Importing Artificial Flowers from China: Comprehensive Guide

Estimated reading time: 13 minutes

Artificial flowers are exported from China to all over the world, and China is well known as the largest exporter of artificial flowers in the world. However, it is not an easy job. Artificial flower wholesale suppliers are numerous, and there are thousands of them operating in China. But how to select an artificial flower supplier that you can trust?

Following is the guide to importing artificial flowers from China which you will find informative in this blog. This site will also inform you of the various types of artificial flowers that are available and how they should be stored. Of course, the most important thing is to learn how to source products from China with the correct posture.

Artificial Flowers in China

In China, artificial flowers are also referred to as “Xiang Sheng Hua” or “像生花.”  This means “like flowers” because, in ancient China, people called fresh flowers “Sheng Hua (生花).”

Fake flowers are replicas made from cloth, yarn, silk, plastic, and other materials, not actual flowers. Well, simulation products are becoming better and better even today, and they are almost real. Besides the imitation of various flowers, there is imitation of leaves, twigs, weeds, trees, etc.

These flowers can be used not only for interior decoration, wedding and celebration decorations, and decorations for shops and shopping pavilions. It can also apply to various other situations including hotels, amusement parks, film shooting, theaters, and many other fields.

In such situations, the qualities of artificial flowers, such as durability and aesthetic appeal, are more appreciated. In terms of service life and maintenance, they are more convenient than flowers.

So, the question arises: What does using artificial flowers have these days?

What are the Advantages of  Importing Artificial Flowers?

They are cheaper and do not put pressure on the environment, easy to transport, and do not require frequent maintenance. An artificial flower is cheaper to purchase and, in addition to this, there is no need for the flower to be watered and maintained next. Majority of them are available with bright and new colors. Those flowers do not have any specifications of export date; it blooms every day with no attention or even no care. You can display them anywhere on your home or even at the workplace as they expand further than you can ever imagine while real flowers only last for not more than 4 to 5 hours.

From: Medium.com

Yes, as the quote above mentions. Artificial flowers are distinguished from ordinary flowers by these unique advantages.

1) No need to worry about withering artificial flowers

These artificial flowers are made from materials such as silk, plastic, or polyester. Engineered to withstand the elements that typically affect natural flowers. Real flowers are biologically programmed to follow a life cycle. Includes growth, flowering, and eventual withering as part of its natural process.

In contrast, artificial flowers are non-living and are not affected by this cycle. Their synthetic nature ensures they remain visually unchanged over time. Regardless of environmental conditions such as light, temperature, or humidity, these are key factors that affect the longevity of real flowers.

This lack of need for frequent replacement makes them a good choice for long-term home decoration and special events. This durability also allows for consistent aesthetic appeal.

Because they are always beautiful.

Additionally, their non-perishable nature makes them ideal for environments where real flowers cannot be maintained, such as hospitals, offices, or homes with pets and small children. The perfect choice to decorate these environments!

2) Artificial flowers are cheaper than fresh flowers

The cost of production and materials for artificial flowers is often lower than the cost of cultivating and harvesting real flowers. Because real flowers require specific climate conditions, soil quality, water, and care from planting to bloom. Artificial flowers, on the other hand, are mass-produced using materials such as plastic, silk, or polyester. These materials are cheaper and more readily available.

Especially when you choose to import artificial flowers from China. I will elaborate on the benefits of importing products from China later.

In the previous advantage, I mentioned that artificial flowers don’t have to worry about withering. So artificial flowers don’t require the logistics and preservation costs required to keep real flowers fresh during transportation and storage. This advantage not only reduces costs but also reduces waste, making it even more cost-effective over time.

3) Artificial flowers reduce the possibility of allergies

Before I get to that, I want to ask a question: “Are you allergic to pollen?”

Pollen is an airborne allergen that can affect our health.

From: CDC

Natural flowers often release pollen. This is a common allergen that can cause symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes in sensitive people.

However artificial flowers are abiotic and do not produce pollen or other allergens. They are often made from materials such as silk and plastic, which do not produce pollen. People with allergies can also enjoy the beauty of flowers if they choose artificial flowers for decoration. They also don’t have to worry about the discomfort and health risks of exposure to pollen.

Why Import Artificial Flowers from China?

China is an ideal place for large-scale manufacturing. In this case, as complete production facilities within China, it can produce artificial flowers at a lower cost. This also implies that unit cost of production is reduced which in turn reduces the overall cost of products. Moreover, as is well known, labor cost is relatively cheap in China. This further makes the cost of these products relatively low. 

