Buying paper edge protectors from China is straightforward for a product this simple, but the landed cost is dominated by two things that are easy to get wrong: volume and port distance. Edge protection is bulky and light, so freight per meter can rival the board cost, and the choice of port and loading pattern matters as much as the price per meter.
China supply data
| Item | Typical | Note |
|---|
| MOQ | 3,000 meters per size | Mixed sizes combined |
| Sample | 3-5 working days | Free on stock grades |
| Production | 7-15 working days | After approval |
| Loading | Volume limited | Nest bundles to cut air |
| Wood documents | Not required | Paper is not regulated wood packaging |
| Terms | FOB or CIF | Confirm port with enquiry |
Why freight dominates the landed cost
A container fills by volume long before it reaches its weight limit with this product, so the effective cost is cost per cubic meter, not cost per tonne. Anything that reduces air in the load, such as nesting bundles and mixing lengths, reduces the landed cost without changing the price per meter.
Distance from the plant to the port is part of that calculation. A quote that is cheap per meter but ships from a distant port can land higher than a slightly dearer board loaded closer to the coast.
Documents and what is not needed
Paper edge protection is not regulated wood packaging, so there is no ISPM 15 mark, no fumigation and no phytosanitary certificate. That is one of its advantages over timber battens and it should be stated on the invoice description clearly enough that a customs officer does not need to ask.
The usual documents are the commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading. If your country requires a certificate of origin, say so before the order so it is issued with the shipment.
Working with the time difference
The practical rhythm is: enquiry answered within one working day, sample in 3-5 working days, production 7-15 working days after approval, then booking. Plan the first order with a buffer, because a specification question that takes two emails to resolve can add a week.
Send the pack details with the first message: leg, wall, length, quantity and destination port. An enquiry with those five items gets a quote the same day; one without them gets a question.
Questions buyers ask before ordering
Does paper edge protection need ISPM 15?
No. It is not regulated wood packaging, so no mark, treatment or certificate applies.
What is the typical MOQ?
3,000 meters per size, with mixed sizes counted together toward the total.
How long from order to shipment?
7-15 working days of production after approval, plus booking time.
Which ports do you ship from?
Qingdao is the usual port for our plant. Confirm the destination port with the enquiry.
Can you issue a certificate of origin?
Yes, if requested before the order is placed.
Mail the dimensions you need, the number of pallets per month and the destination port to mona@hengnicepacking.com for a costed offer.
