A national standard contract form is used as the basis for all international trade transactions and technology licensing agreements. Non-government entities tend to be flexible in negotiating some contractual provisions. Import contracts may specify packing and make the seller liable for damage due to improper packing.
Markings usually required on containers include the contract number and destinations.
Shipping documentation, which must accompany the bill of lading or air way bill, includes the letter of credit, certificate of quantity and quality, invoice, packing list. Detailed drawings, technical specifications, and assurances of proper installment and customer training are usually attached to the standard form contract as technical annexes. Such letters of credit are payable only by the branch which opened the payment instrument. China has established a good record for reliable and prompt payment providing that the collection documents are free of any discrepancies. Open accounts or documentary collections are greatly discouraged because of there difficulty in enforcing payments.