Complete Guide: Importing Aluminum Casement Windows from China (2026 Edition)
Importing windows from China can save 30-50% compared to local suppliers, but the process involves multiple steps. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything from initial inquiry to final installation, based on 500+ successful international shipments.
Step-by-Step Import Process Overview
- Initial Inquiry & Specification (1-3 days)
- Quotation & Negotiation (2-5 days)
- Sample Order & Testing (7-14 days)
- Deposit Payment & Production (15-25 days)
- Quality Inspection (2-3 days)
- Balance Payment & Shipping (3-7 days)
- Ocean Freight (15-45 days, varies by destination)
- Customs Clearance (3-7 days)
- Delivery & Installation (5-10 days)
Total Timeline: 45-110 days from inquiry to installation (depending on destination and order size)
Step 1: Initial Inquiry – What Information to Provide
A detailed inquiry gets you an accurate quotation faster. Include:
Required Information
- Opening Sizes: Width × Height for each window (or typical sizes)
- Quantity: Total m² or number of units
- Window Type: Casement, tilt-turn, fixed, or combination
- Series Preference: Standard, Thermal Break, or Premium
- Glass Configuration: Double/triple, tempered/Low-E/argon
- Color: Standard (white/black/bronze) or RAL code
- Destination Port: For freight calculation
- Project Timeline: When do you need delivery?
Optional but Helpful
- Architectural drawings or window schedule
- Photos of existing openings (for renovation projects)
- Local building code requirements
- Previous supplier quotations (for price comparison)
Sample Inquiry Email Template
Subject: Aluminum Casement Windows Inquiry – [Project Name] – [Destination]
Dear Rogenilan Team,
We are interested in aluminum casement windows for our project:
- Project Type: [Residential/Commercial]
- Location: [City, Country]
- Total Quantity: Approximately XXX m² (XX units)
- Typical Sizes: 1200×1500mm, 1500×1800mm, etc.
- Series: Thermal Break preferred
- Glass: Double glazed with Low-E
- Color: RAL 7016 (Anthracite Grey)
- Destination Port: [Port Name]
- Timeline: Need delivery by [Date]
Please provide FOB and CIF quotation, production lead time, and certification documents.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Company]
[Contact Information]
Step 2: Understanding the Quotation
Chinese suppliers typically quote in USD with these terms:
Common Incoterms
- EXW (Ex Works): Price at factory gate. You arrange everything from factory.
- FOB (Free on Board): Price includes delivery to Chinese port + export customs. Most common for windows.
- CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight): Price includes ocean freight and insurance to your port.
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): Price includes everything to your doorstep. Rare for windows due to complexity.
What’s Included in the Price
- ✅ Aluminum profiles (6063-T5/T6)
- ✅ Glass (tempered, double/triple glazed)
- ✅ Hardware (hinges, handles, locks)
- ✅ Rubber gaskets and seals
- ✅ Assembly labor
- ✅ Protective packaging
- ✅ Quality inspection before shipment
- ❌ Ocean freight (unless CIF)
- ❌ Import duties and taxes
- ❌ Customs clearance fees
- ❌ Inland transportation (port to site)
- ❌ Installation labor
Typical Price Breakdown (per m²)
| Component | Cost (USD) | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum Profiles | $35-55 | 45-50% |
| Glass Unit | $20-35 | 25-30% |
| Hardware | $8-20 | 10-15% |
| Accessories (gaskets, etc.) | $3-5 | 4-5% |
| Labor & Assembly | $5-8 | 6-8% |
| Packaging | $2-4 | 3-4% |
| Total FOB Price | $73-127 | 100% |
Step 3: Sample Order – Critical Step!
Never skip the sample order. Always test a sample window before placing bulk order.
Sample Order Process
- Sample Size: 1-2 typical windows (e.g., 1200×1500mm)
- Sample Cost: $300-600 (2-3× unit price, includes custom production)
- Sample Lead Time: 5-7 days production + shipping
- Shipping: Air freight (7-10 days) or sea LCL (20-35 days)
- Sample Cost Refund: Often refunded with bulk order (negotiate this!)
