A practical decision framework for EU buyers placing their first (or fifth) order with Asian manufacturers — what to check before the PO, what to track during production, and how to avoid the four most expensive mistakes.
Get an instant quote →Not every part should cross the Pacific. The decision comes down to four variables:
| Factor | Go Asia | Stay EU |
|---|---|---|
| Order value | > €3,000 per shipment | < €2,000 (freight kills margin) |
| Lead time urgency | 6+ weeks acceptable | < 3 weeks needed |
| Part complexity | High-volume, repeatable geometry | Prototype, tight tolerance, complex 5-axis |
| Material sensitivity | Standard alloys (6061, 304SS, DC01) | Specialty alloys, strict CoC traceability |
The hidden cost that kills most first-time Asia orders is landed cost underestimation. Budget 12–18% on top of the supplier FOB price for freight, duty, customs broker, and VAT reclaim delay.
Complete this before you send your first drawing to any Asian supplier:
Example: €10,000 FOB CNC aluminium parts from China to Germany via sea freight.
| Cost element | Typical range | This example |
|---|---|---|
| FOB supplier price | — | €10,000 |
| Sea freight (LCL, Shanghai→Hamburg) | €400–€900/cbm | €650 |
| Marine insurance (0.35%) | 0.25–0.5% | €35 |
| Import duty (CNC parts, HS 8466 ~ 3.7%) | 0–12% | €370 |
| Customs broker | €80–€300 | €120 |
| Pre-shipment inspection | €200–€400 | €280 |
| Last-mile delivery (Germany) | €80–€250 | €120 |
| Total landed cost | €11,575 (+15.8%) | |
VAT (19% in Germany) is paid at import and reclaimed on the next VAT return — it's a cash-flow cost, not a permanent cost, but budget 6–8 weeks for reclaim.
Use the full landed cost calculator →Defect rates from first-time Asian suppliers average 3–8% without controls, dropping to 0.3–1.2% with proper quality gates.
On FabriMatch, PSI is embedded in the order flow — escrow only releases after the PSI report is uploaded and accepted by the buyer.
What is the typical lead time for Asia-to-Europe manufacturing orders?
CNC and sheet-metal parts from China typically ship in 7–15 business days production + 18–30 days sea freight (or 5–7 days air). Total door-to-door is 25–45 days sea, 12–22 days air.
How do I protect myself from defective goods when sourcing from Asia?
Use pre-shipment inspection (PSI), require PPAP or FAI documentation on the first order, and use a marketplace with escrow. Release funds only after goods pass inspection.
What customs duties apply to manufactured goods imported from China to the EU?
Duties range from 0% (some electronics, §301 exemptions) to 12% (CNC aluminum parts, HS 8466) and 25%+ on steel. Always confirm the HS code before quoting landed cost.
Is it cheaper to source from Asia or Eastern Europe?
Asia (China, Vietnam) is 30–60% cheaper on unit cost for high-volume, labour-intensive parts. Eastern Europe is 10–20% more expensive but wins on lead time (7–14 days door-to-door), no import duty risk, and simpler logistics for small batches.
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