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SMAlux: Your Reliable Street Light Supplier in China

SMAlux LED Street Lights used all aluminum lamp body with high-efficiency heat dissipation, ensure your product has a long life time.

To ensure that LED streetlight products can achieve brighter and higher lumens, SMAlux uses optical lenses in LED streetlights to provide >95% high light transmission. You can also customize the beam angle as needed.

SMAlux LED Street Lights all pass IP65 weatherproof and IK08 impact resistant test to provide you greater reliable products.

Relying on high-end LED chips, excellent LED drivers and optical lenses, SMAlux LED street lights offer you a brighter product at 130lm / W.

SMAlux LED Street Lights have uniquely patented shape and structure, and internal anti-counterfeiting mark provides you market protection from competitors.

Compared to traditional street lights, SMAlux LED street lights can help save more energy and require less maintenance. We can help you replace your city traditional street lights and provide complete services and solutions for maximum return on investment.

Street Light Importing from China: The Ultimate Guide

My last interview with 67 businesses and companies in street light importing from China was quite intriguing.

You need to exercise due diligence when importing street lights from China.

Take, for example, know the street light manufacturer, choose the best street lights, and put in place the best control quality measures, amongst others.

Today’s guide will help you avoid some pitfalls when importing street lights from China.

Here’s exactly what you should do:

Know Types of Street Lights You’re Importing from China

The truth is, street light importing from China starts here.

Why?

You cannot go out there without the slightest idea of what you need.

You need to evaluate the different types of street lights depending on their benefits or advantages and the disadvantages.

With this, there is a high chance that you will get the best street lights.

To import street lights from China easily, it is important to consider the following key classifications:

Types of Lamps for Street Lighting or Source of Light

You can choose from any of the following:

a) Metal Halide Lamps for Street Lights

Metal halide street lights cast “true” light.

That is, objects rendered in these types of street lights will maintain their true color.

At times, you will find a street light manufacturer in China calling it MH lamp or High-Intensity Discharge (HID) lamp.

It looks like this:

Metal halide lamp

Of course, there are other designs available in the market too.

Here is what you get by installing metal halide lamps:

Metal halide street light – Photo courtesy: Edison Tech Center

If you’re interested in learning more about this type of street lights, there is a useful guide for you: Metal Halide Lamps.

b) LED Street Lights

Light Emitting Diode is one of the most popular lighting systems.

It is basically a semiconductor, whose working principle is based on P-N junction.

You can learn more about how an LED lighting system works from the video below:

Unlike metal halide lamps, LEDs produce a lot of blue light.

Therefore, the LED street light manufacturer in China should adopt technologies that reduce the effect of the blue light to users.

Again, as you go about your LED street light importing from China errands, remember, you can choose from any of the following:

• Modular LED street light
• Flat LED street light
• COB LED street light

Types of LED street lights

You can learn more about these types of street lights here – How LED Works.

c) High-Pressure Sodium Street Lights

High-pressure sodium (HPS) street light are popular for their yellow/orange glow.

In case you don’t like the color, there is a sodium vapor lamp.

The sodium vapor simply corrects the yellow glow, which some people may not like.

Below is a video by Edison Tech Center illustrating all the critical elements of HPS street light:

Closely related to the HPS street light is a low-pressure sodium street lights.

Of course, the low-pressure sodium lamps are more energy efficient, and they produce only yellow light (a single wavelength).

Consequently, it becomes difficult to differentiate colors.

Just in case you’re interested in these types of street lights, you can get more insights here – Sodium Vapor Lamps.

d) Fluorescent Lamp for Street Light

In case you’re considering fluorescent street lights, here is a video illustrating everything about these lighting systems.

Again, for working principle and history, you can read this – Florescent Lamp.

e) Induction Lamp for Street Lights

Probably, you want to try induction lamps.

Well, these lamps depend on the electromagnetic field to create light.

For a better understanding of how the lights work, you can watch this video:

But, in case you’re free, there is a lot of information you can learn on this page, thanks to Edison Tech Center: Induction Lamps.

Generally, there are some of the most common sources of lights you can choose for your street lights.

