Wholesale kitchen and tableware

Food contact is the gate, not a formality

Most markets regulate materials that contact food — plastics, coatings, glazes, dyes and the metals in contact surfaces. Selling non-compliant product is an enforcement matter and the importer is the responsible party.

Ask for product-specific documentation relevant to the material, intended use and destination market. A document for a different item from the same factory does not establish that this item is suitable.

Categories that import well

• Storage containers and organisers — nest inside each other, excellent volume efficiency.
• Utensils and gadgets — often compact, but metal and silicone that contact food still require a material and use-specific review.
• Silicone bakeware — light but compressible, and a mature Chinese capability.
• Cast iron and stainless cookware — compare actual with dimensional weight and check construction, coating and handles.
• Tableware and ceramics — check intended use, glaze documentation, carton protection and a damage policy.

Categories that do not

Small electrical appliances need a separate review of the destination's electrical requirements, plug, voltage, testing and documents. Include those costs before deciding whether the order is viable.

Anything with a non-stick coating, unless you can get the coating specification and a test report. The coating is the product and it is where the corners get cut.

Numbers to obtain from a supplier quote

• Stock minimum per item and colour, including whether variants can be mixed.
• Custom colour or tooling minimum, plus sample and setup charges.
• Own-brand packaging minimum and separate printing charge.
• Any testing cost, report scope and timing for the intended product and market.