Working with China in In Milan
How to set up supplies from China for those living in In Milan: where to find factories, how to vet a supplier, and how to avoid losing money on advance payments.
Working with China from Milan: where to start
Italy is a major importer from China (fashion, design, manufacturing), and the ports of Genoa and Trieste (a key European gateway for the Belt and Road Initiative) are the main maritime entry points. Milan is the commercial and logistics hub of the north. You need a supplier, quality control, and customs clearance.
What matters specifically for Russian speakers from the CIS
- an Italian SRL is a convenient intermediary for contracts; payments to China — via an EU bank or USDT and international transfers;
- goods often go directly to the CIS; mind sanctions restrictions on re-export;
- factor commission and exchange rate costs (1–3%) into your cost price.
Supplier search and vetting
- platforms: Alibaba, 1688 (cheaper), Global Sources, Canton Fair;
- verify the business licence, request samples, and arrange a video audit;
- for fashion and design, quality control is especially critical;
- payment 30/70; Trade Assurance and pre-shipment inspection.
Logistics
- sea via Genoa and Trieste, ~30–40 days, then by truck to Milan;
- air freight via Malpensa — for urgent shipments.
Customs clearance and taxes
- EORI number and clearance required; on import — VAT 22% plus duty;
- Import VAT is recoverable if you are registered for IVA.
How not to lose money
- calculate the full landed cost including logistics and customs clearance;
- vet the factory before making payment;
- the safer route is a turnkey partner in China.
Need suppliers and logistics from China to Milan? Describe your task — we’ll help you find and verify.
We will find a supplier in China and audit the factory
Finding a manufacturer for your product, vetting the factory against documents, samples, purchase and door-to-door logistics. Initial sourcing is free — the buying guide is right in the bot.
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Working with China
Finding and vetting suppliers and factories in China, purchasing goods, quality control, and end-to-end logistics.
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Go to websiteSupplier in China — we will find and vet one for you
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