Imported minerals are an important trade activity in China, as China is one of the world’s largest minerals consumers, understanding the specific operating processes and concerns of imported minerals will help better cope with import challenges and smooth customs and business growth.

Mainly imported minerals

1 iron minerals

• The main countries of origin: Australia, Brazil, South Africa, India and so on.
• Access requirements: It is necessary to comply with Chinas national standards (such as GB / T 10322.1-2014 Method of chemical analysis of iron ore and so on), usually requiring the iron content of imported iron ore to be more than 60%.
• Common varieties: high-grade iron ore (such as fine ore powder), low-grade iron ore.

2 The Copper Mines

• The main countries of origin: Chile, Peru, Congo (Kim), Zambia and so on.
• Access requirements: Usually requires copper content of more than 15%, radioactive testing is required, and it meets Chinas environmental protection and safety standards.
• Common varieties: copper minerals and copper waste.

3 Aluminum mines

• The main countries of origin: Australia, Guinea, Indonesia, Malaysia and so on.
• Access requirements: must comply with the national standard of the aluminium landmine (GB / T 2606-2014), usually requires aluminum content of more than 40%.
• Common varieties: aluminum mineral, aluminum oxide.

The Zinc Minerals

• The main countries of origin: Peru, Australia, Mexico, the United States and so on.
• Access requirements: must meet the national standards of Zinc Minerals (such as GB/T 16762-2014), the zinc content is usually more than 40%.
• Common species: Zinc mineral.

5 Minerals of uranium

• The main countries of origin: the Philippines, Indonesia, New Caledonia and others.
• Access requirements: It must comply with the national standard of uranium minerals (GB / T 20792-2006), the uranium content is generally more than 1.5%.
• Common varieties: hydrogen ore, red terrestrial ore ore.

Minerals of uranium

• The main countries of origin: South Africa, Kazakhstan, Turkey, India and so on.
• Access requirements: must comply with the National Standard of Uranium Minerals (GB/T 2051-2006), the uranium content is usually more than 40%.
• Common species: Helium minerals.

7 Minerals of uranium

• The main countries of origin: South Africa, Australia, Gabon, Brazil and so on.
• Access requirements: It must comply with the National Standard of Uranium Minerals (GB/T 6786-2014), the uranium content is generally more than 40%.
• Common species: Helium minerals.

8 Graphic minerals

• The main countries of origin: Brazil, India, Mozambique, Madagascar, etc.
• Access requirements: must comply with the National Standard of Natural Graphics (GB/T 3518-2008), the graphic content requirements vary according to the specific use.
• Common species: Graphic minerals.

General procedures and observations on imports of minerals

1) signing of contract
Signing procurement contracts with foreign suppliers to clarify mineral varieties, quality requirements, prices, delivery methods, etc.
2 Qualification Audit
Importing enterprises must have the corresponding import qualifications, such as the Foreign Trade Operators Registration Form.
3 Customs reporting
Providing commercial invoices, packaging papers, certificates of origin, weight papers, quality certificates and other single certificates, declaration to the customs. some minerals need radioactive testing, environmental protection testing, etc., need to provide relevant testing reports.
Payment of customs duties and value added tax
The corresponding import duties and value added tax shall be paid according to the varieties of minerals.
5 – Delivery
After the customs dispatch, arrange the pickup and transport to the destination.

c) Possible problems

Environmental and radioactive testing
Imported minerals must undergo strict environmental protection and radioactive testing to ensure compliance with Chinas environmental protection and safety standards.
2) Tariffs and taxes
Imported minerals must pay customs duties and value added tax, and the tax rate for different minerals varies.
Volatility of market prices
Mineral prices are greatly influenced by international market supply and demand relations, and price fluctuation risks need to be taken into account.
4 Transport and logistics
Minerals are large in volume, heavy in weight, transportation and logistics costs are high, and transportation plans need to be planned in advance.

By understanding the various aspects of imported minerals in detail and the required documentation, can effectively avoid potential clearance problems and ensure smooth customs. Be prepared in advance and maintain close communication with suppliers and customs are key to successful imports.