Sourcing Artificial Flowers from China at Wholesale Prices

One of the most important aspects of purchasing artificial flowers wholesale in China is the ability to classify factors influencing the price and choose the most efficient sourcing strategies. As an experienced professional in China’s Wholesale Market, I would like to share with you some important points that you should focus at the time when you are willing to buy artificial flowers from China.

Consumer Attributes that impact on the Wholesale Price of Artificial Flowers

1. Material Quality

• High-End Materials: Most artificial flowers which are made from silk or better fabrics cost relatively higher since they closely resemble the natural flowers and they last longer.
• Mid-Tier Materials: Polyester and fabric flowers are easy on the pocket but still very durable, making them ideal for the retail markets.
• Budget-Friendly Options: The cheapest and most widespread types of Flowerhangers are plastic and foam ones; these are extensively used for celebrations during which economic effects are crucial.

2. Product Quantity 1: Order Volume (Minimum Order Quantity)

• High MOQs for Lower Prices: Sometimes manufacturers from China may need to produce more for the same product type to be able to sell at a cheaper price per unit hence the need to order many of the same product.
• Small Orders: Where one is involved in a startup or only needs to order small quantities, it may be useful to work with suppliers who have high MOQs or friendly terms although these are slightly expensive per click.

3. Design and Customization

• Custom Designs: flowers that are custom designed or flower that has special packaging and or labeling tend to be priced higher.
• Standard Designs: Business partners generally provide customers with a number of conventional, readily available artificial flowers that cost less.

There are Various Types of Artificial Flowers in China

Do you know why China is called “the world’s factory”?

The manufacturing industry in China has been in the process of development for many years. This is due to the manufacturing prowess of Chinese manufacturers who have different designs and various types of artificial flowers.

Indoor or outdoor flowers, simple styles or complex looks, Chinese manufacturers have mastered the art of real-look artificial flowers. Many or most styles of artificial flowers are available depending on the unique customer needs and demands.

This diversity is also due to competition in the Chinese market. Companies or manufacturers in as a way of grappling for more attention from customers. They direct their efforts towards creativity and ensuring that their products are different from the rest. It’s a great product with a wide selection of styles, colors, and materials.

You can Customize Artificial Flowers from China

Chinese manufacturers usually accept your product customization requests. You can specify the design, size, color, and material you want. This is because Chinese manufacturers have extensive experience and expertise in the artificial flower industry.

Give the product design you need to the Chinese manufacturer, and they will make a complete copy for you.

Also Read: How to Verify Chinese Supplier’s Legitimacy: 8 Ways to Solve

China Has a lot of Artificial Flower Suppliers

The data shows that the leading exporters of artificial flowers and plants are China with the total shipment of 12421, followed by India with total shipment of 506 and Hong Kong with the total shipment of 504. The largest exporter of Artificial flowers and plants in the World is China which sends most of it’s Artificial flowers and plants to United States, India and Vietnam.

From: Volza.com

Behind the huge export volume figures is the large number of artificial flower suppliers in China.

This large list of suppliers gives you choices. It makes competition that leads to improvement of the prices, quality, and service delivery to you.

In addition, another advantage of competing supplied stores is the increased choice of suppliers that guarantee the availability of products. Lastly, it will minimize the chances of supply chain disruption. They do not let you run out of stock of high-sales products and the delivery is usually within short notice.

How to Import Artificial Flowers from China?

I am sure that you have already begun to get interested in the import of artificial flowers from China. However, if you are not yet ready to be tricked, you may wish to go through the following step-by-step guide below:

Step 1: Determine What Types of Artificial Flowers You Need

This is the first step to get started. You need to research your target market in advance and get what type of products they prefer.

At the same time, after you determine the product style you need. You can also clearly communicate product information to your artificial flower suppliers. Suppliers will not pay attention to your market. If you want to make more money, you may need to spend some time.

Additional information: What Ranges of Artificial Flower Products from China?

• Silk Flowers: Realistic imitation flowers made from real silk that can be used for decoration in homes, weddings, events, etc. They are widely used in home décor, weddings, and other functions.
• Plastic Flowers: It comes packaged in several ways such as individual stems, bunches, and arrangements.
• Latex Flowers: Such flowers are used especially in luxury decorations.
• Foam Flowers: Small and portable and are widely used in making products and also in ceremonies for instance weddings.
• Wedding and Event Flowers: Specifically, these flowers are bought for weddings or events and are often arranged in forms such as bouquets corsages, or centerpieces.
• Dried and Preserved Flowers: Well, these are actual flowers that have been preserved so that they can last for many days. Yes, they used to be fresh flowers before the remodel of the basketball court. Yet they are called artificial flowers. The increasingly engineered productions appear to be more natural compared to other synthetic materials. Finally, please allow me to say one more thing: As for this type of flower, they come at a higher price.

