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How to Import Products from China to Brazil Using 1688: A Guide for Small Importers

Importing Products from China to Brazil Using 1688 It can give small importers access to a wide variety of suppliers, competitive wholesale prices, and products that aren't always easy to find on international B2B platforms.

However, shopping on 1688 isn't just about finding the lowest price and arranging shipping to Brazil.

1688 was developed primarily for the Chinese domestic market. As a result, international buyers may encounter difficulties related to communication, supplier verification, payment, domestic shipping within China, quality inspection, cargo consolidation, export documentation, international freight, and import procedures in Brazil.

For a small Brazilian importer, a safer approach is to treat purchasing on 1688 as a complete supply chain:

Product Search → Supplier Verification → Purchase → Domestic Shipping in China → Receipt at Warehouse → Quality Inspection → Consolidation → Repackaging → Freight Calculation → International Shipping → Customs Clearance in Brazil

This guide explains each of these steps and, most importantly, how to calculate the actual cost before confirming an order.

What is 1688, and why do Brazilian importers use the platform?

1688 is a Chinese wholesale trading platform where buyers can find manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and trading companies that primarily sell to China's domestic market.

For importers, one of the main advantages is access to a huge variety of products.

Among the most common categories are:

Since many listings are targeted at Chinese buyers, prices may, in some cases, be competitive compared to channels specifically geared toward exports.

However, the price shown in the ad should never be automatically considered the final cost of the product imported into Brazil.

Why is shopping on 1688 different from shopping on an international platform?

One of the first mistakes made by new importers is assuming that all 1688 suppliers are prepared to conduct international business.

A supplier may serve Chinese wholesalers very well, but have little experience with:

There is, therefore, an important difference between buy a product in China e successfully import this product into Brazil.

For this reason, many small importers use a purchasing agent or sourcing service in China to coordinate operations within the country.

Step 1: Decide on the product before searching on 1688

Don't start by asking:

“Which supplier has the lowest price?”

First, determine exactly what you need to buy.

Prepare a product specification sheet

Depending on the product, your purchasing requirements should include:

In the case of electrical products, for example, two items that look very similar in a 1688 ad may have different electrical specifications.

The cheapest version is no longer a good buy if it cannot be used or sold properly in the target market.

Don't rely solely on the photos in the ad

Photos are useful for an initial assessment, but they are no substitute for a complete technical specification.

Before placing your order, please confirm all important product specifications in writing.

For customized products, requesting a sample before mass production can significantly reduce the risk of misunderstandings.

Step 2: Research and compare various suppliers

A good sourcing process should compare different suppliers rather than immediately purchasing from the first ad with an attractive price.

Create a comparison table that includes:

This makes the supplier selection process much more objective.

The lowest price doesn't always mean the lowest cost

Imagine two factories offering the same product.

Supplier A

Product price: US$ 18 per unit

Supplier B

Product price: US$ 20 per unit

At first glance, Supplier A appears to be cheaper.

However, Supplier A uses larger boxes, has a higher defect rate, and charges more for domestic shipping.

Supplier B uses more compact packaging and has fewer defective products during inspection.

After factoring in shipping costs and losses due to quality issues, Supplier B can achieve a lower cost per saleable unit.

Therefore, the correct question is not:

“Which supplier offers the lowest price on 1688?”

The correct question is:

“Which supplier offers the best total cost for a product of acceptable quality?”

Step 3: Check the supplier before paying

Supplier verification becomes even more important as the order value increases.

A professional verification process may include:

For higher-value orders, a factory audit or a more detailed inspection may be recommended.

Factory audits and product inspections are not the same thing

This difference is important.

Uma factory audit evaluates the supplier.

Uma product inspection evaluates the merchandise.

Even a legitimate factory can produce defective goods.

Similarly, a good sample does not guarantee that all units produced in mass production will meet exactly the same quality standards.

Therefore, supplier verification and quality inspection address different issues.

