(Must-Read for Overseas Buyers) 3 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Importing from China

Dear Buyers,

If you are sourcing silicone kitchenware, baby products, or household items from China, 2026 has brought some significant regulatory changes in the EU.

You may have already faced the headaches:

• Shipments held at customs

• Unexpected tax bills

• Products flagged for chemical safety

As a specialized silicone manufacturer serving the EU market, we want to help you navigate these changes. Here are 3 costly mistakes we see importers make—and exactly how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Choosing Suppliers Based ONLY on Price

We understand: price matters. But in 2026, the cheapest quote can become the most expensive disaster.

Under the new EU Regulation (EU) 2024/3190, the limit for Bisphenol A (BPA) in food contact materials is now 0.001 mg/kg—a “trace level” standard.

❌ The Risk: If your supplier uses recycled materials or has cross-contamination in their factory, even a tiny residue can cause an entire container to be rejected at customs. You pay for the goods, the shipping, and the disposal—with nothing to sell.

✅ What Smart Buyers Do:

• Ask for the Lab Report: Don’t just accept “It’s BPA Free.” Ask for a 3rd party test report specifically mentioning EN 14350 or compliance with (EU) 2024/3190, with a detection limit of ≤0.001 mg/kg.

• Go Deeper: Ask for raw material traceability. Where does the silicone granule come from? Is it a certified food-grade brand?

👉 How We Help:
We use 100% virgin food-grade silicone with full traceability. Every shipment comes with a comprehensive test report that you can present directly to EU customs. No guesswork, no risk.

Mistake #2: Ignoring the “Cash Flow” Trap (VAT)

Many suppliers promise “Door-to-Door” or “Tax Paid” shipping. But how they handle it matters.

In the past, some used “low declarations” to get goods through. In 2026, with the removal of the €150 duty exemption and the new ICS2 customs system, that game is over.

If your supplier uses the wrong logistics partner, you might face a huge VAT bill before you even receive your goods.

✅ The Solution: VAT Deferral
VAT Deferral allows you to import goods without paying the import VAT upfront. You settle it later in your periodic VAT return. This frees up significant cash flow (e.g., 19% of your shipment value).

✅ What Smart Buyers Do:

• Ask your supplier directly: “Can your forwarder handle VAT Deferral (Postponed VAT)?”

• Ask for a sample C88 customs document and check if field B00 shows a ‘G’ . That is proof of deferral.

👉 How We Help:
We partner exclusively with logistics providers who are experts in VAT Deferral (especially via the Netherlands and Belgium). We help you keep your cash in your business, not stuck at the border.

Proof of VAT Deferral: We ensure your shipments arrive with the correct paperwork (look for B00 = G) to protect your cash flow.

Mistake #3: Overlooking the Small Parts (Printing & Packaging)

Did you know that under the new FCM (Food Contact Materials) regulations, even parts that DON’T touch food can cause a product to fail?

Consider a silicone baking mat:

• The silicone body is safe.

• But what about the ink used to print the logo?

• What about the cardboard box with colored printing?

If these materials contain non-compliant substances that could potentially migrate, the entire shipment can be held.

❌ The Risk: Many factories focus only on the silicone, forgetting about the inks, dyes, and packaging.

✅ What Smart Buyers Do:

• Ask for a Declaration of Conformity (DoC) covering the entire product, including printing and packaging materials.

• Ensure the supplier has a process to control all incoming materials, not just the main one.

👉 How We Help:
We implement Whole Product Compliance. From the silicone base to the smallest ink dot on the packaging, we ensure everything meets EU standards. You won’t lose a shipment over a forgotten detail.

silicone card holder fm dgaimhigher

Whole Product Compliance: It’s not just about the silicone. We control the inks, dyes, and packaging too—so you don’t get caught by a small detail.

Why Partner With Us?

We are more than just a manufacturer. We are your Compliance Partner in China.

1. Validated Quality: Every order includes (EU) 2024/3190 compliant test reports. Customs-ready.

2. Cash Flow Friendly: We help you set up VAT Deferral, so your money works for you, not for the tax authority.

3. Clear Communication: We understand EU rules. We speak your language when it comes to risk management.

In 2026, a compliant supply chain is your competitive advantage.

If you are looking for a stable, professional, and regulation-savvy silicone partner, let’s talk.

📧 Email us at: Email: sales1@dgaimhigher.com

🌐 Visit our website:  https://www.dgaimhigher.com/ to see how we support European importers.

dgaimhigher factoy

Dgaimhigher Corporate team building activities

The post 2026 Alert: The Rules for Silicone Imports Just Changed. 3 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Importing from China appeared first on Aimhigh.