From MOQ to lead times, from certifications to payment terms, from packaging to after-sales—this article compiles the 20 most frequently asked questions from international tile buyers and provides clear answers.
【About Us】
We are a Foshan-based tile manufacturer with over a decade of production history—well-established in the domestic market, now expanding to serve international buyers directly. Our factory operates multiple production lines with an annual capacity of several million square meters. Before we started exploring export, our products were already widely used in commercial complexes and residential developments across China.
We’re new to export, but we’re not new to tile manufacturing. Leveraging Foshan’s mature supply chain, we have partnered with CE-certified factories and reliable freight forwarders, and are steadily advancing our international business.
In our communications with overseas buyers, we’ve noticed that certain questions come up repeatedly. This article consolidates these high-frequency questions with clear, actionable answers. Whether you’re sourcing tiles from China for the first time or already an experienced importer, use this as a quick reference.
The article is organized into six sections: Orders & MOQ, Products & Technical, Certifications & Compliance, Pricing & Payment, Logistics & Lead Times, Packaging & After-Sales.
Part 1: Orders & MOQ
Q1: What is your minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
Standard products typically have MOQs calculated by container—approximately 1,000-1,500 ㎡ for a 20-foot container, and 2,200-2,800 ㎡ for a 40-foot container (depending on specification and packaging). Sample orders can start as low as 2 ㎡ for quality verification.
MOQs may vary by product: standard specifications (e.g., 600×600mm) are well-stocked with lower MOQs; custom specifications or special designs require dedicated production runs with higher MOQs.
Q2: Can you mix different specifications and designs in one container?
Yes. Different specifications and designs can be mixed in the same container, but note: mixed loading increases packaging and loading complexity, potentially raising unit costs; also, tiles of the same shade should be consolidated in one container to avoid shade mixing.
Q3: For first-time cooperation, how much should I order?
We recommend starting with a small trial order—either a sample order or a small LCL (Less than Container Load) shipment. The purpose is to verify product quality, shade consistency, packaging standards, and delivery accuracy. Once the trial order passes, gradually scale up to full container orders.
Q4: Do you support OEM/ODM?
Yes. Packaging, shipping marks, and brand identifiers can be customized. OEM/ODM orders typically have separate MOQ requirements depending on customization content and order volume.
Part 2: Products & Technical
Q5: What’s the difference between porcelain and ceramic tiles?
The core difference is water absorption. Porcelain tiles have water absorption ≤ 0.5%—nearly impervious to water, high strength, frost-resistant, suitable for floors, wet areas, and outdoors. Ceramic tiles have water absorption > 10%—they absorb water, have lower strength, suitable for dry indoor walls. See our “Porcelain vs. Ceramic Tiles Technical Guide” for details.
Q6: What is your tile water absorption rate?
We specialize in porcelain tiles with water absorption ≤ 0.5%, compliant with EN 14411 Group Bla. Test reports with specific absorption data are available.
Q7: How do I choose slip resistance ratings?
Slip resistance is rated on the R scale (DIN 51130):
- R9: Dry areas (offices, corridors)
- R10: Areas with potential water (kitchens, bathrooms)
- R11: Wet and slippery areas (outdoors, poolside, steps)
- R12-R13: High slip resistance requirements (commercial kitchens, industrial spaces)
Wet areas and outdoors: R10 or higher recommended. Poolside and steps: R11 or higher recommended.
Q8: Are your tiles suitable for cold climates?
Yes. Porcelain tiles with water absorption ≤ 0.5% are frost-resistant and suitable for outdoor installation in cold regions. Ceramic tiles with high absorption are not suitable for outdoor use in cold climates. See our “Europe & North America Compliance Roadmap” for details.
Q9: Can you send samples?
Yes. Sample orders start from 2 ㎡, with basic test data included. Sample costs are typically deducted from bulk orders or waived for qualified prospects.
Part 3: Certifications & Compliance
Q10: What certifications do you have?
We leverage our partner factories’ CE certification systems to meet EU market CE marking requirements. Third-party test reports from SGS, Intertek, etc. are available. ISO 9001 quality management certification is in progress. See our “Tile Export Certifications Decoded” for details.
Q11: What certifications are needed for the EU?
The EU requires CE marking and supporting DoP (Declaration of Performance) documentation. The legal basis is the EU Construction Products Regulation (CPR), with tiles required to comply with EN 14411. See our “Europe & North America Compliance Roadmap” for details.
Q12: What certifications are needed for the US?
The US has no unified mandatory tile certification, but large projects typically reference ANSI A137.1. Request third-party test reports compliant with ANSI A137.1, as well as DCOF data for slip resistance.
Q13: What certifications are needed for Southeast Asia?
