Polycarbonate Sheet from China: MOQ, Lead Time & Shipping Guide 2026
Exact figures for minimum order quantities, production lead times, and sea freight transit times from a verified Chinese PC sheet manufacturer
Buyers sourcing polycarbonate sheet from China for the first time consistently ask the same practical questions: How much do I have to order? How long will it take? When will it arrive? This guide provides specific, verifiable answers based on Bakway’s actual production and shipping data — not generic estimates.
| Product | MOQ | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Solid PC sheet (standard colors/thicknesses) | 1 pallet; configuration varies by product | Clear, bronze, opal, blue; 1–20mm; UV-coated |
| Multiwall PC sheet (twin/triple/five-wall) | 1 pallet; configuration varies by product | 6–25mm; clear, opal; with or without anti-drip |
| Corrugated PC sheet | 1 pallet; configuration varies by product | Standard wave profile; clear, opal, bronze |
| Custom color (RAL/Pantone) | Confirmed in quotation | Color-compound setup and purge requirements vary by specification |
| Custom thickness / tolerance spec | Confirmed in quotation | Extrusion parameter adjustment requirements vary by specification |
| Samples (200×200mm) | Free | Buyer pays courier cost (DHL/FedEx/UPS) |
| CNC cut-to-size | 50 m² cut area | Cutting charge applies; drilling/chamfering available |
| Order Type | Lead Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard spec (stocked resin, standard color) | 7–10 working days | Applies to clear, bronze, opal in standard thicknesses |
| Custom thickness or tight tolerance | 10–14 working days | Includes extrusion setup and first-article inspection |
| Custom color (RAL/Pantone, 500m²+) | 14–18 working days | Includes color development, first-article approval, and purge |
| PPAP documentation (automotive orders) | Add 5–7 working days | First article + dimensional report + Cpk study |
| OEM annual contract (priority scheduling) | 5–7 working days | Contract customers receive dedicated production queue |
| Rush/urgent order (<500m², standard spec) | 3–5 working days | Rush charge applies; subject to extrusion capacity |
ⓘ Lead times are ex-factory (FOB Shanghai point). Add 1–2 working days for freight booking, container stuffing, and departure from Suzhou to Shanghai port.
| Destination | Port | Sea Transit | Mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA West Coast | Los Angeles / Long Beach | ~18–22 days | FCL or LCL |
| USA East Coast | New York / Newark | ~28–35 days | All-water or intermodal |
| Netherlands | Rotterdam | ~24–28 days | FCL or LCL via Suez Canal |
| Germany | Hamburg | ~26–30 days | FCL preferred |
| United Kingdom | Felixstowe | ~26–30 days | Post-Brexit customs |
| Australia | Sydney / Melbourne | ~22–26 days | FCL or LCL |
| Canada West Coast | Vancouver | ~16–20 days | FCL or LCL |
| Middle East | Dubai (Jebel Ali) | ~14–18 days | FCL or LCL |
| Southeast Asia | Singapore / Bangkok | ~8–12 days | FCL or LCL |
| Destination | Production | Sea Transit | Customs | Total (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 7–10 days | 18–22 days | 3–5 days | ~4–6 weeks |
| Rotterdam | 7–10 days | 24–28 days | 5–7 days | ~6–7 weeks |
| Sydney | 7–10 days | 22–26 days | 5–7 days | ~6–7 weeks |
| Dubai | 7–10 days | 14–18 days | 3–5 days | ~4–5 weeks |
| Stage | Action | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Inquiry | Submit spec + quantity to Bakway | Day 0 |
| Quotation | Bakway sends FOB price + lead time + sample availability | Within 24 hours |
| Sample (optional) | Free 200×200mm samples shipped DHL/FedEx | 3–5 days after request |
| Proforma Invoice | PI issued with full order details; buyer confirms | Day 1–2 |
| 30% Deposit | T/T wire transfer; production begins on receipt | Day 2–5 |
| Production | 7–10 working days (standard) | Days 5–17 |
| Pre-shipment QC | Bakway conducts QC inspection; documents prepared | Day 15–18 |
| Balance (70%) | T/T before shipment; Bakway releases BL copy | Day 17–20 |
| Shipment | Container loaded; BL issued; tracking provided | Day 18–22 |
From Bakway New Materials: 1 pallet; configuration varies by product — one of the lowest MOQs available from an IATF 16949-certified Chinese manufacturer. Custom-color minimums are confirmed in the quotation. Free 200×200mm samples available before any bulk order. See our full low MOQ guide for more detail.
Bakway’s standard production lead time is 7–10 working days from deposit receipt for standard specifications (stocked resin grade, standard colors and thicknesses). Custom colors add 14–18 working days. PPAP documentation for automotive orders adds 5–7 working days. Annual OEM contract customers receive priority scheduling with 5–7 working day lead times as standard.
FOB Shanghai to Los Angeles / Long Beach: approximately 18–22 days. Add 3–5 days for US Customs clearance. Total door-to-door from production completion: approximately 4–6 weeks. Air freight (5–7 days China to US) is available for urgent sample shipments or small orders under 200 kg.
Standard Bakway payment terms: 30% T/T (telegraphic transfer / wire transfer) deposit before production; 70% T/T balance before shipment. For established OEM contract customers with 12+ months purchase history, 30/70 T/T remains standard but extended credit terms may be discussed case-by-case. L/C (letter of credit) is accepted for orders above $20,000 USD.
Depends on volume. LCL (less than container load) is suitable for 100–800 m² orders — lower total freight cost at small volumes, but higher per-m² cost. A 20’ container holds approximately 800–1,200 m² of 4mm solid PC. A 40’ HC holds ~1,800–2,500 m². For orders approaching one container, FCL is usually more cost-effective and provides better protection against consolidation damage. Bakway’s export team advises on optimal freight mode for each order.
Yes. For standard specifications (clear solid PC, common thicknesses), rush production of 3–5 working days is available at a rush surcharge. This is subject to extrusion line availability — contact Bakway to confirm capacity before committing to a project that requires urgent delivery. Air freight (5–7 days transit) combined with rush production enables 10–14 day total delivery to most major markets.
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