Metal, such as iron, copper, aluminum, etc. and its products, are widely used in global industrial production and everyday life. With the rapid development of international trade, the scale of exports of metal and its products continues to expand.

I. Compliance challenges

1. The questionThe technical standards and certification requirements of the destination country are complex (such as EU CE certification, RoHS Directive, US FCC certification).
   The solution:
   • Study the target market regulations in advance and entrust third-party agencies (such as SGS, TüV) with preliminary inspections.
   • Certification required for different product categories (e.g. steel exports require EN 10025 standard testing).
2. The questionEnvironmental regulatory restrictions (such as REACH for the control of chemicals).
   The solution:
   • Use environmentally-friendly coatings or alternative materials (such as non-carbonated treatment aluminum products).
   • Material Component Analysis Report (MSDS) and Compliance Statement.

II. Tariffs and trade barriers

1. The questionHigh anti-dumping duties
   The solution:
   • Apply for proof of origin (such as RCEP) through third-country trade.
   • Adjust product specifications or purposes to avoid the restrictions of the HS Code.
2. The questionNon-tariff barriers (such as technical trade measures TBT).
   The solution:
   • Participate in industry associations to obtain the latest policy dynamics (such as early warning information from China’s Five Miners Chamber).
   • Cooperate with importers to provide local access support from each other.

III. Logistics and quality control

1. The questionTransport loss and corrosion (marine salt fog causes metal rust).
   The solution:
   • Use rust-proof packaging (vacuum seal + dryer), or coated with rust-proof oil.
   • Choose a temperature-controlled wet container to shorten the shipping cycle.
2. The questionHigh shipping costs due to weight and volume.
   The solution:
   • Optimize product designs (such as empty-hearted aluminum structures) to reduce the weight of individual pieces.
   • Package transport (LCL) or shared whole cabinet (FCL) with counterparts.

Documents and Clearing Risk

1. The questionThe non-compliance of the certificate leads to delay in clearance.
   The solution:
   • Use trade compliance software, such as ERP system, to automatically verify customs declarations and invoice consistency.
   • To entrust professional customs to handle sensitive categories of goods (for example, containing copper alloys requires additional declaration).
2. The questionThe proof of origin is questioned.
   The solution:
   • Keep full production chain certificates (such as raw material procurement invoices, processing process records).
   • Apply for customs AEO certification to enhance customs trust.

V. Payment and exchange rate risk

1. The question: Exchange rate fluctuations erode profits (e.g. the annual volatility of the US dollar against the RMB exceeds5%).
   The solution:
   • Signing foreign exchange long-term contracts to lock the exchange rate, or using cross-border RMB settlement.
   • A mechanism for the distribution of exchange rate volatility is agreed upon in the terms (e.g. the buyer is responsible for within ±3%).
2. The questionCredit Card (L/C) is a soft term trap.
   The solution:
   • Requirements for certification banks are qualified as mainstream international banks (such as HSBC, Flagship).
   • Strictly review the terms of the credit card, remove the adverse conditions such as shipment to payment.

Intellectual Property Rights and Legal Disputes

The questionPatent infringement (such as imitation of European-American branded metal tool designs).
The solution:

• The target country’s patent status is retrieved through the WIPO database before export.
• Independent design or legally authorized ODM/OEM acquisition

Inadequate market adaptability

The questionProduct specifications do not conform to local usage habits (such as U.S. / European screw size differences).
The solution:

• Advance research of target market standards (such as ASTM, DIN) and custom production.
• Provide multidisciplinary samples for customer testing to reduce the risk of returns.

VIII. After-Sales and Brand Building

1. The questionLack of local after-sales support, affecting customer repurchase.
2. The solution:
   • Establish tax warehouses in the target country to quickly respond to the demand for return goods.
   • Signing service agreements with local dealers to provide technical training.

Summary

Metal exports need to build a compliance priority + risk bottom system:

1. Compliance levelCertification, environmental protection, single certification is imperative;
2. The cost levelIncrease in efficiency through logistics optimization and avoidance of tariffs;
3. The wind level.Payment risks using financial instruments and insurance transfer;
4. The market levelDeepening the need for localization and establishing a brand-protected river.

Finally, if you have any need for agency services in export trade or need our additional support, welcome to contact us!