Importing knives in bulk from China can be profitable – but it also involves strict regulations, quality concerns, and complex logistics. Working with an experienced trading partner like Wigmore Trading can make the entire process safer, smoother, and more cost-effective.

Why source and export knives from China?

China is one of the world’s major producers of knives, from low-cost kitchen knives to premium chef’s knives, outdoor and utility blades, and gift sets. For importers, wholesalers, and distributors, this offers several advantages:

• Competitive pricing at scale – High production capacity and mature supply chains allow Chinese manufacturers to offer very competitive unit prices, especially on bulk orders.

• Wide product range – You can source everything from simple stainless-steel knives for supermarkets to branded gift sets for retail or e-commerce.

• Customisation options – Many factories offer private labelling, custom packaging, and product tweaks to help you position your brand in local markets.

Wigmore Trading works directly with vetted Chinese knife manufacturers and wholesalers, helping buyers select reliable suppliers and negotiate commercially viable terms.

Key challenges when exporting knives from China

Despite the opportunity, the category is sensitive and can be tightly regulated in destination markets. Importers often face:

1. Compliance and legal restrictions

Knives are often classified as controlled or restricted items. Different countries may:

• Limit blade length or certain knife types (e.g. automatic opening knives, combat-style knives).

• Require specific import permits or licences.

• Enforce strict labelling and safety standards, especially for kitchen knives sold to consumers.

Ignoring these rules can result in seized shipments, fines, or reputational damage. Wigmore Trading helps importers understand what types of knives are legal to import into their market and ensures shipments are correctly documented to comply with customs requirements.

2. Quality and product consistency

Not all factories produce to the same standard. Common problems include:

• Blades that dull quickly or corrode.

• Handles made from poor-quality materials.

• Inconsistent finishing between batches.

For wholesalers supplying supermarkets, hotels, restaurants, or hardware stores, quality issues can quickly lead to returns and lost customers. Wigmore Trading can coordinate pre-shipment inspections, lab tests where needed, and clear specifications so you receive consistent quality knives from China on every order.

3. Logistics, shipping, and insurance

Knives are metal products that add weight and require careful packaging. Freight costs, insurance, and damage in transit all affect your margin. On top of that, customs checks on shipments containing knives can be more stringent.

Wigmore Trading manages the logistics process from consolidation at the Chinese port to final delivery, helping you:

• Choose efficient shipping routes and methods (FCL, LCL, air freight where appropriate).

• Optimise packaging and palletisation to reduce damage.

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• Prepare accurate packing lists and HS classifications for smoother customs clearance.

How Wigmore Trading supports knife imports and exports

Whether you are a distributor, retailer, or B2B buyer in Africa, the UK, or other markets, Wigmore Trading can manage the entire “buy and export knives from China” process end-to-end.

Supplier sourcing and negotiation

Wigmore Trading maintains a network of Chinese knife manufacturers and wholesalers producing:

• Kitchen knives and knife sets

• Utility and household knives

• Selected outdoor and specialty knives (subject to destination regulations)

We help you:

• Shortlist suitable factories based on your target quality level and price.

• Negotiate MOQs, unit prices, payment terms, and lead times.

• Arrange private label or branded production if required.

By leveraging existing relationships and volume, Wigmore Trading can often secure better terms than a new buyer approaching factories alone.

Compliance, documentation, and customs

Exporting knives from China requires the correct paperwork on both sides of the trade lane. Wigmore Trading can assist with:

• HS code classification and product descriptions for customs.

• Commercial invoices, packing lists, and export declarations from China.

• Coordinating any additional documents required by the destination country (licences, product certificates, etc.).

Our team focuses on ensuring that the type of knives, blade lengths, and intended use match the regulations in your country so that the shipment passes customs smoothly. Wigmore Trading can help you reduce the risk of delays, penalties, or cargo being held.

Quality control and inspections

To protect your brand reputation, Wigmore Trading can arrange:

• Factory audits to verify production capability and basic compliance.

• Pre-production sample checks to confirm design, dimensions, and packaging.

• Pre-shipment inspections to verify quantity, labelling, and workmanship before loading.

These steps are particularly valuable if you are exporting knives from China for supermarket chains, hospitality suppliers, or e-commerce platforms where returns and complaints can be costly.

Freight, consolidation, and final delivery

Many importers are sourcing multiple FMCG or household product lines from China, not just knives. Wigmore Trading can consolidate your knife shipments with other products to optimise container usage and freight costs.

Our logistics team:

• Coordinates loading and container booking at Chinese ports.

• Manages sea or air freight, insurance, and documentation.

• Arranges delivery to your chosen port or warehouse.

By handling sourcing and logistics together, Wigmore Trading simplifies your supply chain so you can focus on sales and distribution.

Who should consider exporting knives from China?

This opportunity is particularly relevant for:

• Wholesalers and distributors supplying supermarkets, general retailers, or hardware stores.

• Hospitality and HORECA suppliers providing kitchen equipment to hotels, restaurants, and caterers.

• E-commerce sellers building private label knife brands or selling sets alongside broader kitchenware ranges.

• Regional traders in Africa and emerging markets looking to fill gaps in local supply with competitively priced, reliable knives.

If you fall into any of these categories and want to explore how to export knives from China safely and profitably, Wigmore Trading can help.

Start your knife sourcing project with Wigmore Trading

Exporting knives from China does not need to be complicated. With the right partner, you can access competitive manufacturers, stay compliant with regulations, and build stable supply lines that support long-term growth.

Contact Wigmore Trading today to:

• Discuss your product requirements and target markets.

• Get support with supplier selection and negotiation.

• Streamline shipping, customs, and delivery to your warehouse.

Wigmore Trading can help you turn China’s knife manufacturing strength into a reliable and profitable product line for your business.