Cross-border phone importing introduces costs and complications that can turn a seemingly attractive deal into a loss. Duty rates, battery shipping restrictions, customs valuation disputes, and compliance with regional CE/FCC marking requirements all affect landed cost.
What this section covers
- Incoterms — EXW, FOB, CIF, and DDP: who bears risk at each handover point
- HS codes and duty rates — the correct classification for smartphones, feature phones, and parts
- Battery shipping — IATA lithium-ion regulations, state-of-charge limits, and packaging requirements
- Pre-shipment inspection — PSI services in Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Dubai that catch quantity and grade issues before shipping
- Customs valuation — how declared values are scrutinised and what documentation survives an audit