Importing your goods from China, or anywhere else in the world, goes well beyond the plane or boat trip your products are destined to undertake.

To make sure that you get the most value out of your imports and supply chain, the considerations starts right from the creation of your purchase order or your sales agreement with your vendors. We often hear that in China a handshake and your “Guanxi”, i.e. your interpersonal relationship, are more important than any formal agreement. While we don’t deny this importance, the proper written instructions can curb any misunderstanding or disagreement that may arise from language barriers or cultural differences.

On July 9 at 11:00 am EST, international freight forwarder and customs broker expert Axxess International led a CCBC webinar on how to get the most from your supply chain while avoiding pitfalls. The webinar explored topics such as:

• What to specify on your purchase order to plan freight
• The all-important Incoterms, more than just FOB
• Cargo consolidation, combine your shipments to save and simplify
• Customs Tariffs, use the proper codes to avoid paying too much duty
• From port to your warehouse or directly to your client

This session was free of charge for CCBC members in good standing, C$25+HST for non-members. This was the fourth session in our multi-part Practical Tools Webinar Series designed to inform and educate CCBC members on topics to keep their “China toolbox” up to date.

About the speakers:

Bruno Gravel

Vice President Business Development, Axxess International

Bruno Gravel is the V-P Business Development at Axxess International Inc. Along with a wide experience in the sale of products and services, Bruno cumulates 25 years of experience in international freight and customs brokerage. His analytical skills, customer-oriented approach, sense of planning and organization are put to your benefit to make sure that your goods arrive at destination at the expected time and condition.

Domenico Testa
Pricing Manager, Axxess International

Domenico Testa is the Pricing Manager at Axxess International Inc. Domenico has 21 years of experience in the freight and customs brokerage industry. From past experience, Domenico can guide you towards the solution that will offer the most value for your organization making sure that your goods get to destination at the right time and the expected condition.

About the moderator:

Philippe Jeanneau
Director – Quebec and Prairies Chapters, Canada China Business Council

Philippe Jeanneau is Director of the Quebec and Prairies section of the CCBC. As such, he connects Canadian and Chinese companies, promotes bilateral trade, shares information on business intelligence and provides services to members.

He has over 15 years of business experience in the areas of product design and development, consumer product marketing, global trade, overseas manufacturing and supply; experience acquired while working with companies like Reebok, Adidas, CCM Hockey and the CCBC.

Philippe also lived in Shanghai to establish a factory owned by Canadian interests.