Is the process of import customs declaration too complicated? Please keep this guide to avoid pitfalls.

Have you ever been deterred by the cumbersome procedures for importing goods? Mr. Zhang recently ordered a batch of equipment from overseas, but got stuck in the customs declaration process and had to pay an additional tens of thousands of yuan in late payment fees. Ms. Li's imported cosmetics were detained by the customs due to incomplete documents, resulting in heavy losses. Import customs declaration is like a precise surgical operation, and any mistake in any link may come at a high cost. This article will break down the entire customs declaration process to help you avoid 90% of the pitfalls that beginners usually fall into.

First, it is necessary to confirm whether the goods are on the Customs Access List. Last year, a customer imported Japanese Wagyu beef, but the whole batch was destroyed because the latest quarantine policy was not checked. Secondly, complete documents need to be prepared:

• Commercial Invoice (the transaction method such as FOB/CIF should be indicated)
• Packing List (the gross and net weights must be accurate to the gram)
• Certificate of Origin (ASEAN countries can enjoy tariff preferences)

The customs declaration experts from Zhongshitong remind: It is crucial to classify the goods in advance. A certain enterprise wrongly classified "smart watches" as "clocks and watches" and paid 12% more in tariffs.

1. Pre-entry Declaration: The electronic data must be 100% consistent with the paper documents. Common mistakes include incorrect currency filling
2. Payment of Taxes and Fees: Tariff + Value-Added Tax + Consumption Tax (if applicable). Cross-border e-commerce can enjoy parcel tax preferences

3. Inspection Link: About 10% of the goods will be randomly inspected. For food products, the Chinese label filing should be done in advance

4. Release and Pick-up: The demurrage fee accumulates at 0.05% of the value of the goods per day. If it exceeds 3 months, the goods may be auctioned
5. Subsequent Supervision: Processing trade enterprises need to establish a complete account book.

• Food Products: Hygiene Certificate and Quarantine Certificate are required.
• Cosmetics: Filing Certificate + Chinese Label.
• Medical Devices: The Registration Certificate must be obtained.
• Second-hand Equipment: The degree of newness and oldness needs to be identified.

An importer's equipment worth 2 million yuan was stranded at the port for half a year because the 3C certification was not obtained, and finally it could only be returned.

The General Administration of Customs has recently implemented the "Advance Declaration" model. Compliant enterprises can shorten the customs clearance time to 48 hours. However, please note:
- The RCEP rules of origin have added cumulative rules

- The pilot project of cross-border e-commerce B2B exports has been expanded to the whole country
- Imported vehicles need to meet the national VI emission standards.

When your goods are successfully cleared through customs, the real cross-border business has just begun. It is recommended to establish a Customs Declaration Document Management System to keep all documents for at least 3 years. When encountering complex situations, it is advisable to consult professional institutions such as Zhongshitong. What thorny problems have you encountered during the import process? Welcome to share your practical experience in the comment section.