China CIQ Update - January 11, 2011

• Our sources report that it is taking roughly 7 days in the YiWu area to have the CIQ inspection completed if the factory has the cargo inspected by a local institution
• We are confirming to those who have asked that there should be one CIQ certificate per shipment
• The piece count on the CIQ certificate must be the same or more than the actual cargo
• If the actual piece count does not match or is more than the quantity on the certificate, the factory must reapply for a new certificate
• Many clients have asked about samples.  Very small shipments of samples weighing less than 20-30 kgs (China Customs is reporting varying weight and value cutoffs so we will reconfirm these thresholds for you tomorrow) may be moved via courier without lab testing and CIQ inspection.  All other sample shipments and commercial production shipments must be lab tested and are subject to CIQ inspection.
• Many have also asked about the Carton Inspection form.  We have confirmed that this is for the outer, master cartons only.  Inspection is not required for retail packaging
• The factories producing master cartons have always been subject to CIQ inspection.  These factories must provide an inspection certificate to the jewelry factories in order for the jewelry factories to secure the inspection certificate for their own shipments. 
• If an importer elects to change the transportation mode from ocean to air, our sources in Qingdao can "try" to perform Customs clearance at the airport without securing a new certificate.  If changing from air to ocean, however, a new certificate must be secured.  We are collecting more information on the steps that need to be taken for these processes and will have further updates for you shortly
• Many have also asked about the steps necessary for a factory to secure an export license.  This is a long process requiring the factory to apply to more than 6 different China government agencies.  The factory also needs to present a minimum of RMB 500,000.00 of registered capital for a single license.  This makes the process often impractical for many factories
• We have been trying to secure a price list from the Qingdao testing lab, but they have refused to release one to us.  Shipper/factory will pay testing fees on a "case by case" basis.  We will continue to try to secure more information for you