Wholesale tableware from China: how to import and delivery specifics

While China has gained leadership in many industries relatively recently, the history of tableware spans more than 10,000 years. Today, around 60–70% of all kitchenware worldwide is produced in the country — from affordable plastic to exquisite porcelain. Thinking about sourcing? Learn the logistics nuances and specifics of working in this niche.

Where to order Chinese tableware wholesale

The market offers assortments for any demand and budget. First, decide on the category:

• Ceramics and porcelain — classic materials from Guangdong and Jingdezhen provinces.
  
• Glass — heat-resistant bakeware, double-walled glasses, mugs, goblets.
  
• Plastic and melamine — picnic products, unbreakable plates, and children’s cups.
  
• Metal — non-stick frying pans, stainless steel pots, cauldrons, and more.
  
• Outdoor tableware — lightweight sets made of titanium or anodized aluminum, compatible with burners or open fire.
  

For Ukrainian entrepreneurs, marketplaces are the most convenient option. Chinese platforms are the largest in the world, offering an impressive selection of factories and wholesalers. We recommend starting with Alibaba, an export marketplace with an English-language interface. However, the best finds in terms of price and quality are available on 1688, the domestic Chinese market.

For very large batches and OEM orders (branding or manufacturing under your own trademark), it is better to work directly with factories. This provides customization options and allows significant savings on wholesale pricing.

We offer a supplier sourcing service in China — save time on translating hieroglyphs and verifying sellers. DiFFreight will find the best manufacturer to meet your requirements.

Wholesale tableware from China — delivery process

Below are the main stages of delivery:

1. Purchasing goods in China and consolidation. At the DiFFreight warehouse, you can accumulate orders into a single shipment.
   
2. Export documentation and warehouse services in China: packaging, labeling, and consolidated cargo formation.
   
3. Transport selection: sea or air freight. With reliable packaging, container transportation risks are minimal.
   
4. Delivery itself (currently via a multimodal scheme: first to a European hub, then by truck to Ukraine).
   
5. Customs clearance with payment of duties and taxes.
   
6. Delivery within Ukraine: warehouse pickup or door-to-door delivery.
   

Schedule a consultation, and we will explain in detail how cargo delivery from China to Ukraine works, select the optimal shipping method, and calculate the rate.

Possible issues during ordering and transportation

This niche has specific risks that may arise during delivery:

Ceramic tableware wholesale from China requires special control at the preparation stage. Although a certain percentage of breakage is expected, it must be kept to a minimum.

Delivery of goods from China to Ukraine

Get more information

Tableware prohibited for import

Not everything found in Chinese catalogs can be legally imported into Ukraine:

• Counterfeit goods. Products with logos of well-known brands if they are not manufactured by these companies. Without the rights holder’s permission, the shipment will be seized at customs.
  
• Products without required certification. Children’s tableware is subject to stricter regulation; for other types, a Declaration of Conformity is sufficient.
  
• Gas equipment without permits. For example, camping burners included in sets. A customs broker consultation is required.
  
• Antiques. If you import tableware styled as ancient China, prepare documents proving that the items are not historical artifacts.
  

Suspicious wholesale shipments of Chinese tableware may not only be detained for inspection but also confiscated, with fines imposed on the importer. Therefore, exercise caution when purchasing goods from China.

Chinese tableware — price comparison between China and Ukraine

Profit margin is the key driver of the tableware business. Even when accounting for packaging, logistics, and distributor sourcing costs, this niche remains profitable. Below is a comparison of retail and wholesale prices for identical or similar models, clearly demonstrating why wholesale tableware from China is cost-effective.

* Prices are indicative and may vary depending on order volume, exchange rates, and manufacturer.

DiFFreight — more than logistics, a trade partner

The Chinese market is truly rich in offers, but profitability depends on minimizing defect rates and optimizing delivery costs. We provide not only competitive logistics pricing but also a full turnkey service:

• sourcing, purchasing, and inspection in China — you don’t pay for transporting defective goods;
  
• professional packaging for fragile tableware;
  
• transparent customs clearance — our customs broker handles all paperwork and procedures.
  

With DiFFreight, you receive fixed rates, cargo insurance, and confidence that your business will grow without unnecessary hassle.