The Complete Guide to Importing Entry Doors from China
China has been the world’s leading manufacturer of entry doors for decades. If you’re a distributor, builder, or architect looking to source premium doors, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Why Source from China?
- Cost Advantage: Factory-direct pricing eliminates 30-50% middleman markup
- Quality: Modern CNC machinery and skilled craftsmanship deliver international quality standards
- Customization: Chinese factories excel at OEM/ODM — your design, their manufacturing
- Variety: From cast aluminum to stainless steel, wood, and zinc alloy — all from one supplier
Materials Comparison
| Material | Best For | Durability | Cost |
| Cast Aluminum | Luxury residential | ★★★★★ | $$$ |
| Stainless Steel | Security / commercial | ★★★★★ | $$$ |
| Zinc Alloy | Decorative entry | ★★★★ | $$ |
| Wood | Classic / traditional | ★★★ | $$$$ |
Steps to Import
- Define Requirements: Size, material, finish, quantity, budget
- Find a Reliable Factory: Look for 10+ years experience, export track record
- Request Samples: Reputable factories will send samples for evaluation
- Quality Control: Multi-stage inspection ensures consistent quality
- Shipping: FOB, CIF, or DDP — your choice of incoterms
Why SJ DOORS?
Since 2011, SJ DOORS has been supplying entry doors to 10,000+ clients worldwide. Our 5,000m² factory in Foshan, the door manufacturing capital of China, produces premium custom doors for distributors, builders, and architects in over 20 countries.
Custom Door Development Steps
Custom entry doors should be developed as a controlled project. Begin with the opening, architectural style, performance requirement, target price, and quantity. Collect elevations, details, finish references, hardware requirements, and photographs of similar doors.
1. Preliminary Feasibility
The factory checks whether the size, material, glass, and hardware are practical. Oversized slabs, unusual pivot positions, and special decorative panels may require engineering changes or additional cost.
2. Shop Drawings
Drawings show slab and frame dimensions, section profiles, reinforcement, glass, handing, hardware, and finish. Review every dimension and confirm whether measurements refer to rough or finished openings.
3. Sample and Finish Approval
A sample can confirm color, texture, panel detail, joinery, and hardware. Approve the sample under appropriate lighting and record its code for production.
4. Production and Inspection
After approval, the factory manufactures and inspects dimensions, operation, finish, glass, locks, hinges, and packing. Photograph critical checks and loading.
Why Custom Programs Fail
- Unapproved changes after production begins.
- Missing hardware schedule or unclear handing.
- Glass dimensions not coordinated with the frame.
- Inconsistent floor or wall measurements across units.
- Inadequate export packing for large slabs.
- No record of the approved specification for repeat orders.
Customization Options
Doors can be adjusted in size, color, finish, panel design, glass, hardware, frame depth, anchors, and branding. Packaging can include model labels, installation instructions, spare parts, and project-specific references.
FAQ
How long does custom development take?
It depends on drawing complexity, sample requirements, and production volume. Schedule time for drawing approval and sample review.
Can we change the design after seeing the sample?
Yes, but changes should be completed and approved before bulk production. Late changes can affect cost and lead time.
Can custom doors be mixed with standard models?
Yes. Mixed orders help distributors test standard demand while serving special project requirements.
Packaging and Loading for Custom Doors
Custom doors often include large frames, decorative panels, glass, and loose hardware. Pack each unit as a matched set whenever possible. Protect slab faces with film and foam, reinforce corners, brace frames against distortion, and separate hardware in labeled bags. If frames and slabs cannot ship together, use the same project label and packing-list reference.
Review container loading before production ends. Large panels may need custom bracing, and overweight units may require a different loading plan. A loading diagram and photographs help the receiving team understand how to unload and store the shipment.
Installation Data Package
- Approved shop drawings by unit or elevation.
- Frame, anchor, and threshold installation details.
- Hardware template and handing confirmation.
- Glass and gasket installation notes.
- Cleaning, adjustment, and maintenance instructions.
- Spare-parts list and claim contact details.
More Custom Door Questions
Who should approve final dimensions?
The site measurement team or responsible contractor should confirm finished openings, floor levels, wall type, and handing before production. The factory should verify the drawing against those measurements.
Can we receive installation support remotely?
Yes. Drawings, photographs, video calls, and written guidance can support the local installation team. Complex pivot or access-control systems should be reviewed before delivery.
Should custom doors be ordered with spare parts?
Yes for projects where replacement lead time is long. Include extra handles, cylinders, hinges, locks, seals, touch-up materials, and any project-specific hardware that may be difficult to source locally.
How is the custom MOQ determined?
MOQ depends on tooling, profile setup, panel design, finish color, hardware, and packaging. Standard changes may be possible in smaller batches, while fully new systems usually require a larger confirmation quantity.
Contact us for a quote or to discuss your project requirements.