If you’re in manufacturing, packaging, construction or FMCG distribution, sourcing glues from China can significantly reduce your input costs. But turning “cheap” into “profitable” depends on getting quality, compliance and logistics right every step of the way.

This guide explains how to buy and export glues from China efficiently, what to watch out for, and how Wigmore Trading can support you from factory to final destination.

Why source glues from China?

China is one of the world’s largest producers of industrial and consumer adhesives. Importers and wholesalers choose to export glues from China because:

• Competitive pricing: Economies of scale and mature supply chains make pricing attractive, especially for bulk buyers.

• Wide product range: From hot melt and super glues to wood, construction and packaging adhesives, you can source almost any specification.

• Private label options: Many Chinese manufacturers can produce custom labels and packaging to support your brand.

The opportunity is clear—but not all suppliers or products are equal. That’s where careful sourcing and a reliable partner like Wigmore Trading can help.

Understanding glue types before you buy

Before you place an order, define what you actually need:

• Application: Packaging, woodworking, construction, stationery, automotive, etc.

• Form: Liquid, hot melt, spray, sticks, or tape-based adhesives.

• Performance requirements: Drying time, bonding strength, temperature resistance, water resistance, flexibility.

• Safety and compliance: Non-toxic for school use, low VOC for interior construction, food-contact compliant for packaging where needed.

Clear technical requirements make it easier to shortlist serious manufacturers and avoid unsuitable products that could cause returns or safety issues.

Key challenges when exporting glues from China

Exporting glues and adhesives from China can involve extra complexity compared with standard goods:

1. Quality variation
   Formulations and raw materials can vary widely. Without proper checks, you risk inconsistent viscosity, weak bonding, or poor shelf life.

2. Regulatory and safety compliance
   Some glues are classified as hazardous or restricted due to flammability or chemical content. You may need specific documentation, MSDS, and labeling to comply with local regulations.

3. Packaging and labelling
   Incorrect or incomplete labels can cause customs delays or product recalls, especially for retail-ready items.

4. Logistics and storage
   Many adhesives are sensitive to heat and moisture. Poorly planned shipping or storage can damage stock before it reaches your warehouse.

Wigmore Trading can help you navigate each of these areas, reducing risk and protecting your reputation with buyers.

How Wigmore Trading supports your sourcing in China

Wigmore Trading specialises in helping importers, wholesalers and distributors—particularly across Africa—buy and export glues from China smoothly and cost-effectively.

1. Supplier sourcing and vetting

We identify and evaluate reliable factories that match your product and volume requirements. This includes checking:

• Production capacity

• Export experience

• Certifications and safety documentation

• Track record with internationalcustomers

This way you avoid the trial-and-error of dealing with unverified suppliers.

2. Product sampling and quality control

Before you commit to large orders, Wigmore Trading can arrange:

• Sample collection and comparison from multiple manufacturers

• Independent quality checks against your specifications

• On-site inspections before shipment to verify packaging, labelling and quantities

This approach helps ensure that what leaves China is exactly what you paid for.

3. Consolidation and logistics

If you are buying glues from multiple factories, consolidation is often essential to keep freight costs under control. Wigmore Trading can:

• Consolidate different SKUs and brands into a single shipment

• Organise container loading (FCL/LCL)

• Coordinate sea or air freight depending on urgency and product type

• Handle documentation and customs support at destination

Contact Wigmore Trading today to streamline your sourcing and reduce your landed cost per unit.

Compliance, documentation and customs

When you export glues from China, proper paperwork is non-negotiable. Depending on the formulation and destination market, you may need:

• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

• Classification and HS codes

• Dangerous goods declarations (where applicable)

• Certificates of analysis or conformity

• Correctly translated labels with ingredients, usage instructions and warnings

Wigmore Trading can work with manufacturers to secure the right documents and prepare shipments that comply with destination regulations, reducing the risk of delays, fines or confiscated goods.

Best practices for first-time importers

If you’re new to importing glues from China, keep these practical tips in mind:

• Start with a test order: Validate quality, lead times and demand before scaling.

• Standardise SKUs: Limit the number of variations initially to simplify stock management.

• Plan your inventory: Adhesives have a shelf life; avoid over-ordering slow-moving lines.

• Think about your channel: Stationery shops, construction firms and FMCG packers all need different pack sizes and pricing models.

Wigmore Trading can help you design a sourcing and import strategy that fits your market and budget.

Work with a partner that understands African markets

For many African importers, importing glues from China involves additional challenges: port congestion, currency constraints, and local regulatory differences. Wigmore Trading has years of experience moving goods between China, the UK and key African markets, helping clients:

• Balance order sizes with cash flow

• Choose the right incoterms and shipment routes

• Navigate local customs and port procedures

Wigmore Trading can help you transform glue imports into a consistent, profitable product line.

Ready to export glues from China?

Whether you’re a wholesaler, retailer, or industrial user, sourcing adhesives from China doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right partner, you can secure reliable quality, competitive prices and smooth logistics from factory floor to your warehouse.

Get in touch with our team to learn more about how Wigmore Trading can help you buy and export glues from China with confidence.