Step 4: Calculate the actual cost before placing your order

Small importers should not base their business model solely on the price listed on 1688.

A more appropriate formula is:

Actual import cost = Product cost + Domestic shipping in China + Purchasing service + Inspection + Storage + Repackaging + International freight + Insurance + Import taxes + Customs fees + Local delivery

Depending on the transaction, there may be other expenses as well.

Practical example

Imagine that a Brazilian importer buys 500 units at US$ 12 each.

Product value:

500 × US$ 12 = US$ 6,000

Now consider the following costs prior to importation:

Subtotal before import taxes and local expenses in Brazil:

US$ 8.530

Cost per unit at this stage:

US$ 8.530 ÷ 500 = US$ 17.06

The original price on 1688 was US$ 12.

The cost has already risen to US$ 17.06, even before including Brazilian taxes, customs clearance fees, and final delivery costs in Brazil.

That's why comparing suppliers based solely on unit price can lead to poor purchasing decisions.

Step 5: Place your order and keep track of your purchase

Once the supplier, specifications, quantity, price, and terms of sale have been confirmed, the order can be placed.

For small importers who work with multiple suppliers, each purchase must have a clear internal reference.

For example:

PO-001 → Supplier A → LED Bulbs

PO-002 → Supplier B → Hardware

PO-003 → Supplier C → Kitchen Accessories

Each SKU must also have a unique code.

This becomes especially important when products from different factories arrive at the same warehouse in China.

Step 6: Ship the products to a warehouse in China

Instead of asking each supplier to arrange a separate international shipment, the importer can request that the goods be delivered first to a single warehouse in China.

Mercadorias de vários fornecedores do 1688 recebidas em um armazém na China antes da consolidação e envio para o Brasil
Goods from various 1688 suppliers received at a warehouse in China prior to consolidation and shipment to Brazil

This creates a control point between suppliers and international shipping.

The flow can be:

Supplier A →

Supplier B → Warehouse in China → International shipping → Brazil

Supplier C →

In the warehouse, inventory can be tracked by supplier, purchase order, and SKU.

Step 7: Inspect the goods when they arrive at the warehouse

Receiving the shipment doesn't just mean signing for the boxes.

The warehouse should verify basic information such as:

If an inspection has been arranged, the goods can then proceed to the quality control process.

Why is this step important?

Imagine that you buy four similar models of LED light bulbs:

The boxes may look almost identical.

If products are consolidated without proper SKU tracking, warehouse employees may mix up different models during repackaging.

The error may not be discovered until after the goods arrive in Brazil, at which point correcting it will be much more expensive and complicated.

Step 8: Inspect the quality before international shipment

For commercial orders, conducting an inspection before shipment can be much cheaper than discovering defects after the goods have already arrived in Brazil.

Inspeção de qualidade de produtos em um armazém na China antes do envio internacional para o Brasil
Quality inspection of products at a warehouse in China prior to international shipment to Brazil

Depending on the product, the inspection may check for:

Inspection criteria must be established before quality control is performed.

What should you do when defects are found?

Do not ship the merchandise automatically.

A practical approach might be:

Inspection → Defect identified → HOLD → Correction by the supplier → Reinspection → Approval → Shipment

Depending on the problem, corrective action may include:

Problems are generally easier to address and resolve while the products are still in China.

Step 9: Consolidate products from various suppliers on 1688

Consolidation can be especially useful for small importers who purchase from multiple suppliers.

Consolidação de mercadorias de vários fornecedores do 1688 em um armazém na China para envio ao Brasil
Consolidation of goods from various 1688 suppliers into a warehouse in China for shipment to Brazil

Instead of making three or four separate small international shipments, the products can first be consolidated at a single warehouse in China.

For example:

Supplier A: 8 boxes

Supplier B: 12 boxes

Supplier C: 5 boxes

Supplier D: 10 boxes

All four orders arrive at the warehouse.

