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Is the import process of freight forwarding complex? Come and tell me!

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I want to know how freight forwarding imports goods. I haven't been in contact with this aspect before and don't know the specific process. Do I need to find a forwarder company first? What should I do after finding it? Are the links such as customs declaration and clearance handled by the forwarder, or do we need to participate ourselves? I hope someone with experience can tell me in detail. The more detailed, the better. Thank you.

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Professional consultant answers

Emily Liu
Emily LiuYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0

Settlement and payment expertConsult

The general import process of freight forwarding is as follows: First, find a professional and reliable forwarder company, like Zhongshitong with rich experience. After confirming the cooperation, it is necessary to provide the forwarder with detailed information about the goods, such as product name, quantity, weight, value, packaging, etc. The forwarder arranges booking based on this, contacts the shipping company or airline to book shipping space. Before the goods arrive at the port, the forwarder starts to prepare customs declaration materials, including packing lists, invoices, contracts, etc., and declares to the customs. After the customs inspection is correct and the customs duties and value-added tax are paid, the forwarder goes through the formalities of picking up the goods. After picking up the goods, arrange door-to-door delivery or transshipment to the designated warehouse according to the customer's requirements. Throughout the process, the customer needs to cooperate with the forwarder to provide accurate information. For special goods, special documents also need to be prepared in advance.

In short, the forwarder plays a key coordinating role in the import process, but the customer's cooperation is also very important.

Andrew Huang
Andrew HuangYears of service:7Customer Rating:5.0

Supply chain optimization expertConsult

After finding a good forwarder, they will be responsible for following up on the transportation dynamics. You have to communicate with the forwarder at any time to understand where the goods are. And for some special documents such as the certificate of origin, you need to prepare them in advance and hand them over to the forwarder.

Robert Chen
Robert ChenYears of service:6Customer Rating:5.0

Customer service consultantConsult

During the import process of the forwarder, the customs declaration link is very important. They will determine the tax rate according to the classification of the goods. If the classification is wrong, too much or too little tax may be paid. You yourself should also know some basic knowledge of goods classification and cooperate with the forwarder.

David Li
David LiYears of service:6Customer Rating:5.0

Senior customs declaration consultantConsult

After the goods arrive at the port, if the customs spot-checks during the forwarder's customs clearance, it may delay the time. Therefore, the packaging of the goods should be compliant and the information should be accurate, which can reduce the trouble of spot-checks and speed up the import process.

Amanda Yang
Amanda YangYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0

Cost control consultantConsult

Attention should be paid to the time nodes in the forwarder's import, such as the closing time, the declaration deadline, etc. Missing the time may incur additional costs. The forwarder generally reminds, but you should also be clear in your mind.

William Yang
William YangYears of service:5Customer Rating:5.0

International logistics consultantConsult

Imported goods may be detained by the customs due to quality and other issues. Confirm the response plan with the forwarder, such as how to handle it if the inspection is unqualified, so as not to panic when problems occur.

Sarah Zhang
Sarah ZhangYears of service:8Customer Rating:5.0

Document expertConsult

When the forwarder books shipping space, try to choose a shipping company or airline with a good reputation. Otherwise, if the goods are damaged or delayed during transportation, it will affect the import progress.

Michelle Chen
Michelle ChenYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0

Business coordination consultantConsult

When signing a contract with the forwarder, the responsibilities and obligations of both parties should be clearly defined, and the cost details should also be clearly written to prevent disputes later.

Joseph Zhou
Joseph ZhouYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0

Senior foreign trade managerConsult

For high-value goods, it is recommended to purchase freight insurance. The forwarder can generally assist in handling it. In case of losses during the transportation of the goods, the losses can be reduced.

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