Buy and export navigation equipment from China with Wigmore Trading is a smart way to access competitive pricing, a wide product range, and scalable supply—especially if you’re serving markets in Africa, the Middle East, or other emerging regions.

In this guide, we’ll walk through how to safely buy and export navigation equipment from China, the main risks to watch out for, and how Wigmore Trading can support you at every step.

What counts as “navigation equipment” for export?

“Navigation equipment” covers a wide range of products, including:

• GPS navigation devices (vehicle and handheld units)

• Marine navigation equipment (chartplotters, AIS units, sonar, fish finders)

• Fleet tracking and telematics devices

• GNSS receivers and antennas

• In-dash navigation systems and smart car head units

• Supporting accessories (mounts, antennas, cables, power units)

Chinese manufacturers produce both OEM navigation devices and private-label products that can be branded for distributors. Well-known global brands may manufacture components or complete units in China, and there is a strong ecosystem of factories producing devices compatible with GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and Beidou.

Why source navigation equipment from China?

Importers and wholesalers often choose to export navigation equipment from China because:

• Cost advantage: Competitive unit prices and labour costs make it easier to achieve healthy margins.

• Wide choice of suppliers: From basic GPS trackers to high-end marine navigation units, you can find manufacturers at different quality and price levels.

• Scalability: Once you validate a product, it’s usually possible to ramp up orders quickly.

However, the opportunity only makes sense if you manage the real-world challenges properly.

Key challenges when exporting navigation equipment from China

1. Product quality and reliability

Navigation devices are sensitive electronics. Poor-quality units can fail in high heat, humidity, or rough marine conditions. Common issues include:

• Inaccurate positioning

• Unstable firmware or software

• Weak housings and connectors

• Short product lifespans

Solution: Work with a partner who pre-screens manufacturers, verifies certifications, and arranges independent quality inspections. Wigmore Trading can help you shortlist reliable Chinese factories and implement batch testing before shipment.

2. Compliance, standards, and certifications

Depending on your destination market, navigation equipment may need:

• CE marking (for the EU)

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• FCC or equivalent radio approvals (for wireless devices)

• RoHS or similar environmental compliance

• Local approvals for marine or automotive equipment

Missing or incorrect certification can result in delays at customs, fines, or seized cargo.

Solution: Wigmore Trading can coordinate with Chinese suppliers to obtain test reports, declarations of conformity, and lab certificates, and align documentation with the requirements of African, Middle Eastern, and European markets where applicable. Always confirm what is required in your specific destination country before shipping.

3. Minimum order quantities (MOQs) and pricing

Many Chinese manufacturers set MOQs that may be too high for first-time buyers or smaller distributors. Also, quoted prices can change based on:

• Chip availability and global supply-chain pressure

• Packaging and branding requirements

• Selected Incoterms (EXW, FOB, CIF, etc.)

Solution: Wigmore Trading can negotiate on your behalf, consolidate orders across product lines, and propose realistic starting volumes so you can test the market without overcommitting.

4. Logistics, shipping, and customs

Navigation equipment must be packed securely to protect sensitive components and screens. You’ll also need to decide:

• Air freight vs. sea freight

• Full container load (FCL) vs. less-than-container load (LCL)

• Insurance and risk coverage

• Correct HS classification and duty calculation

Improper packing or incorrect HS codes can cause damage, delays, or unexpected costs.

Solution: Wigmore Trading manages end-to-end logistics from China, including export documentation, packing supervision, freight booking, and customs clearance support in key African and global ports. This helps you move from factory to final destination with fewer surprises.

How Wigmore Trading supports your sourcing from China

When you buy and export navigation equipment from China with Wigmore Trading, you gain a trade partner rather than just a freight forwarder. Our support typically includes:

1. Supplier identification and verification

   • Shortlisting factories that match your quality and certification needs

   • Basic due diligence to reduce supplier risk

2. Product development and specification support

   • Helping refine specifications (chipset, screen size, connectivity, waterproof rating, etc.)

   • Coordinating sampling so you can test devices in real-world conditions

3. Price negotiation and contract terms

   • Negotiating pricing, payment terms, and Incoterms suitable for your business

   • Structuring deposits and balances to reduce your exposure

4. Quality control and pre-shipment inspection

   • On-site inspections to verify build quality and packaging

   • Checking labels and documentation match destination requirements

5. Freight and customs coordination

   • Consolidating shipments, booking freight, and arranging insurance

   • Supporting customs clearance and last-mile delivery in selected markets

Whether you’re building a new product line in GPS devices or adding marine navigation equipment to your existing catalogue, Wigmore Trading can help you manage the process from enquiry to delivery.

Practical next steps if you want to export navigation equipment from China

If you’re considering this category, you can:

• Define your core product requirements (use case, features, target price).

• Share sample photos or specifications of products you like.

• Clarify your destination country and expected volumes.

From there, Wigmore Trading can:

• Suggest suitable Chinese manufacturers

• Arrange samples and quotations

• Plan a logistics solution that fits your budget and timelines

Get in touch with our team to learn more, or contact Wigmore Trading today to streamline your sourcing of navigation equipment from China.