By Norbert Laszanowski · Updated · First published
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 — payment is released only 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 that holds your payment until you approve the goods. 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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