Importing security bollards from overseas — typically from China — is straightforward once you understand the process. Thousands of companies do it every year for perimeter security projects around the world. The steps are predictable, the paperwork is manageable, and the savings compared to buying from a local distributor are significant. Here is how the process works from start to finish.
Before contacting any supplier, write down exactly what you need. This sounds obvious, but many buyers skip it and end up with products that do not match their project requirements. Your specification should include: bollard type (fixed, removable, or automatic), material (carbon steel, stainless steel 304, or 316), dimensions (diameter and above-ground height), operating mechanism for automatic units (hydraulic or electromechanical), crash rating if required (IWA 14-1, PAS 68, or ASTM F2656), quantity, and delivery deadline.
Having a clear specification makes it easier to compare quotes from different suppliers on an apples-to-apples basis.
Online platforms like Alibaba and Made-in-China list hundreds of bollard suppliers. Trade shows such as Security China, IFSEC International, and Intersec Dubai are also good places to meet manufacturers face to face. Industry directories and referrals from other security professionals can lead to reliable suppliers.
Evaluate at least three suppliers. Request quotations, product specifications, company profiles, and certification documents. For detailed guidance on evaluating suppliers, see our article on sourcing bollards from China.
Always order a sample before committing to a production order. A sample lets you verify the build quality, finish, dimensions, and operating performance firsthand. Expect to pay full price for the sample plus shipping (usually $200-$500 by air for one bollard). Most manufacturers will credit the sample cost against your first production order.
Once you are satisfied with the sample, place the production order with a clear purchase order that specifies every requirement, delivery date, packaging requirements, and inspection terms. Standard payment terms are 30% deposit by T/T, 70% balance before shipment.
Production lead time for bollards is typically 20-40 days depending on the quantity and complexity. Crash-rated products may take longer if they require fresh testing or certification documentation.
Before the goods leave the factory, arrange a pre-shipment inspection. This can be done by your own representative, a third-party inspection company, or by video call with the factory. Check every unit for: visual quality and surface finish, dimensional accuracy, function testing for automatic bollards, and correct packaging and labeling.
Do not skip this step. Catching problems at the factory is much cheaper than dealing with them after the goods arrive in your country.
Bollards ship by sea freight. A 20-foot container holds roughly 40-60 automatic bollards depending on size, or 100+ fixed bollards. For smaller orders, LCL (less than container load) shipping consolidates your goods with other shipments.
The factory typically handles booking the freight and preparing the shipping documents. You will need the following: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading (B/L), certificate of origin, and any product-specific certification documents.
When the goods arrive at the destination port, you (or your customs broker) need to clear them through customs. This involves filing an import declaration, paying any applicable import duties and taxes, and presenting the shipping documents.
Bollards fall under the Harmonized System (HS) code classification used by customs authorities worldwide. The most common HS codes for bollards are:
Import duty rates vary significantly by country. The EU applies a Common External Tariff; the UK sets its own rates post-Brexit; the US uses the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. Duty rates for steel bollards in most countries range from 0% to 6%. Some countries have additional anti-dumping duties on Chinese steel products, so check with your customs broker.
VAT or GST applies on top of the import duty in most countries: 20% in the UK, 19% in Germany, 5-10% in Australia, etc.
Depending on the destination country, you may need specific certifications or marks:
For crash-rated bollards, the relevant test standard (IWA 14-1, PAS 68, or ASTM F2656) must match the project specification regardless of the country. See our article on crash rating standards for details.
For a container of 50 automatic bollards with a factory price of $100,000:
The landed cost is roughly 27% above the factory price in this example. Budget accordingly.
A good freight forwarder handles shipping booking, documentation, customs clearance, and inland delivery. Their fee is typically $200-$500 for a standard container shipment. For first-time importers, using a freight forwarder is strongly recommended — they handle the paperwork and compliance requirements that trip up inexperienced buyers.
UPARK ships to over 60 countries and can handle FOB, CIF, and DDP delivery terms. We provide all necessary export documentation, including certificates of origin and product certifications. Contact us with your delivery address for a door-to-door shipping quote.
call us :
+86 18206096507 e-mail : [email protected]
ipv6 network supported 