A 1. Verify Your Supplier (FRIOFLOR)
Before placing any order, dig deeper into your supplier's credentials. Public trade data shows that Frioflor Group Co., Ltd. is an active exporter of refrigerant gases from China. Here’s what you need to confirm with them:
What to Check Why It Matters
Factory Status FRIOFLOR Group includes Zhejiang NOF Chemical Co., Ltd. , which is an actual manufacturer. This often means better pricing and quality control compared to trading companies.
Cylinder Certifications Ask for proof of CE, DOT, or KGS certifications on their cylinders. These are critical for safe international shipping of pressurized gases.
Gas Purity Request a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for each batch. Their stated purity range is 99.91%–99.97% – ensure this meets your market's requirements.
Dangerous Goods Experience R600A (Isobutane) is a Class 2.1 flammable gas. Confirm they have a track record of exporting hazardous materials and can provide a proper Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and dangerous goods declaration.
2. Understand Paraguay's Import Requirements
Paraguay has specific rules for importing hydrocarbon gases. While the regulations below are drawn from LPG imports, they indicate that Paraguay enforces quality standards and licensing for gas imports. You should check if R600A falls under similar oversight.
Here are the key steps and documents:
Key Area What You Need to Do
HS Code Classification Confirm the correct tariff code. Based on Paraguay Customs data, R600A is typically classified under HS Code 29011000 (saturated acyclic hydrocarbons). Getting this wrong can result in incorrect duty rates or customs delays.
Core Documents You will need: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and Bill of Lading (B/L) .
Certificate of Origin China and Paraguay have a free trade agreement. Ask your supplier to provide a Form F Certificate of Origin – this can grant you up to 100% tariff reduction on your import duties.
Import Duties & VAT Paraguay's import tariffs range from 0% to 35% depending on the product. The standard Value-Added Tax (VAT) is 10%. Your customs broker will calculate the exact amount.
Local Customs Broker Paraguayan customs procedures are complex and change frequently. Hiring a professional local customs broker is not optional – it is essential to handle declarations, inspections, and duty payments efficiently.
3. Plan Your Logistics (Shipping & Transport)
Shipping a flammable gas requires special attention. Here’s what to consider:
Logistics Element Practical Advice
Shipping Mode Sea freight is the most cost-effective option for large cylinder shipments.
Ports Common Chinese departure ports are Ningbo, Qingdao, or Shanghai. The destination port in Paraguay is typically Asunción.
Incoterms Discuss terms with your supplier. FOB (Free on Board) – where you arrange shipping – gives you more control over freight costs. Alternatively, CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) means the supplier handles shipping to Asunción.
Dangerous Goods Documentation The shipping line will require:
- MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)
- Dangerous Goods Transport Declaration
- UN-certified cylinder proof
DDP Option Some Chinese logistics companies offer Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) services to Paraguay. This means they handle shipping, customs clearance, and duty payment for a single all-inclusive price. This can significantly simplify the process for you, though it may be more expensive.
4. Additional Market Intelligence
To better understand your competitive landscape:
Existing Importers: Companies like KAMO S.A. and friopar s.a. have recorded imports of refrigerant gases from China. Your customs broker may already handle similar clients and can advise on common pitfalls.
Local Demand: R600A is widely used in domestic refrigeration and air conditioning. Assess whether your target customers require cylinder returns, refilling services, or specific cylinder sizes (e.g., 13.6 kg or 22.7 kg).
5. Recommended Action Plan (Summary)
Step Action Timeline
1 Finalize supplier verification (certificates, sample testing if possible) 1–2 weeks
2 Engage a Paraguayan customs broker and confirm the exact HS Code and duties 1 week
3 Negotiate Incoterms, payment terms (typically T/T or L/C), and shipping schedule with FRIOFLOR 1–2 weeks
4 Arrange shipping and dangerous goods documentation 2–4 weeks (transit)
5 Work with your broker for clearance upon arrival at Asunción 3–7 days
Final Practical Tip
If this is your first time importing dangerous goods, seriously consider the DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) route. It costs more upfront, but it transfers all the logistical and customs risk to the freight forwarder. Once you have a few successful shipments under your belt, you can switch to FOB/CIF to reduce costs and gain more control.
