First time freight forwarder questions before shipping from China

Practical China sourcing risk notes for import buyers, ecommerce sellers, and teams shipping from China.

Customs Documents Requested After Non-Delivery: Buyer Checklist for Supplier-Arranged Shipping

First time freight forwarder questions before shipping from China

If goods never arrive and platform support asks for customs documents, buyers can feel trapped. The supplier arranged shipping, the forwarder may not talk to the buyer, and the buyer may not have the records being requested.

Use this checklist to organize the request and show who controlled the shipping evidence.

Documents to request

  • Commercial invoice and packing list.
  • Tracking numbers for every carton.
  • Pickup receipt or warehouse handoff proof.
  • Customs entry status or broker notice.
  • Delivery proof or carrier loss statement.

For the full dispute context, read seller-arranged shipping but no customs documents. DDPexpert’s China freight forwarder guide explains the logistics records buyers should expect.

What to tell platform support

Explain that the seller arranged shipping and that you requested the documents. Attach the request, the supplier response, tracking status, order record, payment proof, and any delivery failure evidence. Keep the summary short and chronological.

Before the claim deadline

Ask support exactly what substitute evidence is acceptable if the seller refuses documents. Do not wait silently while the deadline approaches.

For deadline pressure, use the no delivery, no refund checklist. DDPexpert’s China import planning resource helps buyers set cleaner shipping terms in future orders.

Final recommendation

When customs documents are requested after non-delivery, focus on responsibility. Show who arranged shipping, what records were requested, and what evidence proves the goods were not delivered.

DDP
About DDPexpert Risk Blog

Field notes for buyers sourcing from China: supplier checks, payment risk, inspection evidence, customs documents, and DDP shipping decisions.

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