Working with China in Marbella

Working with China from Marbella: where to start

Marbella and the Costa del Sol are a market for retail, HoReCa, design, and premium real estate goods. Nearby lies Algeciras, Spain’s largest container port, making the Costa del Sol a convenient hub for imports from China. You will need a supplier, quality control, and customs clearance.

What matters specifically for Russian speakers from the CIS

The main pain point for importers from the CIS is how to pay a Chinese supplier when Russian cards and SWIFT no longer work:

• practical options — USDT, payment via a payment agent in China or Hong Kong, or a transfer from a third-country account (UAE, Kazakhstan);
• many factories on 1688 only accept domestic RMB payments — you need an agent to pay and oversee the shipment;
• for regular orders, it is more practical to route payments through an international transfer service or a trusted contact in China;
• factor commission and exchange rate costs (1–3%) into your cost price — these are the items most often overlooked.

Supplier search and vetting

• platforms: Alibaba, 1688 (domestic, cheaper), Global Sources, Canton Fair;
• verify the business licence, request samples, and arrange a video audit of the factory;
• payment 30% / 70%, never 100% upfront;
• Trade Assurance and independent pre-shipment inspection.

Logistics via Algeciras

• sea (FCL/LCL) — the main route, ~35–45 days, FOB/CIF terms;
• Port of Algeciras — Spain’s largest, direct lines from China, close to Marbella;
• air freight via Málaga — for urgent and lightweight cargo.

Customs clearance and taxes in Spain

• EORI number and customs clearance (despacho de aduanas) through a broker;
• on import: customs duty (arancel) by commodity code + import VAT 21%;
• VAT is recoverable if you are registered for IVA.

Common mistakes and how to choose the right partner

• ordering without a sample and inspection is the main risk of defects;
• a price that is too low often means a middleman;
• calculate the landed cost including delivery, duty, and VAT;
• the safer route is a partner in China who will find the factory, verify it, and deliver on a turnkey basis.

Need suppliers and logistics from China to Marbella? Describe your task — we’ll help you find and verify.