Importing from China to Portugal: EORI first
Start by checking the Portuguese importer's EORI. Portugal's customs authority says operators established there obtain it automatically from their tax identification number. Have your own broker confirm the entry arrangements. Sourcing, document coordination and checks in China are handled by Cambridge China Bridge.
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Check how the Portuguese importer's EORI is established
Portugal's tax and customs authority says operators established in Portugal obtain EORI automatically from their tax identification number without needing to apply. For a shipment entering through Portugal, ask your own customs broker to confirm the importing company's record and how registration will be handled for its first entry. The authority also explains that a valid result in the European Commission's EORI checker confirms an existing, valid registration.
Tell the broker where the goods will first be declared. If your route involves another country, ask whether advance registration is needed before booking freight. Our Spain guide and France guide explain those destinations; use your broker to confirm the arrangements for your actual route.
Agree a quote to your Portuguese port
We can arrange sourcing through our UK company while the goods travel directly from China to your Portuguese port. Give us the product specification, quantities, packing requirements and named port. Ask the quote to state the delivery term, freight and insurance scope, destination charges and exclusions. Have your broker estimate clearance, duties, import VAT and onward delivery separately.
The guide for buyers outside the UK explains the general procurement arrangement. Use our buy-through-UK-company service to agree who sells the goods, who purchases from the factory and who coordinates shipping. Record the importer and document responsibilities alongside that agreement.
Settle product evidence before approving production
EU guidance says importers must ensure imported products conform to EU law and cannot import products that do not conform. Ask a product compliance adviser to identify the requirements for your exact goods and intended use in Portugal before approving production. Request a written list covering any applicable certification, registration, testing, labels and instructions.
Turn that list into a factory brief. Ask the adviser to review proposed Portuguese-language labels and instructions before printing. Match available test reports to the ordered model, materials and components, and investigate differences. Keep product testing evidence separate from our inspection report so the broker and adviser can see what each document establishes.
Prepare the documents and your broker's arrival brief
The Chinese factory supplies product descriptions, quantities, packing data and available test reports. We coordinate the commercial invoice from the agreed seller and the factory's packing list, checking both against the order. If your broker requests a certificate of origin, we arrange it in China within the agreed scope after the broker confirms the acceptable issuer and form.
Send drafts to your broker before dispatch, followed by the transport document when available. Agree that your own broker will prepare and lodge the declaration, check classification, origin and customs value, confirm duties and import VAT, and coordinate clearance queries on arrival. Agree who pays arrival charges and arranges collection. Your own customs broker confirms the final entry.
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Check the supplier and inspect the shipment in China
Our own staff in China check supplier identity, the production site and relevant manufacturing capability against your brief. We compare the quoted company, business records and payment details, investigate unexplained differences and check whether the supplier can provide the agreed product evidence. Approve a sample and written specification before releasing production.
Before shipment, we inspect against the approved sample and acceptance plan, including agreed checks on quantity, workmanship, function, labels and packaging. We report discrepancies and corrective work for your release decision, with a loading check where agreed. Factory audits and inspections are usually included in the quote; complex checks that need a third party are charged separately and agreed in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to apply for EORI in Portugal?
Portugal's authority says Portuguese-established operators obtain EORI automatically from their tax identification number. Ask your broker to confirm your record and whether your planned route needs advance registration.
Can I buy through a UK company and ship directly to Portugal?
Yes. Cambridge China Bridge can coordinate the Chinese factory and quote to your Portuguese port while the goods travel directly from China. Agree the seller, importer and shipping responsibilities in writing.
Does a quote to my Portuguese port include import taxes?
Check the written inclusions and exclusions. Ask your own broker to confirm duties, import VAT, clearance, destination charges and onward delivery for the final entry.
Which documents should I ask the Chinese factory for?
Request packing details and relevant test reports. We coordinate the commercial invoice and packing list, plus a certificate of origin where your broker requests it and the scope is agreed.
Sources
Buying from China for a business outside the UK? China sourcing agent for businesses outside the UK →