However, depending on the situation at hand, you may also consider the following options:

i. Arc Lamp

ii. Ceramic discharge metal halide lamp

iii. Mercury vapor

iv. Incandescent light

Apart from the source of light, another factor to consider is the mounting mechanism.

Street Light Mounting Mechanism

From experience, there’s no impossibility when it comes to the mounting mechanism for the Chinese street light suppliers and manufacturers.

You will get virtually any design or shape.

However, whenever you’re importing street lights from China, it important to specify the following:

1. Length of the street light pole
2. Street light pole material – it can be stainless steel or any material
3. Street light fixing mechanism – it can use nuts, locks or any other fixing mechanism
4. Additional treatment of the street light pole – this can be painting, hot dip galvanizing or any other treatment
5. Design of street light pole

Street light poles

Always go for a durable, reliable, and high-quality street light mounting mechanism.

Method of Lighting the Streets

Both the type of street light pole and light source you will import from China will depend on the method of lighting the road.

How do you want the light to reach the surface?

Well, you should always share this with the street light supplier in China.

Here, you have three main options to consider:

i. Street light projection – You can have short, medium, or a long projection. Of course, in this case, the light emitted should spread vertically.

ii. Light control – it basically describes the ability to control glare from the light emitted, which is divided into strict, medium, and limited.

iii. Street light extension – You can choose, narrow, wide, or normal options. Here, your light should spread horizontally.

Street lights – Photo courtesy: Wikimedia

Technology in Street Lights

Is there anything new that the street light manufacturer in China is introducing in the market?

Always ask yourself this fundamental questions before importing street lights from China.

Today, the focus is shifting to the following key aspects:

• Energy efficiency of street lights
• Ease of maintenance and installation
• Reliability and durability of street lights
• Ability to provide a “natural” view, which elimination glare among other aspects

The best part?

There are significant developments as far as innovations in the street light systems are concerned.

Some of the notable improvements include:

a) Technologies Reducing Energy Consumption

In the recent past, a number of street light manufacturers in China have been adopting solar technology.

Therefore, you can easily import solar street lights from China.

Furthermore, quite a number of street light manufacturers in China are actually integrating the solar system with LED street lights.

The results are soar LED street lights that are highly efficient and cost saving.

In fact, you can install solar LED street lights in remote areas where there is no electricity.

LED Solar street light

Other technologies that aim to improve energy consumption in the street light systems include:

· Narrow-Band Amber (NBA) LED Street Lights

Think about LED street lights that emit yellow light.

Well, Narrow-Band Amber (NBA) LED Street lights have better color rendition and do not emit the blue light.

Of course, importing these street lights from China will be very expensive since it is a new technology.

· Phosphor-Converted Amber (PCA) LED Street Lamp

Phosphor-Converted Amber (PCA) LED Street Lights offer better energy savings.

Furthermore, they have a wider bandwidth and also provide better visibility.

Again, with Phosphor-Converted Amber (PCA) LED Street Lights, you are always sure of better color rendering.

However, it is still expensive than normal LED street lights.

Remember to discuss this with your street light manufacturer in China if they can implement this technology.

b) Mode of Switching on Street Lights

You should consider the mode of switching ON/OFF the street lights.

If you can adopt an automatic ON/OFF switch for your street lights, the better.

In a nutshell, before you start street light importing from China to whichever destination, know exactly what you want.

But, knowing the type of street light to import from China is not enough.

Go ahead to highlight the key specifications of the street light.

Being Clear on the Street Lights Specifications

Basically, street light specifications will give the manufacturer or supplier of an idea of what you need.

Whether you want standard or custom street lights, you should discuss this with your supplier.

Furthermore, the street lights specifications should meet the local standards and regulations within your country.

The set standards and specifications may vary from one country to another.

For instance, if you’re importing street lights from China to U.S.A, Arlington, Virginia, then it should meet the following Street Light Regulations.

On the other hand, importing street lights from China to India must conform to the regulation standards for street lights in India, while the LED street lights regulations for Durham, England are also different.

What am I saying here?

Know the street lights standards, rules, and regulations before importing from China.

