Common Mistakes to Avoid When Importing Frosted Glass

Retailers or corporations that import frost glass in bulk know the condition, cost, and all the challenges in it. They are aware of the common mistakes new businesses make, which increases the cost of imports. These costs affect the business badly, and this is why people hire experts in some import operations. However, there are some basic mistakes you can avoid until you become an experienced importer. There are those errors that you can save yourself from. Beijing Vanlake Engineering Co., Ltd. is a global supplier that knows how to handle such challenges. You can get some idea from the precautions below.

Prioritizing Lower Quality for Cheaper Rates

Never compromise the quality just for the sake of cheaper rates. It is better to pay a little more for a better price than to pay less by compromising quality. Frosted glass is installed permanently, and end users don’t want any chance of low quality. If you are a retailer who goes for slightly lower quality, your end consumer will have to pay the price sooner or later. Low quality could result in early scratches and the release of harmful toxins, like acid, if poor-quality frosting is done with acid. That is the primary element of any frosted glass, and never compromise quality in it. 

Failing to Inspect Frosting Method

You should inspect the frosting method in different ways before we move on to that step. Here is what you should know about the aftermath of it. The first one is what you just read about, and the second one is the risk of glass weakening. If the glass is not thick enough against the frosting process, it could become weak, resulting in early damage. You should ask for the details about the frosting method, whether it is a frosting film, sandblasting, or acid frosting. Each type has different impacts, and the safest is the frosting film. However, frosting film has a weakness in that it can be removed if a sharp peeler is used. 

Forgetting to Ask for Samples

Too much trust in the manufacturer is not good, and you should ask for samples for that. If you do not ask for a frosted glass sample, you will possibly face quality differences or other problems. Therefore, ask the manufacturer for samples, so you can resolve the quality difference before the final delivery. 

Not Checking All the Key Certifications

There are some safety tests about the quality of glass that every manufacturer has to conduct. To ensure that the frosted glass you are importing complies with global standards, you need to ask for proof. Not asking for the certifications and standards below will lead to a risk of severe negligence.

✅ ISO 9001:2015 standard

✅ SGCC certificate

✅ IGCC/IGMA certificate

✅ ANSI Z97.1 standard

✅ BS EN 12600 standard

You should ask about the safety standards to ensure the glass has been safely frosted and tested for strength. If the manufacturer provides the above proofs, things will be fine. If not, you need to think again about procuring frosted glass from that manufacturer.

Also Read: Many of these errors directly increase transit damage, which is why understanding how to Reduce Breakage Rates in Frosted Glass Logistics is critical for preventing losses after import.

Failing to Provide Correct Dimensions

If you are procuring frosted glass in bulk, always proofread the dimensions you provided. The failure to provide correct dimensions will lead to differences in glass pane sizes. Once the shipment arrives at the destination, you can’t do anything about the changes unless there are special arrangements. Those special arrangements could be expensive because the reverse logistics or changes from the distribution center will add extra cost. 

Not Selecting the Correct HS Code and Logistics Means

The HS code, like the 7000 series, is commonly used for glass items. You will have to specifically consult with the manufacturer about the correct HS code. Any mistake in it could cost extra money because lots of factors are connected to the HS code in the customs clearance process. The wrong code could lead to penalties, delays, and severe problems like shipment seizure in rare cases. So, you should ask the manufacturer and also a logistics expert about the correct code used for frosted glass to have smooth shipping. 

Many import-related damages occur due to inadequate protection, which is why following the Best Packaging Methods for Shipping Frosted Glass is essential for reducing breakage risks.

Having Confusions in Incoterms 

Discuss this last matter with the manufacturer when importing frosted glass in bulk. It is about who will bear the responsibility and charges during the shipping process. Different terms exist, and each term has specific conditions. Some impose responsibility on the shipper, and some on the consignee. In contrast, some incoterms shift the safety and payment responsibility from the origin to the destination. During the documentation process, clarify this matter with the shipper in advance.

Conclusion

These were the common mistakes you should avoid when importing frosted glass in bulk. Discuss every condition and document with the manufacturer/shipper on a time-to-time basis. The quality of frosted glass, its safety, movement charges, and everything involved in the process have to be focused carefully. You need to ask for samples, correct size surety, and shipping conditions clearly to avoid any blunders. If you fail to do that, there will be expensive consequences.