg super sacks for faster loading and lower labor cost. Hygroscopic products (like caustic soda) need moisture-proof inner liners. Liquid chemicals and regulated goods go in drums or IBC tanks. Ask for photos of the packing before shipment.
3. Documents you will need
For African customs clearance, your supplier should provide: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of analysis (COA), MSDS, and certificate of origin. Hazardous or regulated products (sodium cyanide, detonators) need additional dangerous-goods documentation — make sure your supplier handles it, not just promises it.
4. Shipping time
From Chinese main ports to West Africa (Lagos, Tema, Abidjan) ocean transit is typically 25–35 days; to East Africa (Mombasa, Dar es Salaam) about 20–30 days; to South America around 35–45 days. Add 7–15 days for production and booking.
5. Avoiding the most common problems
Three issues cause most delays: wrong product grade (always send your spec sheet), weak packing that lets goods absorb moisture, and missing documents. Confirming all three in writing before production prevents them.
We supply caustic soda, industrial chemicals, mining supplies and blasting equipment to buyers in more than 50 countries, and reply to every inquiry within 2 working hours.