Street lights – Photo courtesy: Public Service Request

Here are some of the most critical specifications to consider when importing street lights from China:

i. Type of material

ii. Design of the street light

iii. Energy consumption (in watts)

iv. Amount of light (in lumen)

v. Light intensity (lux)

vi. Efficiency – you’re basically trying to evaluate the amount of light your street light produces compared to the electrical energy consumption

vii. A solar panel (for solar street light)

viii. Brand or model

ix. Light efficiency

x. Quality compliance

xi. Warranty

xii. Type of cell for solar street light

xiii. Life expectancy

xiv. Color rendering

xv. Temperature

xvi. Type of source of light – it can be LED, metal halide, etc.

xvii. Overvoltage protection

xviii. Environmental compliance

xix. Color

xx. Mounting pole

xxi. Dimensions

xxii. Weight, etc.

In short, describe every detail of the street light you want to import from China.

Don’t take anything for granted, even small things like fasteners, washers, gaskets, etc.

Once you have these in place, go ahead and look for street light manufacturer and suppliers in China.

Finding Street Light Manufacturers in China

You’re probably asking yourself:

Should you import street lights from distributor, supplier or manufacturer?

It’s this simple, both the street light supplier in China and street light distributors in China get all products from the manufacturer.

Therefore, your priority should be importing street lights from the manufacturer.

Alternatively, you can look for street light suppliers in China.

Actually, at times, we can refer to the manufacturer as suppliers.

That’s why you will find Chinese street light manufacturers referring to themselves as Chinese street light suppliers.

Of course, suppliers (assuming it is not manufacturing), get their street lights from manufacturers.

However, you should avoid distributors.

Now, let’s get to the main subject – How and where to find street light manufacturers.

1. Search Online

It is the most obvious thing anyone in the street light importing from China business will do.

But what is the trick here?

Use the right search terms. Obviously, you will get results from street light manufacturers and B2B online market places.

Below are some useful search terms you can use:

• Street light manufacturer in China
• Solar LED street light manufacturers in China – Here, you’re more specific. You are looking for a manufacturer with solar and LED street lights
• Solar street light manufacturer in China – However here, the focus is on solar lights
• Chinese street lighting manufacturers
• LED street light manufacturers in Shenzhen – Here, your focus is on a specific region within China.

As you can see, the focus in on the terms “Street Light” and region, where in our case “China.”

This way, your search will be more specific.

By the end of this process, you should identify and list a few street light manufacturers.

2. Consider B2B Online Market Places

A number of Chinese street light manufacturers and suppliers use these online market places to reach out to clients.

Therefore, it can be a better way to meet potential street light manufacturers and suppliers.

You can consider the following:

• Global Sources
• Alibaba
• Made in China

Once you access these B2B websites, go to the search section and key in appropriate keywords such as street lights, solar street lights, solar LED street light, etc.

Let’s have an example:

Alibaba search tab

Alibaba street light search results

As you can see, from B2B websites, you can get a lot of information such as:

· Design of the Street Light

In case you could not get the best design in stage 1 above, B2B gives you an opportunity to evaluate hundreds of designs available in the market.

· Street Light Manufacturer in China/Street Light Supplier in China

Here, you will get the name or the street light manufacturer or supplier.

Furthermore, by clicking on the street light of your choice, you will get a lot of information about the supplier. This will include:

i. Trading company or name of the manufacturer

ii. Contacts to their technical support (on your far right)

iii. Period the company has been in the street light industry

iv. Reviews

v. Response rate

vi. Whether the company is a gold supplier or not

vii. Payment options

viii. Minimum order quantity

ix. Company profile

x. Certifications

xi. Market, etc.

Please note: This information should give you an overview of the company.

However, you must not use it to make a final decision whether to work with the company or not.

You need to perform a factory audit for the street light manufacturer.

You will learn more about that shortly.

As you can see, B2B websites give you more detailed information about the street light manufacturer.

Below is a video explaining how to find a supplier on Alibaba.

You can use the same technique to find street light suppliers on Alibaba and other networks.

3. Consider Lighting System Trade Fair and Exhibitions

It may require traveling to China and interacting with the companies.

Alternatively, you may use a representative in China or a Chinese sourcing agent.