What to Test on Samples
- ✅ Profile quality (wall thickness, finish, thermal break)
- ✅ Glass quality (tempering mark, spacer, sealant)
- ✅ Hardware operation (smooth opening/closing)
- ✅ Air/water tightness (simple spray test)
- ✅ Color match (compare to RAL swatch)
- ✅ Dimensions (verify against your specifications)
- ✅ Packaging (sufficient for ocean freight?)
Red Flags in Samples
- ❌ Profile wall thickness < 1.4mm (should be 1.4-2.0mm)
- ❌ Rough or uneven powder coating
- ❌ Hardware feels cheap or sticky
- ❌ Glass spacer not straight or sealant messy
- ❌ Dimensions off by >2mm
- ❌ Color significantly different from RAL sample
Step 4: Payment Terms & Security
Standard Payment Terms
- 30% Deposit: Paid after sample approval, before production
- 70% Balance: Paid after production, before shipment (against photos/videos)
- Payment Method: T/T (bank transfer) most common
- L/C (Letter of Credit): Available for large orders ($100K+)
Payment Security Tips
- ✅ Verify bank account matches company name (not personal account)
- ✅ Use company email domain for all communication
- ✅ Request business license and export license copies
- ✅ Consider Trade Assurance (Alibaba) for first orders
- ✅ Never wire 100% upfront (standard is 30/70)
- ✅ Keep 5-10% retention for large projects (pay after installation)
Bank Transfer Information (Example)
- Beneficiary: Foshan Rogenilan Windows & Doors Co., Ltd.
- Bank: [Chinese bank name]
- SWIFT: [SWIFT code]
- Account: [Account number]
- ⚠️ Always verify with supplier directly before transferring!
Step 5: Production & Quality Control
Production Timeline
- Profile Cutting & Machining: 3-5 days
- Assembly: 5-8 days
- Glass Installation: 3-5 days
- Quality Inspection: 2-3 days
- Packaging: 1-2 days
- Total: 15-25 days (standard orders)
Quality Inspection Checklist
- ✅ Profile wall thickness (caliper measurement)
- ✅ Thermal break continuity (visual inspection)
- ✅ Glass type and thickness (verify tempering mark)
- ✅ Spacer and desiccant (check for gaps)
- ✅ Hardware operation (open/close 10+ times)
- ✅ Sealant application (continuous, no gaps)
- ✅ Color consistency (compare to approved sample)
- ✅ Dimensions (random sample measurement)
- ✅ Surface finish (no scratches, dents, or bubbles)
- ✅ Packaging (wooden crate, corner protection, waterproof)
Third-Party Inspection Options
- SGS: $300-500 per inspection day
- BV (Bureau Veritas): $350-550 per day
- Intertek: $300-500 per day
- Local Inspector: $200-300 per day (hire via Upwork or local contacts)
Recommendation: For orders >$50K, hire third-party inspection. Worth the cost to avoid costly mistakes.
