Do I need an import license for industrial machinery?

By I&R Group, Jiaxing. Reviewed October 3, 2026.

It depends on the country and the machine. Many markets let a registered company import capital goods freely, while some require an importer registration, a prior import permit, or a pre-shipment conformity certificate (such as SONCAP, PVoC or SABER). Check your country's rule for the tariff code before you order, because a missing permit holds the machine at customs.

• Some countries need importer registration or a prior permit.
• Conformity schemes (SONCAP, PVoC, SABER) are issued before shipment.
• Check the rule for your tariff code before ordering.