Sourcing
How to Import Cling Film from China
Why Import Cling Film from China?
China produces over 60% of the world’s PVC and PE cling film. The manufacturing cluster around Ningbo (Zhejiang Province) houses established factories with 20+ years of Korean-invested and Japanese-invested production technology. Direct factory sourcing typically saves 30-50% vs buying from domestic distributors or trading companies.
Step 1: Define Your Specification
Before contacting any factory, you need exact specs:
- Material: PVC or PE
- Thickness: 8–15 micron (supermarket), 20–35 micron (HORECA), 35–50 micron (industrial)
- Width: 30cm (standard household), 45cm (food service), 60cm (industrial tray wrap)
- Length per roll: 30m (retail), 300m (HORECA), 1000–5000m (jumbo/rewinder)
- Packaging: Color box with cutter, shrink-wrapped bulk, or private label with barcode
- Certifications: FDA 21 CFR (US), EU 10/2011, Halal, SGS migration test
Step 2: Calculate Container Loading
| Container | Jumbo Rolls (45cm×3000m) | Retail Rolls (30cm×30m boxed) |
|---|---|---|
| 20’ GP (28 CBM) | 800–1,200 rolls | 40,000–60,000 boxes |
| 40’ HQ (68 CBM) | 2,000–3,000 rolls | 100,000–150,000 boxes |
Pro tip: A 40ft HQ container delivers ~35% lower freight per unit than a 20ft. For orders over 15 tonnes, always go 40ft HQ.
Step 3: Calculate Landed Cost
Example: 40ft HQ of retail PVC cling film to US West Coast
| Item | Per Roll Cost |
|---|---|
| FOB Ningbo (per roll, 30cm×30m boxed) | $0.28 |
| Ocean freight (40ft HQ to LA) | $0.04 |
| Insurance (0.3% of CIF) | $0.001 |
| US customs duty (6.5% on 3920.4300) | $0.021 |
| Customs broker fee | $0.005 |
| Drayage to warehouse | $0.008 |
| Total landed cost per roll | $0.355 |
Vs domestic US purchase at $0.52/roll → 32% savings, even after all logistics.
Step 4: Payment and Quality Control
- Payment terms: 30% T/T deposit, 70% against copy of B/L (first order); L/C at sight for repeat orders
- Inspection: Third-party SGS/BV inspection recommended for first order ($350)
- Pre-shipment sample: Request 3-5 rolls from production batch before balance payment
FAQ
Q: Is PVC cling film banned in my country? Some countries restrict PVC food contact materials (EU moving toward restrictions, some US states). PE cling film is the safer long-term choice. SUNWRAP offers both PVC and PE lines — we can advise based on your market regulations.
Q: How long does a container take from Ningbo to [my port]? Southeast Asia: 7-10 days. Middle East (Jebel Ali): 18-22 days. Europe (Rotterdam/Hamburg): 28-35 days. US West Coast (LA/Long Beach): 12-15 days. East Africa (Mombasa): 18-22 days.
Importing cling film starts with choosing the right cling film manufacturer. Compare the top cling film suppliers in China before you commit. SUNWRAP handles documentation, quality testing and port logistics from Ningbo — get your import quote today.
Need a cling film quote while you're reading?
Our export team responds within 12 hours with FOB Ningbo pricing. No obligation.
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