China Trade Links

The Chinese patent law follows the first to file system, meaning that whoever files a patent first, will be granted this patent - even if this person was not the inventor or if this patent had already been patent abroad by another person. This means that your OEM manufacturer can file a patent for invention. As soon as the patent has been granted, you then have to pay a license to the patent holder or cannot sell your product in China anymore. Therefore we always encourage our customers protect your IP in China as soon as possible.

Tax rebates in China refer to tax refunds for Chinese exporters. Concretely, these export rebates are actually value-added tax rebates (VAT rebates) as FOB prices always include VAT (there are some rare exceptions to this regulation, though). After exportation of products, the exporter (manufacturer or trading company) then gets back part of VAT as a tax refund. By adjusting the amount of the VAT rebate, incentives for export can be given or reduced.
The Chinese export tax rebates have been a constant issue of dispute between the US and the European Union because they are seen as as indirect subsidies.
Unfortunately, there is only a Chinese version of this search function. If you can find an English version, please let me know. In the meantime we would be glad to help you look up the VAT rebates for your products of interest. [Site in Chinese only]

This website provides an an up-to-date overview over the steel price index in China.

Here you can look up the customs tariffs of products to be imported into the EU. You can conduct a search by describing the product or using its specific customs number (TARIC). Alongside import taxes of the EU you also get information about antidumping measures.

The WTO Tariff Database makes is very easy to look up import tariffs of China and other member states of the WTO. Selected import tariffs can be saved locally as an excel, xml or csv file. No user registration required.

Register of products intended for import into the United States, that have been detained by the FDA because of quality issues. The register is updated regularly allowing for a good overview about common quality problems with Chinese products.

RAPEX is the EU rapid alert system for all dangerous consumer products, with the exception of food, pharmaceutical and medical devices. It allows for the rapid exchange of information between Member States and the Commission of measures taken to prevent or restrict the marketing or use of products posing a serious risk to the health and safety of consumers. Both measures ordered by national authorities and measures taken voluntarily by producers and distributors are covered by RAPEX.

This website provides a perfect overview over all important trade fairs in China. Detailed search options make finding relevant trade shows in China quite easy. In addition, every trade fair is presented with a convenient introduction and further information such as statistical data.

Interesting topics on China trade. Although this is a reduced version of the original site in Chinese, it is still a good place to find up-to-date information about China trade topics including different statistics. As the information given on this site reflects the opinion of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce it provides an insight into the Chinese perception on controversial trade topics (such as anti-dumping regulations).

This portal provides extensive information about China. Topics on business and trade with China are covered in detail alongside with other valuable resources about China.