After receipt and inspection, the goods may be prepared for a single consolidated shipment, when commercially and operationally appropriate.

Consolidation isn't always the best option

Products should not be automatically placed in the same shipment simply because they belong to the same buyer.

It is necessary to consider factors such as:

Heavy hardware, for example, should not be stacked improperly on top of fragile lighting products.

Step 10: Repack, weigh, and measure the final shipment

This is one of the most important steps for calculating shipping costs more accurately.

The initial measurements provided by the factories may change after consolidation.

The warehouse can:

After repackaging, record the final data:

Why is CBM important?

Caixas e paletes sendo preparados em armazém para calcular peso, dimensões e CBM antes do transporte internacional
Boxes and pallets being prepared in the warehouse to calculate weight, dimensions, and CBM prior to international shipment

In many modes of transportation, the volume of the cargo has a significant impact on the cost.

A box may be light, but it can take up a lot of space.

This is especially important for bulky products, such as:

Optimizing packaging can therefore reduce the logistics cost per unit even if the factory price remains exactly the same.

Step 11: Choose the shipping method from China to Brazil

Transporte marítimo de contêineres com produtos importados da China para o Brasil
Maritime container shipping of products imported from China to Brazil

The best method of transportation depends on the characteristics of the cargo.

Among the main factors are:

Air freight or courier service

These shipping methods may be suitable for smaller shipments, higher-value items, or urgent orders.

Among the advantages are faster transit times and convenience for certain small shipments.

On the other hand, the cost per kilogram can be significantly higher than for maritime transport.

LCL Ocean Freight

LCL stands for Less than Container Load.

In this arrangement, the importer uses only part of a container's space.

This can be a good option when the shipment is already too large for courier or air freight to be cost-effective, but does not yet have enough volume to justify a full container.

FCL Ocean Freight

Carregamento de caixas em contêiner para transporte marítimo de produtos da China para o Brasil
Loading boxes into a container for the maritime transport of goods from China to Brazil

FCL stands for Full Container Load.

This method is useful when the volume of goods is sufficient to make efficient use of a dedicated container.

Don't choose between LCL and FCL based solely on the number of boxes.

Use the final shipment data after consolidation:

Volumes + Gross Weight + Dimensions + CBM

Next, compare the available transportation options.

Step 12: Understand Brazil's import requirements before shipping

Import procedures in Brazil depend on factors such as the importer, the classification of the goods, the value, the mode of transportation, and whether administrative controls apply to the product.

For business transactions, it is important to correctly determine the NCM classification and verify whether the goods require a license, authorization, certification, or approval from a competent authority before the shipment leaves China.

To verify the NCM classification, federal taxes, and any applicable administrative requirements for imports, refer to the official guidelines from the Brazilian Federal Revenue Service.

Brazilian official import procedures may involve different types of declarations and the use of the Siscomex Single Portal, depending on the applicable regime and transaction.

For formal commercial import transactions, it is recommended to confirm in advance the applicable requirements in Siscomex and the appropriate customs procedure with a qualified professional in Brazil.

Do not confuse small international shipments with regular commercial imports

This difference is very important.

Brazil has simplified procedures for certain international postal or express shipments.

In situations provided for by Brazilian regulations, simplified procedures may apply to certain low-value transactions.

That, however, This does not mean that every small-value commercial purchase should automatically be treated as a standard order intended for an end consumer.

The correct declaration and tax treatment depend on the nature of the transaction, the importer, the goods, the value, and the applicable customs procedure.

Step 13: Understand Import Taxes and Other Costs

Import costs in Brazil cannot be represented by a single, universal percentage.

For commercial imports carried out under the applicable regime, taxes and costs may include, depending on the transaction:

The tax rates and tax bases depend on the classification of the goods and the specific characteristics of the transaction.

Therefore, calculate the estimated cost of the imported goods using the correct NCM code and the applicable import regime Before placing a large order.

