Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely. Private-label OEM is our core business. We can print or laser-engrave your logo on the cartridge housing, produce custom-color housings to match your brand palette, design and print your branded packaging (retail boxes, blister packs, multi-pack kits), and include multi-language user manuals and installation guides. There is no extra tooling charge for logo printing; packaging artwork setup is typically a one-time cost. Learn more on our OEM manufacturing page.

We support the full spectrum of OEM customization: (1) Dimensional changes — custom cartridge length (5"–40"), diameter (slim/standard/jumbo), and end-cap style. (2) Media formulation — choose or blend PP melt-blown, coconut-shell GAC, carbon block, T33, UF membrane, RO membrane, KDF, ion-exchange resin, antiscalant media, or mineral balls. (3) Connector type — standard threaded, quick-connect I-type or U-type, push-fit snap. (4) Housing color and material (food-grade PP/ABS). (5) Packaging — retail box, bulk bag, OEM white box, branded kit. (6) Documentation — NSF certificates, food-contact declarations, batch QC reports, multi-language labels.

Yes. Send us your existing cartridge sample (or detailed drawings/photos) and we will conduct a dimensional reverse-engineering and media analysis to produce a matching equivalent. Our R&D team can replicate proprietary form factors within 15–20 working days for a prototype. We ask for 2–3 sample units ideally, or dimensioned technical drawings. Once the prototype is approved, bulk tooling and production follow. Contact us via our inquiry form to begin the process.

Yes. We have an in-house injection-moulding workshop and can develop new housing moulds for unique form factors. Mould development fees range depending on complexity but are typically refundable or credited against your first production run above a minimum order threshold. Lead time for a new mould is 20–35 days. All moulds developed for a client are stored and maintained at our factory and considered the client's exclusive property — we will not use them for any other customer. See our OEM manufacturing page for the full partnership scope.

Yes. Water quality varies significantly by region, and we tailor media formulations accordingly. For example: high-chlorine municipal water (US, Europe) benefits from higher coconut-shell carbon loading; iron-rich groundwater (Russia, Eastern Europe) requires KDF-55 or green sand media; high-hardness water benefits from antiscalant polyphosphate or ion-exchange resin. Our technical team will review your local water quality report and recommend the optimal media specification for your application and regulatory environment.

MOQ varies by product category. For standard PP/CTO/GAC/T33 cartridges (10" format), MOQ is negotiable and can start from a few hundred pieces for first-time trial orders. Quick-connect cartridges: negotiable. RO membranes (50/75/100 GPD): 200 pcs. Complete 5-stage RO systems: 50 pcs. Tankless direct-flow RO systems: 100 pcs. Commercial systems (DSS/CHS/AHS): 20 pcs. For OEM orders with custom branding and packaging, MOQ typically starts from 2,000 pcs per SKU. Contact us with your specific requirements — we accommodate flexible trial orders for new customers.

All quoted prices are FOB Ningbo (Beilun Port) unless otherwise agreed. Unit pricing is tiered by order volume — larger quantities receive better per-unit pricing. Price components include: cartridge/system cost, private-label setup (one-time, amortized over the run), packaging cost, and export documentation. We do not charge separately for standard NSF raw material certificates or food-contact declarations. For a formal quotation, please submit an inquiry with your target SKU list and estimated annual volume.

Yes. For standard models, we provide free physical samples — you only pay the international shipping cost (typically $15–$40 via DHL/FedEx depending on destination). For custom OEM samples requiring new tooling or special media blending, a small sample preparation fee applies; this fee is credited in full against your first bulk order. Sample preparation time is 5–7 working days for standard models, and 15–20 working days for fully custom configurations. Request samples through our contact page.

Standard payment terms are 30% T/T deposit upon order confirmation, with the 70% balance paid against the Bill of Lading copy before shipment. For established long-term partners, we can discuss net-30 or letter of credit (L/C at sight) terms. We accept bank wire transfer (T/T), L/C at sight, and Western Union for small sample orders. PayPal is available for sample payments only. All transactions are conducted in USD.

Yes. We regularly consolidate multiple SKUs — different cartridge models, media types, sizes, and OEM labels — into a single container shipment. This is common for distributors who stock a range of our products. We coordinate the production schedule so all SKUs are ready for the same shipping window, and we handle the consolidated packing list, commercial invoice, and export declaration. A minimum total container value applies for consolidated loads; contact us with your full SKU list for a consolidated quote.

