Key Considerations When Sourcing MEK, Toluene and Other Solvents from China
英幸株式会社MEK (methyl ethyl ketone), toluene and other solvents may become difficult to obtain depending on domestic and international supply conditions and logistics. When considering alternative sourcing from China or other overseas markets, it is important to check not only price but also quality, regulations, transport conditions, packaging and lead time.
Product information to confirm first
- Official chemical name, CAS number and grade
- Quality specifications, including purity and impurities
- Application and required quantity
- Requested delivery date and expected repeat purchases
- Preferred packaging and delivery location
Even products with the same name may differ by grade and specification, such as industrial or reagent grade. Existing specifications, certificates of analysis and SDS documents make it easier to compare alternative candidates.
SDS, regulations and dangerous goods classification
For chemical imports, the composition and SDS must be reviewed together with applicable Japanese regulations, dangerous goods classifications for transport, and storage and handling requirements. A product name alone may not be sufficient, so each case must be assessed using information such as composition, concentration, application and packaging.
Note: Applicable regulations and required procedures vary according to the product’s composition, concentration, use, quantity and transport method. Current requirements should be confirmed before import.
Packaging and transport conditions
Depending on the product and volume, solvents may be supplied in cans, drums, IBCs, ISO tanks or full-container quantities. If the product is classified as dangerous goods, suitable containers, shipping lines, ports, warehouses and domestic delivery methods must also be arranged. Cost structure and lead time can differ significantly between small-volume and container shipments.
Supplier selection and quality checks
For overseas sourcing, we review supply capacity, quality control, export experience, documentation and commercial terms. Where necessary, we arrange sample evaluation, review certificates of analysis and conduct pre-shipment inspections to confirm that the actual product meets the required specification.
Points to compare for cost and lead time
- Product price and minimum order quantity
- Dangerous goods packaging, ocean freight and insurance
- Customs clearance, port, storage and domestic delivery costs
- Total lead time, including production, shipment and customs clearance
- Exchange-rate exposure and conditions for continuous supply
China sourcing case: MEK and toluene
When the supply of MEK, toluene and other solvents became tight in Japan, several customers asked us to secure alternative sources. EIKO researched suppliers in China, assessed quality, supply conditions and pricing, selected suitable products and supply arrangements, and completed import and delivery in full-container quantities.
Customer names, prices, quantities and other details are withheld to protect customer confidentiality.
How EIKO can support you
- Research of suppliers and manufacturers in China
- Chinese-language coordination of specifications, terms and prices
- Review of SDS, specifications and certificates of analysis
- Coordination of samples, inspection, import/export and logistics
- Sourcing studies from small lots to full-container quantities
Even if the exact product or specification has not yet been finalized, we can assess sourcing options based on the application, quantity, target delivery date and available documentation.
