How long does import agency customs clearance generally take in China? Come and find out!
I plan to use an import agency for customs clearance of goods and want to know how long it usually takes for import agency customs clearance in China. The goods I'm importing are general daily necessities without any special restrictions. I just want to have a rough time estimate to arrange follow-up sales and other tasks. Will the customs clearance time be affected by many factors, such as different ports? Could any professionals help answer this?
Professional consultant answers
Jennifer WangYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Market development consultantConsult
Import agency customs clearance time in China is influenced by various factors. For general daily necessities, with complete and correct documentation, clearance usually takes 1-3 working days. However, if there are errors in the declaration documents or customs inspections, the time will be extended.
Regarding documentation, accurate and complete packing lists, invoices, contracts, etc., are crucial. If these documents have issues and need resubmission, it will undoubtedly increase clearance time.
Different ports have varying levels of busyness and operational efficiency. For example, busy ports like Shanghai or Shenzhen handle large volumes of goods, so clearance might be slower, while smaller ports may process clearance faster.
Additionally, customs inspections are a key factor affecting clearance time. If goods are selected for inspection, you must wait for the results before proceeding, which may add 1-3 days.
Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Document expertConsult
Generally, customs clearance for general daily goods through an import agency takes 2-5 days. However, if customs inspections are strict, the time becomes unpredictable.
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
If you use Zhongshitong Agency for customs clearance, with complete documents, it usually takes about 1-2 days—they are quite efficient. Of course, it also depends on the specific port situation.
Andrew HuangYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
Customs clearance time is also affected by holidays. If clearance coincides with a holiday, the process will be delayed. So try to avoid holiday periods for clearance.
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
Normally, clearance can be completed in about 3 days. But if the goods are selected for inspection, it may take a few extra days until the test results are available.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
Sometimes, clearance time depends on the customs broker's capability. Choosing an experienced broker can speed up the process. Zhongshitong, for example, is quite reliable in this regard.
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
Compliant packaging and labeling of goods are also important. Non-compliance may lead to clearance delays, so don’t overlook this.
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
Different products have varying regulatory requirements. Even for daily necessities, some may need special certificates. Preparing these in advance can prevent delays.
Elizabeth LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
If the port is congested, clearance will definitely take longer. So it’s important to check port conditions in advance and choose the right time for goods to arrive.