Practical example: A small Brazilian importer purchasing from three suppliers on 1688

Imagine a small Brazilian company purchasing:

Supplier A: Kitchen accessories

Supplier B: Pet Products

Supplier C: Hardware

Instead of shipping each order internationally separately, the importer uses the following process:

1. Define product specifications

↓

2. Compare suppliers on 1688

↓

3. Verify supplier information

↓

4. Confirm samples when necessary

↓

5. Negotiate price and MOQ

↓

6. Place three separate purchase orders

↓

7. Suppliers ship the products to the warehouse in China

↓

8. Record each receipt by supplier / PO / SKU

↓

9. Count and inspect the merchandise

↓

10. Place defective products on HOLD

↓

11. The supplier repairs or replaces defective products

↓

12. Conduct a new inspection

↓

13. Approve the merchandise

↓

14. Consolidate compatible loads

↓

15. Repack

↓

16. Weighing and Measuring

↓

17. Calculate the final CBM

↓

18. Compare international shipping options

↓

19. Prepare the appropriate documentation for export and import

↓

20. Ship to Brazil

This process requires more coordination than simply clicking “buy,” but it gives the importer much more control over quality, traceability, and logistics costs.

Common Mistakes When Importing from 1688 to Brazil

Mistake 1: Choosing only the cheapest supplier

A lower unit price may be offset by poor quality, excessively bulky packaging, higher domestic shipping costs, or a high defect rate.

Mistake 2: Paying before confirming the specifications

Always confirm the product specifications, quantity, packaging, and other important requirements before making a payment.

Mistake 3: Not verifying the supplier

A professional ad isn't enough to understand exactly who you're buying from.

Mistake 4: Failing to conduct an inspection

Discovering defects after the products arrive in Brazil makes replacements and rework much more complicated.

Mistake 5: Ignoring package dimensions

Shipping costs aren't determined solely by weight. Volume can also have a significant impact on logistics costs.

Mistake 6: Mixing SKUs During Consolidation

Maintain traceability between the supplier, PO, SKU, and final box number.

Mistake 7: Calculating profit based solely on the 1688 price

The margin must be calculated based on the estimated cost per saleable unit already imported, and not just the unit price charged by the Chinese supplier.

Mistake 8: Checking Brazilian requirements only after departure

The product classification, regulatory requirements, and import procedures must be reviewed before the shipment leaves China.

Checklist Before Importing from 1688 to Brazil

Before paying the supplier:

Before international shipping:

Is 1688 suitable for small Brazilian importers?

Maybe.

1688 can be especially useful for small businesses that want to buy Chinese products in bulk, compare a large number of suppliers, or consolidate purchases from multiple factories.

However, the opportunity doesn't come solely from access to inexpensive products.

It depends mainly on the supply chain management.

A small importer needs to manage four key areas:

Product

Is the product suitable for the Brazilian market?

Supplier

Can the supplier meet the requested specifications, quality, and quantity?

Quality

Does the actual production match what was ordered?

Final import cost

After factoring in purchasing, inspection, logistics, taxes, customs clearance, and domestic transportation, is the product still commercially viable?

Conclusion

Importing Products from China to Brazil Using 1688 It can help small importers gain access to a wide network of Chinese suppliers and potentially competitive wholesale prices.

But the price shown on 1688 is just the starting point for the calculation.

A more structured process might follow this sequence:

Search → Compare → Verify → Specify → Purchase → Receive in China → Inspect → Correct Issues → Consolidate → Repackage → Measure → Calculate CBM → Ship → Clear Customs → Deliver in Brazil

The main point is to resolve any issues while the goods are still in China.

Check the supplier before paying. Confirm the specifications before production. Inspect the products before international shipment. Calculate the freight charges using the final cargo dimensions and review Brazil’s import requirements before the goods leave China.

And, most importantly:

Don't just compare the unit price on 1688. Calculate the total import cost per unit sold in Brazil.

This figure provides a much more realistic basis for deciding whether an import transaction is commercially

feasible.

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