Why Choose China for Artificial Silk Flowers?

1. Expertise and Craftsmanship

• Advanced Techniques: The manufacturer originated from China and has many years of experience in the making of lifelike silk flowers, utilizing modern production technologies that enable the flowers to last long as well as resemblances real flowers.
• Attention to Detail: The workmanship is fabulous; the petals, stem, and even veins on the leaves are well articulated, and these flowers look like real flowers.

2. Competitive Pricing

• Economies of Scale: This presented strong evidence that China can produce a large number of silk flowers to put a relatively low price, even though they also offer expensive silk flowers.
• Wide Range of Pricing Options: Starting from expensive silk flowers that are hand-made from natural materials to cheap synthetic flowers made in large batches by some companies, manufacturers’ prices vary greatly in functionality by the type of materials used, the complexity of the design, and the number of flowers ordered.

The major sources of manufacturers of artificial silk flowers

1. Guangdong Province: Guangzhou & Dongguan

2. Zhejiang Province: Yiwu

3. Hebei Province: Baoding & Cangzhou

4. Tianjin Province: Caozili

Step 2: Find an Artificial Flower Supplier in China

The first stage in the envelope of this process of eliciting EBP is research. This entails collecting data on possible suppliers through such methods as the following.

Many online directories can be used too such as Alibaba, Made in China, and Global Resources; these sites list many manufacturers and suppliers. You can also read about the opinions of other people about these providers and the grades which they assign to them.

However, potential consumers can communicate with suppliers directly and even touch and feel their products through China trade fairs such as the Canton Fair. At these shows, there is an opportunity to meet suppliers in person. This can also be done under specific forums on both industry and social networks, where one can study case-study examples or discuss with peers and experts. Based on the research carried out, you can come up with a list of suppliers to target for further interaction, depending on the supplier’s product offering, reputation, and customer ratings.

Artificial Flower Manufacturing Hubs in China

To carry out our analysis, we have identified some of the most important artificial flower manufacturing hubs in China.

1. Guangdong Province: Guangzhou & Dongguan
Guangzhou: Famous for its fabric and silk artificial flowers making. The sourcing process is not complicated because manufacturers’ facilities are comprised of a showroom and a workshop usually.
Dongguan: The main clients are artificial trees and flowers that are usually very big and on a few occasions attract high prices owing to the quality of the product.

2. Zhejiang Province: Yiwu
Yiwu International Trade City: It is a popular market for artificial flowers and most of the suppliers are trading companies as well as individuals.
Huangyangmei District: A base for many spare manufacturers dealing with artificial flower accessories. While some of them have only showrooms, factories are normally situated near cities.

3. Tianjin Province: Caozili Town
Today known as the “Land of Silk Flowers,” Caozili is home to more than three hundred factories, making silk and plastic artificial flowers. Therefore, this town is suitable for all kinds of flower varieties as well as affordable and high-quality flowers.

4. Hebei Province: Baoding & Cangzhou
Concentrated in polyester flowers; many manufacturers’ emphasis is on plastic plants and grasses. There is nothing so special about the cost state but if looking for cheaper suppliers then Hebei is the perfect place for this.

The market for Chinese artificial flowers

The market for Chinese artificial flowers is quite extensive, and therefore, this show features the top sales markets:
For those looking to explore local markets, these are the main destinations:

Yiwu International Trade City
The target market of a variety of artificial flowers such as plastic, polyester, and silk ones. All these suppliers offer low wholesale prices.

Guangzhou One Link Plaza
A luxury of artificial flower consumption with suppliers within the 6th – 8th floors. It carries out its operations mostly in the wholesale business, but as mentioned below, it is possible to buy in small quantities albeit at a higher cost.

Debao Transaction Plaza of Guangzhou
Unlike One Link Plaza, its products have cheaper prices for lower quality, which targets customers who aim to purchase relevant goods in great quantities.

Chinese B2B Marketplaces of Artificial Flowers

If you prefer to source online, here are six key platforms to find suppliers:

Alibaba: There are almost all categories of artificial flowers provided by thousands of suppliers around the world and different MOQs.
Global Sources & Made in China: Unlike Alibaba which has a myriad of suppliers and retailers usually there are no or low MOQs required.

DHgate & AliExpress: Perfect for ordering in small quantities or if you are a start-up business because a lot of suppliers do not have set MOQ.