Most Southeast Asian countries have no mandatory tile certification, but large projects and government procurement increasingly require third-party test reports. Singapore government projects require BCA compliance; Malaysian government projects may require SIRIM certification. See our “Southeast Asia Tile Sourcing Guide” for details.
Part 4: Pricing & Payment
Q14: Why do tiles of the same size vary so much in price?
Price differences stem from five factors: raw material quality, press tonnage, firing temperature and duration, quality grading standards, and brand/service premium. See our “Why Do Tiles of the Same Size Vary 5x in Price?” for details.
Q15: Does your price include shipping?
Standard quotes are FOB (Free on Board), excluding ocean freight and insurance. For CIF quotes (including freight and insurance), provide destination port details and we’ll calculate accordingly.
Q16: What are your payment terms?
For new customers, we recommend T/T (Telegraphic Transfer): 30% deposit + 70% before shipment. For long-term partners, L/C (Letter of Credit) or partial O/A (Open Account) can be considered. Specific terms are negotiable based on order details.
Part 5: Logistics & Lead Times
Q17: What is your lead time?
Standard products: 20-35 days (depending on order volume and specifications), calculated from order confirmation and deposit receipt. Custom products or peak season may require longer lead times; refer to the delivery date agreed at order confirmation.
Q18: What are the shipping times from China to major markets?
| Destination | Major Ports | Transit Time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Asia | Singapore, Port Klang, Laem Chabang | 5-14 days |
| Europe | Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp | 30-40 days |
| North America | Los Angeles, New York, Vancouver | 20-35 days |
| Middle East | Dubai, Dammam | 15-25 days |
| Africa | Lagos, Mombasa | 25-40 days |
Q19: What trade terms do you support?
We support common trade terms including FOB, CIF, and CFR. Specific terms are negotiable based on customer requirements.
Part 6: Packaging & After-Sales
Q20: What are your packaging standards?
Export-standard packaging includes: corner protectors + stretch film + IPPC pallets + standard shipping marks. All solid wood pallets comply with ISPM-15 standards and bear IPPC marks. Shipping marks include buyer name, order number, destination port, package number, specification, shade code, gross/net weight, and country of origin. See our “Tile Export Packaging Guide” for details.
Q21: What if I find damage upon receipt?
We recommend inspecting goods immediately upon arrival at the destination port, photographing any damage, and filing claims with the supplier within the specified period (typically 7-14 days, subject to contract terms). To reduce risk, arrange third-party inspection before shipment and specify packaging standards and claim clauses in the contract.
Q22: Do you provide quality assurance?
We guarantee products meet the grade and standards agreed in the order. Export orders can include grading certificates and test reports, and support third-party factory audits and pre-shipment inspections. If products don’t match specifications, we’ll assume corresponding responsibility per contract terms.
Part 7: Quick Reference — 20 High-Frequency Questions
| Topic | Question | Core Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Orders | What’s the MOQ? | Full container (20ft: ~1,000-1,500㎡); samples from 2㎡ |
| Orders | Can you mix? | Yes, but increases cost and complexity |
| Orders | First order quantity? | Start with trial order, scale up after verification |
| Orders | OEM support? | Yes, with separate MOQ requirements |
| Products | Porcelain vs ceramic? | Core difference is water absorption (≤0.5% vs >10%) |
| Products | Water absorption? | ≤0.5%, EN 14411 Group Bla |
| Products | Slip resistance? | Wet areas R10+; poolside R11+ |
| Products | Cold climates? | Porcelain is frost-resistant, suitable |
| Products | Samples? | Yes, from 2㎡ |
| Certifications | What certifications? | Partner factory CE, SGS test reports |
| Certifications | EU requirements? | CE marking + DoP |
| Certifications | US requirements? | No mandate, but projects reference ANSI A137.1 |
| Certifications | SEA requirements? | Mostly no mandate; projects require third-party reports |
| Pricing | Why price differences? | Materials, equipment, firing, grading, brand |
| Pricing | Shipping included? | Standard FOB; CIF available |
| Pricing | Payment terms? | T/T (30% deposit + 70% before shipment) |
| Logistics | Lead time? | 20-35 days |
| Logistics | Shipping time? | SEA 5-14 days; Europe 30-40 days |
| Packaging | Packaging standards? | Corner protectors + stretch film + IPPC pallets + marks |
| After-Sales | Damage handling? | Inspect on arrival, photograph, claim per contract |
Resources for Buyers
✅ Request product test reports — obtain water absorption, breaking strength, and slip resistance data
✅ Consult on project product selection — tell us your project type, and we can recommend matching products
✅ Request FOB/CIF quotes — provide destination port details for calculation
✅ Sample orders available — small trial orders to verify product quality
The answers in this article are compiled based on current industry standards and trade practices, for reference only. Specific terms may vary by product type, order size, and target market. The terms agreed in the contract shall prevail.