Importing from China to Lesotho: Import Permit
Start with the import permit check: Lesotho's government lists a valid licence, tax clearance and a proforma invoice for business applications. Ask your broker whether your goods need a permit. Agree a named seaport or border point and the onward leg separately. Buy through UK-based Cambridge China Bridge.
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Start with the import permit check
Lesotho's government Import Permit page lists a client application, valid licence and tax clearance, and proforma invoice for businesses. It also lists previous sales records and proof of purchase for motor dealers. Ask your broker to establish whether this permit applies to your exact goods before placing the order.
Send the broker the product description, materials, intended use and whether the goods are new or used. Ask for written confirmation of applicable permits, product approvals, testing and labelling before approving production. Use the overseas buying guide for the wider sourcing process.
Name the seaport or border point in the quote
Lesotho is landlocked. We quote to the seaport or border point you name, with the onward leg agreed separately. State the delivery point precisely and ask the quotation to identify freight, insurance, terminal handling and any inland transport included.
If routing through South Africa, ask your forwarder and broker to map the transit arrangements and handover points before booking. Use the South Africa guide when assessing a separate import into that market; ask your broker to confirm the procedure for your Lesotho-bound shipment.
Give your broker responsibility for the arrival work
Engage your own customs broker in Lesotho before ordering. Agree a scope covering classification, valuation, applicable duties and taxes, permit checks, declaration submission and liaison over customs queries or examinations. Your broker confirms the final entry and the documents needed for your goods.
Give the broker draft shipping documents before dispatch. Agree who pays arrival charges, who arranges collection and who coordinates the onward journey from the quoted delivery point. Keep the broker, forwarder and our China team working from the same shipment details.
Agree the factory document pack before production
We coordinate the commercial invoice and packing list with the Chinese factory and exporter. Check the buyer and consignee names, product descriptions, quantities, values, carton details and weights against the order and transport booking. Ask your broker to review the drafts.
Ask the broker whether a certificate of origin or particular test reports are needed. We arrange the agreed origin document through the exporter and obtain available reports from the factory, commissioning additional testing where agreed. Match reports to the actual model, materials and configuration rather than accepting a certificate for a similar product.
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Check the supplier and inspect before shipment
Cambridge China Bridge is a UK-based sourcing company with its own staff in China. We check the supplier's business identity, production site and ability to make the agreed specification. Approve an identified sample and written acceptance criteria before production. Our pre-shipment inspection guide explains how to set the inspection scope.
Before shipment, we inspect against the agreed scope, including workmanship, dimensions, function, quantities, packaging and artwork. Record defects and agreed corrective work before approving dispatch. The buy-through-UK-company service explains the purchasing arrangement; your quotation should name the contracting party, delivery point and document responsibilities.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an import permit for goods from China?
Ask your broker to check your exact goods. The government Import Permit page lists a valid licence, tax clearance and proforma invoice for business applications, plus an application.
Can you quote shipping to Lesotho?
Yes. Name the seaport or border point you want priced. Lesotho is landlocked, so agree the onward leg separately and check the quotation's delivery point and included charges.
Who clears my goods in Lesotho?
Agree the arrival work with your own customs broker. The broker confirms the final entry, applicable duties and taxes, permits and supporting documents, and coordinates clearance.
What documents do you get from the Chinese factory?
We coordinate the commercial invoice and packing list, arrange an agreed certificate of origin through the exporter, and obtain relevant factory test reports. Agree any additional testing before production.
Sources
Buying from China for a business outside the UK? China sourcing agent for businesses outside the UK →