How to Import PP Food Containers from China: A Step-by-Step Guide for Distributors

Polypropylene (PP) food containers are one of the highest-volume items in food-service packaging, and Guangdong Province — especially its eastern part — is the production hub. This guide walks through the steps distributors and brands follow when importing PP lunch boxes, bowls and sauce cups from China.

1. Define the assortment

Start with the channels you serve. Delivery chains need safety-lock or tamper-evident boxes; supermarkets need clear compartment trays; meal prep brands need reusable black-base containers. List capacities (ml / oz), compartments, lid type and colours.

2. Shortlist factories, not traders

Ask for photos or a video of the injection molding workshop, the number of machines and monthly output. A factory with its own IML and printing lines can control branding quality; a trader cannot.

3. Check compliance documents

For the EU, request test reports to Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 and (EU) No 10/2011 (overall migration, specific migration of heavy metals, BPA, primary aromatic amines). For the US, FDA 21 CFR 177.1520. Reports should name the manufacturer and the exact model.

4. Samples and pricing

Stock samples ship in about a week. Compare unit weight (grams) between suppliers — a lighter box is cheaper but may flex. Prices are normally quoted FOB Shantou or Shenzhen per 1,000 pieces, with MOQ around 10,000 pieces per SKU.

5. Production, QC and shipping

Lead time is 7–15 days for stock items and 20–30 days for printed or custom-colour orders. Specify an AQL inspection (leak test, lid fit, dimensions, appearance). A 40HQ container holds roughly 250,000–400,000 disposable lunch boxes depending on size.

Related reading

• Why 30,000 pcs Is a Common MOQ
• Lead Time: 25 Days vs 45 Days
• LFGB vs FDA vs EU 10/2011: Which Applies to You

Models covered on this site: 1000 ml PF-4C1000 · 900 ml PF-3C900 · 470 ml PF-520 · see all models in this category.