Ningbo XZH holds ISO 9001:2015 quality management system certification. Our raw materials (activated carbon, filter media, PP resin) are sourced from NSF-certified suppliers conforming to NSF/ANSI 42 and NSF/ANSI 53 standards. Selected product lines carry SGS and FDA compliance documentation. The factory has been a Made-in-China.com Verified Supplier since 2016. We can provide EAC declaration support for Russia and the Customs Union. All food-contact certifications are available upon request for each product family.

Our QC process has four stages: (1) Incoming raw material inspection — each batch of filter media, resin, and PP/ABS housing material is tested for basic parameters before entering production. (2) In-process QC — dimensional checks and weight verification at each assembly stage. (3) 100% finished product testing — every housing unit undergoes pressure testing; every cartridge undergoes flow-rate and bypass-leakage testing. (4) Pre-shipment AQL sampling — random sampling per AQL 2.5 Level II before packing. Full QC records are archived and available per batch. Learn more on our OEM manufacturing page.

Yes, and we actively welcome it. We cooperate with SGS, Bureau Veritas (BV), TÜV, Intertek, and any inspection agency of your choice. Our factory is always accessible for pre-production, during-production, and pre-shipment inspections. We ask only for 24 hours' notice to prepare the production and QC documentation. Third-party inspection costs are borne by the buyer but we do not charge any cooperation fee on our side. Arrange inspection through your preferred agency and share the booking confirmation with our team.

Yes. All primary filtration media used in our cartridges — including coconut-shell activated carbon granules, extruded carbon block material, and UF/RO membrane sheets — are sourced from suppliers that hold NSF/ANSI 42 or NSF/ANSI 53 certification for material safety and structural integrity. PP resin for housings and end-caps is food-grade certified. We can supply the NSF raw material certificates as part of our standard documentation package for any OEM order.

Yes. For every production batch, we generate and archive: an Incoming Inspection Record for raw materials, an In-Process Inspection Report, a Finished Product Inspection Report (including pressure test and flow-rate data), and a Packing/Shipping Inspection checklist. These documents can be included in the shipment documentation or emailed upon request. For OEM clients requiring full traceability, we can also provide batch-level material traceability linking each shipment to its raw material lot numbers.

Lead times depend on product type and order complexity. Standard PP/CTO/GAC cartridges (in-stock or short-run): 15–20 working days. Quick-connect and snap-fit cartridges: 20–30 working days. Complete RO systems: 30–40 working days. Custom OEM orders with new tooling or special media: 35–45 working days. These times start from order confirmation and deposit receipt. We will always provide a confirmed production schedule in writing before production begins. Rush orders may be possible with a surcharge — please enquire.

Primary export port is Ningbo (Ningbo Zhoushan Port, Beilun Terminal), one of China's busiest container ports with excellent global connectivity. For time-sensitive or special cargo, we can also use Shanghai Port (approximately 2 hours from our factory). Air freight is handled through Ningbo Lishe International Airport or Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Ningbo Port offers direct services to Europe (15–20 days), North America West Coast (12–15 days), Russia/CIS via FESCO or Cosco, Southeast Asia (5–10 days), and the Middle East (15–18 days).

Yes. In addition to standard FOB Ningbo terms, we offer CIF, DAP (DDU), and DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) pricing to most major destinations including the USA, EU countries, Russia, Kazakhstan, UAE, Australia, and Southeast Asian markets. For DDP shipments, we work with licensed customs brokers at the destination country to handle import duties and local delivery. DDP pricing includes all freight, insurance, origin/destination handling, and import duties — you receive the goods at your warehouse door with no additional costs. Request a DDP quote with your delivery address.

Export packaging is designed to withstand long-distance ocean shipping. Individual cartridges are wrapped in PE film or placed in retail cartons (for OEM orders), then packed into corrugated master cartons with appropriate void-fill. Cartons are stacked on export pallets (standard EUR or CHEP depending on destination) and stretch-wrapped. Packing lists clearly state carton dimensions, gross/net weight, and HS code. For fragile RO system components, double-wall boxes with foam inserts are used. We follow ISPM-15 regulations for wooden packaging materials used in pallets.

Yes. We have experience supporting Russian and CIS importers with EAC (Eurasian Conformity) declaration procedures for water treatment products falling under TR CU 021/2011 (food safety) and TR CU 010/2011 (machine safety, for complete systems). We can provide the technical documentation package required by accredited Russian certification bodies, including: product specifications, test reports, raw material certificates, manufacturing process descriptions, and factory audit support. Note that the EAC declaration itself must be issued by a legal entity registered in the Customs Union — we support your certification agent with the factory-side documentation. Contact us to discuss your EAC requirements.