But, how will you know where or when there will be exhibition or trade fairs on lighting systems?

Go straight to search engine, and maybe use a search term such as this “China international street lighting exhibition.”

Also, you can be more specific and use: “LED exhibition China 2019”.

Look at the results:

China international street lighting exhibition

And this:

LED exhibition China 2019

From these exhibitions, you will get many street light manufacturers from China.

By the way, it’s only serious companies that will attend such exhibitions since they want to showcase their breakthroughs in the industry.

Apart from these three options, you can also reach out to your networks in China.

Just in case you know someone there, they can help when it comes to this.

Remember, this leads you to yet another important aspect in street light importing from China.

Factory Audit for Street Light Manufacturers in China

A factory audit is a systematic process you’ll use to evaluate street light manufacturing company’s quality control system, capability, and working environment.

During the factory audit, process, you will focus on the following key areas:

i. Social compliance audit

ii. Factory security audit

iii. Factory quality audit

Here is a sample checklist:

 Factory audit checklist – Photo courtesy: In Touch Quality

You need to hire qualified factory auditor to help you in the process.

Among the key aspects the company will handle include:

1. Verification of company documents
2. Evaluate production area
3. Inspect warehouse
4. Verify quality control systems
5. Check experience and expertise

Once the street light manufacturer in China passes the factory audit stage, you can at least have hope that quality is somehow guaranteed.

Be warned: That’s not all. You should be able to control and verify the quality of the street lights.

Let’s look at that.

Street Light Quality Inspection Process

Let me tell you something; whether you are solar street light importers, solar LED street light or metal halide lamp street light importer, you should be able to control quality in every stage.

Remember, quality inspection and control in street light manufacturing is a continuous process.

You need to ensure that every component meets the set quality standards, both locally and internationally.

Remember, street light is an assembly of different parts and components.

Depending on the design, the structure may have:

Street light system

• RF Antenna
• Motion sensors
• Communication module
• Lamp
• Controller system
• Solar panel
• Battery
• Pole, among other components

At times, your street light manufacturer in China may source some of these components from other suppliers.

Whichever the case, you should maintain quality at all times.

Now, the street light quality control process should involve the following key steps:

Step 1: Quality Control Planning

Without a plan on how to execute the quality control process, all the other efforts will not yield desired results.

You must plan how and when to conduct quality tests or verifications, without delaying the street light manufacturing process.

It should start right from design work, sourcing materials, assembly through to testing.

Step 2: Designing Street Light Systems

You should verify that the design of the street lights meets the right dimensional standards and specifications.

Ensure the tolerance, dimensions, curves, etc. conform to the specifications.

Remember, in the street light manufacturing process in China, the final product is a result of technical drawing.

Different projections of a street light – Photo courtesy: Ladimtech

Step 3: Inspect Raw Material and Arrange for Component Sourcing

For components that the street light manufacturer in China cannot produce in-house, you should agree on where to source them from.

Of course, the third party must provide quality testing and verification documents to ensure they conform to specified quality standards.

Test all raw materials that will be used in the street light manufacturing process.

Whether it a fastener, gasket, PCB boards, or pole, they must meet the right quality standards.

Step 4: Quality Testing During the Components Manufacturing Process

As you can see, street lights are assemblies of different parts and components.

Therefore, it is important to test the various parts individually.

It is a sure way of saving both time and money during the street light manufacturers in China.

SMAlux street light

Step 5: Street Light Assembly Quality Testing

Again, the assembly process is a systematic process where you need to control every process.

By the end of this process, you should have a fully functioning street light system.

Well, this is a critical stage since it will determine whether its performance meets set standards.

Some of the street light quality testing will include:

i. Module quality verification – it should include a serial number, manufacturer, configuration,

ii. Lamp testing and configurations – among the key tests here include model and serial number, power consumption, efficiency, lux, etc.

iii. Battery testing

iv. Protection options – they may include low voltage, cut off, load reconnect, overcharge cut off, module reconnect, etc.

v. Charge control unit testing

vi. Environmental testing

In fact, the list is not comprehensive.

But as you can see, street light importing from China quality testing is a systematic process.