Step 6: Shipping & Logistics
Shipping Methods
| Method | Transit Time | Cost (per m²) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Freight | 7-10 days | $15-25 | Urgent samples, small orders (<10 m²) |
| Sea LCL | 25-40 days | $3-6 | Medium orders (10-50 m²) |
| Sea FCL (20ft) | 25-40 days | $2-4 | Large orders (80-120 m² per container) |
| Sea FCL (40ft) | 25-40 days | $1.50-3 | Very large orders (180-250 m² per container) |
Packaging for Ocean Freight
- Inner Layer: Protective foam + corner guards
- Middle Layer: Cardboard wrap
- Outer Layer: Fumigated wooden crate (ISPM 15 compliant)
- Stacking: Windows stacked vertically, never flat
- Labeling: “Fragile”, “This Side Up”, destination marks
Required Shipping Documents
- ✅ Commercial Invoice
- ✅ Packing List
- ✅ Bill of Lading (B/L)
- ✅ Certificate of Origin (Form A for some countries)
- ✅ Quality Certificates (CE, AAMA, AS/NZS as applicable)
- ✅ Insurance Certificate (if CIF)
Step 7: Customs Clearance & Import Duties
HS Code for Aluminum Windows
HS Code: 7610.10.00 (Aluminum doors, windows, and frames)
Import Duty Rates by Country
| Country | Import Duty | VAT/GST | Anti-Dumping? |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 3.2% | Varies by state | Yes (check current rates) |
| Canada | 6.5% | 5-15% (GST/HST) | No |
| Australia | 5% | 10% GST | No |
| UK | 0-4% | 20% VAT | No |
| Germany | 0-4% | 19% VAT | No |
| UAE | 5% | 5% VAT | No |
| Singapore | 0% | 8% GST | No |
Customs Clearance Process
- Hire customs broker (or use freight forwarder’s service)
- Submit documents (invoice, packing list, B/L, certificates)
- Pay import duties and taxes
- Customs inspection (if selected)
- Release and pickup from port
Typical Clearance Time: 3-7 days (depends on country and documentation)
Step 8: Installation Considerations
Installation Options
- DIY Installation: Possible for experienced contractors. Save 30-50% on labor.
- Local Installer: Hire local window installation company. Typical cost: $30-60/m².
- Supplier’s Installer: Some suppliers offer installation teams (rare for overseas).
Installation Best Practices
- ✅ Verify opening dimensions before installation
- ✅ Use proper shims for leveling (never force windows)
- ✅ Apply waterproof membrane or flashing tape
- ✅ Use low-expansion foam for insulation (not regular foam!)
- ✅ Seal exterior joints with quality sealant (Sikaflex or equivalent)
- ✅ Test operation after installation (adjust if needed)
- ✅ Remove protective film within 30 days (prevents adhesive residue)
Common Installation Mistakes
- ❌ Forcing windows into undersized openings (causes frame distortion)
- ❌ Skipping waterproofing (leads to water infiltration)
- ❌ Using regular expanding foam (can warp frames)
- ❌ Not leveling properly (causes operational issues)
- ❌ Leaving protective film on too long (adhesive bakes in sun)
Total Cost Comparison: China vs Local
Example: 100 m² Thermal Break Series Windows
| Cost Component | China Import | Local Supplier (USA) |
|---|---|---|
| Window Units (FOB) | $10,000 | $18,000 |
| Ocean Freight (FCL) | $2,500 | – |
| Import Duties (5%) | $500 | – |
| Customs & Broker Fees | $400 | – |
| Inland Transport | $800 | $500 |
| Installation | $4,000 | $5,000 |
| Total | $18,200 | $23,500 |
| Cost per m² | $182 | $235 |
| Savings | $5,300 (22.5%) | – |
Note: Savings vary by country, order size, and local labor costs. Larger orders typically save 30-40%.
Risk Mitigation Checklist
- ✅ Order samples before bulk production
- ✅ Use written contracts with clear specifications
- ✅ Hire third-party inspection for orders >$50K
- ✅ Keep 5-10% payment retention until after installation
- ✅ Verify all certifications match your country’s requirements
- ✅ Use reputable freight forwarder (not supplier’s default)
- ✅ Purchase cargo insurance (0.3% of cargo value)
- ✅ Maintain clear communication records (email, not just WeChat)
Get Your Personalized Import Quote
Contact us with your project details and we’ll provide:
- Detailed product quotation (FOB and CIF)
- Shipping cost estimate to your port
- Import duty calculation for your country
- Timeline from order to delivery
- Sample arrangement (if needed)
Email: Kai@rogenilan.com
Response: Within 24 hours with complete quotation and import guidance
Last Updated: January 2026 | Based on 500+ successful international shipments to 35 countries