Successfully trading with Mainland China requires more than just a commercial agreement; it demands a meticulously planned operational and documentary framework that aligns with the country's unique regulatory, tax, and banking systems. The way in which contracts are structured, invoices are issued, and payments are processed can have significant implications for VAT, customs duties, and corporate income tax. Furthermore, ensuring that all documentation is fully compliant with the Golden Tax System and the official 'fapiao' invoicing requirements is absolutely critical for the smooth flow of goods and funds. Zetland Fiduciary Group provides expert advisory and hands-on support to help international businesses structure their trading relationships and arrangements with the PRC. Our service is designed to bridge the often-complex gap between a company's commercial teams, its logistics providers, and its finance department. We work with you to design and implement trade flows that are not only commercially sound, but also operationally workable, tax-efficient, and fully compliant with all local regulations. A key focus of our work is ensuring that your trade structure is 'bankable', meaning that the documentation and transaction flows will be accepted by international banks for the purposes of trade finance, such as letters of credit. By taking a holistic and practical approach, we help you to mitigate the risks of customs delays, tax complications, and payment problems, creating a robust and reliable platform for your China trade activities.
Our dedicated team in Shanghai provides a comprehensive suite of services to support the structuring of your China trade arrangements. We begin with a detailed review of your proposed transaction, leading to the design of a compliant contract and invoice flow. This includes advising on the appropriate use of Incoterms and mapping out the specific documentation required at each stage of the transaction to ensure a smooth customs clearance process. A critical part of our service is ensuring seamless coordination with China's Golden Tax System and the strict mechanics of fapiao issuance and verification, which is essential for VAT compliance. We provide expert consideration of all the relevant VAT and Corporate Income Tax (CIT) implications of your proposed structure, and we ensure that there are clear linkages to your group's transfer pricing policies where relevant. We also focus on ensuring your company is prepared for all banking and trade finance requirements, with all necessary documentation in place to support your applications for letters of credit or other financing instruments. The outcome of our engagement is a clear, compliant, and efficient trade flow that operates smoothly in practice, reduces the risk of disputes or delays, and provides a solid foundation for a successful and profitable trading relationship with your Chinese counterparties.
Zetland Fiduciary Group operates a global network of offices to support clients across key international financial hubs. Whether you are seeking guidance on company formation, trust administration, accounting, or cross-border transactions, our local experts in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, and London are ready to assist.
Contact any of our offices directly for tailored advice and seamless service.