You must be patient and let professional quality control team for street light conduct the process.

Even the sample street light from China must conform to the quality standards above.

Also, you should not import street light from China that does not have a warranty.

Remember, a warranty is an indication that the street light supplier in China trust and has faith in its products.

Quality Certification for Street Lights in China

A Professional street light supplier and manufacturer in China should have all the necessary certificates.

These should include their quality certifications and patents.

Depending on your region, street light should conform to the following quality standards CCC, RoHS, FCC, CE, ASTM, LVD, IEC, EMC, RED, UL, WEEE Directive, REACH Directive compliant and energy efficiency mark along with others.

Quality standards

Of course, street light manufacturer in China will have a sticker with a quality compliance mark on the lighting system.

Quality compliance sticker

Cost of Importing Street Lights from China

Before you start street light importing from China business, you need to calculate the total cost.

But, as a matter of fact, you will always get competitive prices when importing street light from China.

LED street light designs

Below are some of the main factors that will determine how much you’ll spend when importing street lights from China:

1. Cost of buying the street lights from the factory. Remember, every street light manufacturer will have its minimum order quantity (MOQ).
2. Logistics costs which may include hiring factory auditor, quality control team, traveling, accommodation, etc
3. Paying for taxes – street light taxes vary from one country to another. So, contact your local customs authorities to know how much you will pay.
4. Cost of shipping street lights from China

Of course, you may also incur other miscellaneous expenses such as transaction charges.

Remember, Chinese street light manufacturers offer many modes of payments. C

hoose one that is cheap, convenient, secure, and reliable to pay all the cost of importing street lights from China.

Packaging Street Lights when Importing from China

In street light importing from China, you must use durable, reliable, and safe packaging mechanism.

The packaging must protect the street lights from harsh environmental conditions during shipping.

When you’re working with a reliable manufacturer, they will adopt the best packaging for both street light system and poles.

Furthermore, the packaging must include all the necessary accessories.

Street light packaging

Again, it should have appropriate labeling with appropriate warnings.

This way, whoever is handling the street lights will be extra careful.

Shipping Street Lights from China to Global Destinations

Once you have the street lights ready, it is time for shipping from China to global destinations.

Now, depending on your location, quantity or timeframe, you can use sea freight, rail freight, or air freight.

Of course, the fastest mode of transport here is air freight thou it tends to be the most expensive.

In case you want to handle shipping street lights from China easily, hiring a freight forwarder will save you a lot of time and money.

A freight forwarder will handle all shipping logistics such as transportation, supervising loading, help with shipping incoterms, and handling shipping documents, amongst others.

Guess what; with freight forwarders, you will get the best shipping rates.

Besides, you will not miss shipping space.

Still, if you can handle all the process on your own – Well and good.

Street Light Importing from China After Sales Services

Let me tell you one secret before you start street light importing from China.

Remember, Chinese street light suppliers or manufacturer value long-term partnerships or cooperation.

Therefore, you’re always guaranteed of after-sales services.

Street light supplier in China can support you with the installation process, troubleshooting, replacements, etc.

Do not import from the street light manufacturer in China who do not offer after sales service.

Recommendation: What Street Lights to Import from China

Probably, you’re waiting if I could recommend street light manufacturer in China.

Well, I will not disappoint.

SMAlux is a professional and experienced street light manufacturer in China.

From your ordinary street lighting systems, LED street light, LED solar street light, and other smart lighting systems, you’re guaranteed of the best lighting systems.

With over 25 years in street light manufacturers in China, locally and internationally certified company, besides patented technologies, SMAlux is a manufacturer you can always count on.

You can contact SMAlux for questions or free consultations on street lights importing from China.

Conclusion

Clearly, importing street light from China is a systematic process you must follow cautiously, from knowing the type of light you need, quality inspection to shipping.

It is important that you pay attention to every stage in street light importing from China to get products that meet your specific market needs.

Frankly, the process can be overwhelming.

However, if you follow all processes in this guide, you’ll obviously get the best street light in the market.

Now, I would like to hear from you.

Are you facing problems in street light importing from China?

What are your favorite street light designs?

Either way, let me know what you think.