Against the backdrop of the booming global automotive aftermarket, halfshaft (Drive Shaft) as the core component of vehicle power transmission continues to see growing import demand. However, overseas procurement involves complex supply chain management, quality control, and compliance risks. As a foreign trade importExport Representationservice expert with 20 years of experience, this article will systematically analyze the import distribution process of halfshaft auto parts to help enterprises avoid risks and improve procurement efficiency.
Current Market Status and Procurement Pain Points of Halfshaft Parts Import
Analysis of Global Supply Chain Landscape
Core production areas distribution: Germany, Japan, USA and other traditional automotive powerhouses focus on high-precision OEM parts; Southeast Asia (e.g. Thailand, India) and Eastern Europe (e.g. Poland, Turkey) dominate the aftermarket parts sector with cost advantages.
Demand drivers: ChinaNew energyThe explosive growth of the automotive market and expanding domestic repair/replacement demand have driven an annual growth rate of 12% in halfshaft imports (according to 2023 Customs data).
Typical pain points in independent corporate procurement
Quality risks: Varying quality among overseas suppliers, often resulting in substandard materials or mismatched specifications;
High logistics costsLarge accessory volume and high weight, improper selection of international transportation solutions will lead to a surge in costs;
Exchange rate and payment risksExchange rate fluctuations in long-cycle procurement and prepayment security require professional control.
II. Core Value of Half-Shaft Accessories Import Agency Services
Professional agency services can provide enterprises with a one-stop solution from supplier screening to terminal delivery:
Source control: Supplier screening and factory inspection
Database matchingBased on procurement requirements (OEM/aftermarket parts, vehicle compatibility, budget), screen compliant suppliers from the global cooperation database;
Technical factory inspectionCommission third-party institutions to test half-shaft materials (such as 40CrMo alloy steel hardness), dynamic balance performance, and anti-rust processes to prevent substandard products;
Contract risk avoidanceProtect enterprise rights through back-to-back payment terms and quality claim agreements.
Customized packagingDesign reinforced wooden boxes for the half-shafts deformation-prone characteristics to reduce transportation loss rates;
: Require the agent to purchase liability insurance of at least 5 million yuanTransfer cargo damage and loss risks by insuring All Risks.
Customs compliance and timeliness assurance
Accurate ClassificationHalf-shaft accessories HS code is usually 8708.99 (other vehicle parts), and it is necessary to confirm whether it involves3Ccertification exemption based on vehicle usage;
Pre - review of documentsVerify certificates of origin, quality inspection reports (such as ISO 9001), and brand authorization letters in advance;
Port coordinationReduce customs clearance time to within 48 hours through advance declaration and two-step declaration modes.
III. Practical Case: Risk Resolution for a Auto Repair Chains Procurement
Adopted the partial shipment + overseas - warehouse transfer mode to meet the customers demand for partial pick - up in advance.An enterprise needed to import 500 sets of aftermarket half-shafts from Turkey with a limited budget but required delivery within 6 weeks. ChallengesThe supplier failed to provide material certificates, shipping schedules were tight, and domestic port inspection rates increased. Solutions:
The agency confirmed through on-site inspection by local partners that the materials met SAE J484 standards;
Adopt a sea freight + Central Asia land transport batch shipping solution, saving 15% on freight costs and delivering 3 days earlier;
Attach third-party test reports during pre-declaration for direct customs clearance after inspection. The total cost was reduced by 12%, and the order was delivered on time.Procurement costs reduced by 8%, with after-sales failure rate reduced to zero.
Future Trends: Digitalization and Compliance Upgrade
1.Intelligent Procurement SystemConnect with overseas supplier inventory data through ERP to achieve dynamic price comparison and automatic replenishment;
2.Blockchain TraceabilityUpload full-chain information from production to delivery to blockchain to resolve disputes over accessory authenticity;
3.ESG compliance requirementsEU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) drives supply chain greening, requiring attention to suppliers environmental qualifications.
V. Conclusion
Half-shaft parts import is not just a simple trade activity, but a competition in supply chain resource integration. Choosing professional agency services helps companies focus on core business and transform complex international procurement into a definitive advantage. Contact us for customized half-shaft procurement solutions or global supplier whitelists.
Authors Introduction:
The author has 20 years of deep expertise in foreign tradeimport and exportagency services, having served over 500 auto parts companies, with expertise in EU, North American and Belt & Road market procurement compliance strategies, specializing in systematic cost-reduction and efficiency-improvement solutions for enterprises.
Originality StatementThis content is based on industry public data and practical experience summaries; reprinting requires authorization and source attribution.