7 Common Mistakes When Importing Windows Directly from China or Europe – And How to Avoid Them with Elika
Importing windows from China or Europe might seem like a clever way to save money — but the reality is often far more complicated than it appears. Quality issues, unexpected delays, and shipping mishaps can quickly wipe out any savings you thought you'd gain. Here's what you need to watch out for, and how Elika helps you get the same European-style quality without the overseas headaches.
From this article you'll learn:
- How to properly verify your supplier to avoid expensive mistakes
- Whether European and Chinese windows actually meet U.S. codes and standards
- How to identify hidden costs like tariffs, storage fees, and taxes
- How to prevent glass or frame damage during packaging and shipping
- How to avoid design mismatches and installation issues on U.S. projects
- How to get local support and peace of mind instead of overseas uncertainty
1Inadequate Supplier Verification
When you're importing windows directly from China or Europe, verifying your supplier is absolutely the most critical step. You need to be certain that your partner will honor their commitments, deliver on time, and meet the quality standards you agreed upon.
What You Need to Evaluate:
- Competitive pricing that's actually realistic
- Consistent product quality across multiple orders
- Delivery reliability and track record
- Strong English communication skills
- Responsive after-sales support
- Financial stability and business longevity
Failing to thoroughly verify these aspects can lead to costly mistakes, late shipments, or poor product quality that doesn't match what was promised.
The Elika Advantage: Skip the guesswork. With Elika, you're working with an established U.S.-based partner with verified business records, transparent customer references, and proven experience in the American market.
2Non-Compliance with U.S. Standards
Making sure your imported windows actually meet U.S. building codes isn't optional — it's essential. Windows that don't comply with NFRC or Energy Star performance requirements can fail local inspections, forcing you into expensive replacements and project delays.
Here's the problem: many Chinese or European suppliers will claim their products are compliant, but some may not actually meet the standards or lack the verified simulation data to prove it.
Important: Always confirm that the product meets NFRC and Energy Star requirements before placing your order. Don't just take their word for it — ask for documentation.
The Elika Advantage: Our products meet and exceed these standards with verified simulation performance data. No surprises, no failed inspections.
3Miscalculating Import Costs
This is where many contractors and developers get burned. They focus on the base price and think they're getting a great deal — until the hidden expenses start piling up.
Hidden Costs You Need to Account For:
- Customs duties and tariffs
- Specialized packaging for safe transport
- International insurance coverage
- Storage fees at ports
- Currency exchange rate fluctuations
Tariff Reality Check:
• uPVC from Europe: 25.3%
• Aluminum from Europe: 49.7%
• Aluminum from China: up to 75.2%
Even if you choose a Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) option, you might still face sales tax or random inspection fees that weren't in the original quote.
The Elika Advantage: All our pricing is transparent and local within the U.S. No overseas paperwork, no tariff surprises, no hidden fees. What you see is what you pay.
4Poor Logistics Coordination
Importing windows requires excellent coordination across multiple parties and time zones. When something goes wrong — and it often does — the results can be devastating for your project timeline.
Common Logistics Nightmares:
- Miscommunication about packaging requirements
- Delays in container booking during peak seasons
- Shipping schedule changes without notice
- Large glass units arriving separated from their frames
- Damage during shipment due to improper packing
These issues can delay your project for months, not weeks.
The Elika Advantage: We ship your order domestically within the U.S., ensuring safe, secure delivery directly to your job site. No customs delays, no international transport risks, no lost shipments.
5Misunderstanding Product Specifications
U.S. and European windows differ in countless details — from frame profiles and opening mechanisms to color matching and hardware finishes. It's incredibly common for importers to receive products that don't match their project's aesthetic or functionality.
Common Specification Mismatches:
- Colors that look different than expected
- Frame profiles that don't match architectural plans
- Opening mechanisms unfamiliar to end users
- Hardware finishes that clash with other fixtures
- Glass specifications that don't meet local energy codes
The Elika Advantage: You get full visibility of each model before ordering, detailed technical drawings, and the option to request a physical sample shipped domestically within the U.S. See and touch what you're buying before committing to a full order.
6Lack of Preparation for Installation
European and Chinese windows use different installation methods than what most U.S. installers are trained on. For instance, most lack the nailing fins that American contractors expect, and instead require installation with anchors or screws — a method that's unfamiliar to many crews.
If your installation team isn't properly trained on these methods, improper installation can compromise the window's performance or even void your warranty entirely.
Installation Warning: The method you use to install European-style windows is completely different from standard American windows. One mistake can ruin the performance and cost you the warranty.
The Elika Advantage: We provide full installation guidance, multiple mounting options for both wood and concrete structures, and direct technical support in English from our U.S. team. Your installers won't be left guessing.
7No Local Warranty or Support
This is perhaps the most frustrating problem of all. When you buy overseas, after-sales support is practically impossible. If your order arrives damaged, doesn't match specifications, or has performance issues, resolving the problem can take months — if it gets resolved at all.
The Overseas Support Reality:
- Time zone differences delay every response by 12+ hours
- Language barriers lead to misunderstandings
- Replacement parts take weeks or months to arrive
- Warranty claims require extensive documentation and proof
- No local recourse if the supplier becomes unresponsive
The Elika Advantage: Support is local and immediate. Any concern is handled within days, not months. Communication is direct with our team in the U.S. You stay relaxed and protected, working with a partner who stands beside you — not across an ocean.
The Bottom Line
Importing windows directly from overseas may look cheaper on paper, but hidden costs, compliance issues, and long-distance risks often make it more expensive — and far more stressful — in the end.
Elika provides a smarter, safer alternative: European-style uPVC and aluminum windows with local delivery, transparent pricing, and guaranteed U.S. support. No hidden tariffs, no overseas delays — just premium quality and total peace of mind.