Step 3: Verify your Artificial Flower Supplier

Validating your Chinese suppliers’ legitimacy is beneficial since it will assist in identifying a supplier that is capable of delivering quality flowers that are safe and conform to the set standards.

You must check whether the supplier has legal business registration and certification for instance ISO quality management certification to make sure the supplier meets international manufacturing standards and approval.

You can also ask for insights into their capabilities in handling the logistics and complexities of exporting products. This can demonstrate their reliability and reputation in the global market.

Additionally, factory audits conducted in person or through third-party services can directly assess manufacturing practices, quality control processes, and working conditions. Ensure that supplier operations are aligned with your business values and standards.

For further information, read this article: Quality control in China

Step 4: Documents Required to Import Artificial Flowers

Basic documents typically include commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin, and specific documents. Such as a phytosanitary certificate, especially if the artificial flowers are made from certain organic materials.

Failure to negotiate and clarify the details of these documents with suppliers can lead to complications during customs clearance. This results in delays, and additional costs, and may even result in the goods being confiscated.

You can check another article about What a Purchase Order and Proforma Invoice (PO & PI).

Tip: What is the custom code for artificial flowers?

The HS code for artificial flowers is generally classified under the heading 6702. This heading specifically covers artificial flowers, foliage fruit, and parts thereof, made of materials like plastics, silk, or other synthetic materials.

Especially when importing from a country like China, you need to know in advance what is the custom code for artificial flowers.

Customs codes, also known as Harmonized System (HS) codes, are an internationally standardized system of names and numbers used to classify traded products. HS codes are used to determine import duties and taxes.

It is important to note that customs officials rely on these codes to process and clear goods. Know the correct artificial flower HS code to ensure a smooth and efficient import process.

How to Store Artificial Flowers?

The process of shipping from China to your target market may take quite some time. Artificial flowers can be made out of very delicate materials such as silk or plastic, which make them a delicate product. The storage of these products is quite delicate in the sense that they are easily damaged in case they are exposed to unfavorable conditions.

Artificial flowers may encounter issues including deformation, fading, and material damage due to improper storage. This goes a long way in downgrading the outlook as well as the value of the final product.

Special care is needed in order not to have these artificial flowers exposed to too much moisture, extreme temperatures, and mechanical stress. However, these factors emerge during long transportation periods and under different environmental temperatures.

Therefore, implement effective storage solutions. Such as using appropriate packaging materials, maintaining optimal temperature conditions, and ensuring safe and stable stacking in containers. Next, I will list some common methods for you to store artificial flowers.

1. Clean Before Storing: Ensure that the flowers are clean and dust-free. You can gently dust them with a soft brush.
2. Use Right Containers: Store the flowers in cardboard boxes, or plastic containers. Make sure the containers are clean and dry.
3. Avoid Crushing: Arrange the flowers in a way that prevents them from being crushed. Use bubble wrap or tissue paper to support and protect delicate parts.
4. Control Temperature and Humidity: Store the flowers in a cool, dry place. High humidity and extreme temperatures can damage the flowers, causing colors to fade or materials to degrade.
5. Keep Away from Sunlight: Direct sunlight can fade the colors of artificial flowers. Store them in a place away from direct exposure to sunlight.
6. Vertical Storage for Long Stems: If the artificial flowers have long stems, consider storing them vertically to prevent bending or warping.
7. Avoid Tight Packing: Don’t overcrowd the storage box. Overpacking can lead to bent stems and misshapen petals.
8. Label the Boxes: If you have multiple boxes, label them for easy identification.
9. Check Periodically: Occasionally check on the stored flowers, especially if they are stored for an extended period. This helps to identify any issues like mold or pest infestation early.

Of course, if you want to import other products from China. You can check these articles,

• Importing Clothing and Textiles from China
• Importing Watches from China
• Importing LED Lights from China
• How to Import Battery from China
• How to Import Building Materials From China?
• How to Import Cosmetics & Personal Care Products from China?

Why to work with a China Sourcing Agent?

Despite recognizing the difficulties in trying to identify good suppliers it is still an endeavor that can be fraught with confusion. By hiring a sourcing agent, for instance, Owlsourcing based in Shanghai, assistance in accessing factories with a good reputation, negotiating fair prices and consider quality issues on your behalf, thereby providing you with considerable time and minimized risk.

Final Thoughts

If you want to import artificial flowers from China. You may also consider contacting Owlsourcing. We act as a professional sourcing company. Can provide you with comprehensive sourcing services. Of course, you can send an email to [email protected] or contact us directly.