When comes to import from China,

The customs clearance in China is a necessary step no matter what shipping method ( FCL, LCL, AIR or courier ) you choose .

Customs declaration is a serious thing, shipment can be held or can’t be shipped out because of improper operation.

To release shipment smoothly, it’s important for you to understand what preparations you need to do in advance.

In this article, I explain the key points you need to know.

Let’s get started.

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1

Whether Customs clearance required for every shipment from China ? 

Yes. As long as goods shipped from China, Customs clearance is needed no matter you ship by sea , train or air.

2

What shipping documents are required for Customs clearance in China ?

For China export Customs, normally supplier will need to provide 4 documents :

  • Customs declaration letter
  • Power of attorney for Customs clearance
  • Packing List
  • Commerical Invoice
  • Sales Contract

3

Can Customs cleared if China supplier don’t have export right ?

In this situation, you will need get your forwarder to provide a export license so for export Customs clearance in China.

Just take note, supplier can not get tax rebate when using this export license instead of official Customs documentation.

4

How long does China Customs clearance take ?

If cargo was not inspected by China Customs authorities,  the process can be very fast. Just few hours can be done.

But you may heard it may takes few days for Customs to release the shipment, this is because of the time of cutoff ( Closing time of Customs clearance ).

  • For LCL sea freight, the closing time for export Customs from China need 3-7 days before vessel departs ;
  • For FCL, normally the Cutoff date is 1-2 days before ETD.
  • For air freight, the Customs can be done within one day.

5

How much for export Customs clearance in China ?

It depends on the port of loading in China.

Normally, the Customs clearance fee is about USD 15-50 / BL among China main ports and airports.  Each BL can show 5 HS code. If above that,  USD 5-10 / Page will be required.

And if suppliers can not offer their own Customs documentation, the export license is required. Aaddtional price is about USD 30 / BL.

In some special cases like cargo consolidation with various products from different suppliers,  the whole shipment can be cleared togeher, price is USD 150-200 / Shipment no matter how many suppliers involved for this shipment.

6

What if Customs inspection happen ?

Customs authorities inspect the shipments randamly.

In some special time like national day or Chinese new year holdiay season, this inspection could be very strict.

If ever inspected, the whole container or air shipment will be hold and waiting for further release.

Consequently,  inspection fee and storage fee will be incurred. Those costs will be charged as per the Customs receipt.

Who pay this ?

It depends on the Incoterms.

If FOB, your supplier will pay; If EXW, then it will be on your account.

7

What required for Customs clearance of dangerous cargo ?

Dangerous cargo will effect the shipping safety. If any accidents happen, the result could be a disaster.

So shipping for dangerous cargo or sensitive cargo is more complex , and Customs clearance more strictly.

But what if you really need to import the dangerous cargo, then how to clear clearance ?

Use legal and formal way :

  1. Find a freight forwarder who are specialized in dangerous cargo. They are more professional and have more poweful resources. Most forwarder like us are focus on common goods only.
  2. Buy from official China maufacturers, not small trading compaines. They can be more reliable, and capable to help you shipping such dangerous cargo.
  3. Never concel the true commodity name or failure to declare the dangerous cargo items. Otherwise, both shipper and buyer will face judicial litigation and a huge penalty.
  4. Provide MSDS, UN38.3, Shanghai chemical test report, DGM, etc certificates & documents to the carrier before make the booking.  Only when they verify it and confirm the shipping is ok, then place the shipping order.

Bonus : Customs clearance process 

1.Book the container or flight with the carrier.

2.Prepare the necessary documents for Customs declaration and export inspection. 

All documents required by the Customs clearance must be prepared 24 hours before loading ).

All required documents  ( Inspection certificate and fumigation certifate for wooden products and packing material ) for export inspection must be prepared three days before the date of customs declaration ,  and also reported to the inspection and Quarantine Bureau.

3.Officially declared to the customs.

If the export goods needs to pay taxes and fees, they should be paid in time.

4. Customs on-the-spot examination.

Firstly, Customs inspect the documents.

After it passed,  the goods must be transported to the customs supervision area for inspection and release within the time specified by the customs.

Second, Customs inspect the cargo.

The random Customs inspection may happen in this process.

If it occured, the Customs inspection fee is collected as per Customs invoice.

If no inspection is needed, the goods shall be released in time, the shipment will be on board according to the deadline.

5. Completed the Customs data

After the goods are exported, the shipping carrier will send the export manifest data to the customs.

Then customs broker will help factory to get the tax refund after the customs data is cleared.

In the meantime, data ( Comodities, Quantities, weight, volume etc) on the B/L or AWB is the same as on Customs declaration.

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CONCLUDES

That’s all the questions related to Customs clearance in China and frequently asked in my 10 years freight forwarding experience.

Now I’d like to hearing from you :

What else Customs problems do you have when ship from China ?

Do you have paid the Customs inspection fee ? How much ?

Either way, just let me know by leaving a comment below.

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