SERVICES
Meridian provides six advisory services for businesses importing from China into South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. Services are available on a standalone fee basis or as components of a full engagement mandate. Every engagement is governed by a signed engagement letter. No work commences without one. Fees are quoted on request following an initial consultation.
Service 01
WHAT MERIDIAN DOES
Meridian conducts structured research into manufacturers and trading companies across Alibaba, Made-in-China, Global Sources, and established Pearl River Delta supplier networks. Every shortlisted supplier is verified through China's National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System (NECIPS), confirming business registration, registered operating scope, export licence status, and credential consistency.
Where the engagement requires physical verification, factory visits and on-site assessments are coordinated through accredited third-party partners operating within China.
DELIVERABLES
SCOPE
Formal third-party audits (SA8000, ISO, BSCI) fall outside Meridian's scope. Where required, these are coordinated with SGS, Bureau Veritas, or Intertek and invoiced to the client at cost.
Service 02
WHAT MERIDIAN DOES
Meridian prepares a structured RFQ based on the client's complete product specification and distributes it to the verified supplier shortlist. All supplier responses and clarifications are managed by Meridian. Negotiation covers unit price, minimum order quantity, payment terms, lead time, and sample arrangements. Every quote is evaluated on a like-for-like basis — consistent Incoterm, consistent MOQ — before a recommendation is issued.
DELIVERABLES
Service 03
WHAT MERIDIAN DOES
We help structure and document your supply arrangement with your chosen supplier to the commercial terms you instruct — covering price, quantity, quality standards, delivery obligations and remedies. We prepare working documentation reflecting your instructions in our capacity as your commercial representative. This is not legal advice. We recommend your final agreement be reviewed by independently instructed qualified counsel before signature.
DELIVERABLES
SCOPE
This service constitutes contract coordination and review support provided by an unregulated advisory firm. It does not constitute regulated legal advice. For high-value or complex transactions, or where a dispute is anticipated, Meridian recommends engaging qualified legal counsel in the relevant jurisdiction.
Service 04
WHAT MERIDIAN DOES
Meridian advises on HS classification, indicative import-duty ranges, and applicable trade-agreement provisions for South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, and prepares commercial documentation to the standard required for customs clearance in the destination market.
For South African importers, this includes specific advisory on SARS commercial invoice requirements — including Incoterm and payment term capture mandated since April 2025 — NRCS Letters of Authority for products subject to compulsory specifications, and ICASA type approval requirements for electronics and RF equipment. Declarations without compliant documentation face audit selection; goods without NRCS or ICASA approval face detention at port.
For UK and EU importers, Meridian advises on post-Brexit customs documentation requirements, UKCA marking obligations, and EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) documentation requirements. This is general informational support, not regulated customs, tax, or legal advice. Meridian does not act as your customs broker or declarant of record. Customs declarations must be lodged by an agent licensed or established in the destination jurisdiction — we can help you identify and engage one.
DELIVERABLES
SCOPE
Meridian provides HS classification advisory and documentation preparation. Formal customs declarations and filing with SARS, HMRC, or EU customs authorities require a licensed customs broker or declarant of record in the destination jurisdiction. Meridian refers to a licensed broker and does not file declarations on the client's behalf. NRCS and ICASA applications are submitted by the importer of record or an appointed agent; Meridian advises on requirements and assists with documentation preparation.
Service 05
WHAT MERIDIAN DOES
Meridian establishes the client's quality requirements, prepares a structured inspection brief, and engages an accredited third-party inspection company — QIMA, Bureau Veritas, SGS, or Intertek. On receipt of the inspection report, Meridian reviews findings against the client's specification and issues a written advisory within 24 hours stating clearly whether to accept, reject, or request supplier remediation.
DELIVERABLES
SCOPE
Inspections are performed by the engaged accredited third party. Third-party inspection costs are invoiced to the client at cost.
Service 06
WHAT MERIDIAN DOES
A structured commercial advisory session for businesses evaluating a China sourcing mandate. Findings and recommended next steps delivered in writing within 24 hours. This is commercial and procurement consultancy, not legal advice.
DELIVERABLES
FEE NOTE
The consultation fee is applied as a credit toward Meridian's fee on proceeding to a full engagement mandate.
All Meridian templates, methodologies, and documentation formats referenced above are proprietary and copyright protected.