Is the import paint customs declaration too complicated? These 5 pit - avoiding guides can save 200,000 yuan!

"Mr. Zhang recently imported a batch of high - end environmentally friendly paint from Germany. He thought the procedures were complete, but was required to supplement 3 certification documents during customs declaration, and the goods were detained at the port, causing a loss of nearly 10,000 yuan per day..." Such stories are not uncommon in the field of paint import. With the growth of the demand for high - quality paint in the domestic construction and home furnishing industries, the professional services of import paint customs declaration agencies are becoming a key part of the enterprise supply chain.

Different from ordinary goods, due to the of its chemical composition, paint faces stricter supervision when imported:

• Dangerous goods identification: Paints containing flammable solvents need to be managed as hazardous chemicals, and MSDS and GHS labels need to be provided
• Environmental protection certification: Compulsory requirements such as China RoHS and VOC content standards. In some countries, a Chinese - language test report is required
• Tariff differences: The tariffs for water - based/oil - based paints range from 6% - 10%, and misclassification may lead to huge tax supplements

Ms. Li, an expert from Zhongshitong Customs Declaration, pointed out: "90% of paint import problems stem from insufficient pre - preparation." Professional agency services can provide:

• Pre - classification service: Confirm the HS code and regulatory conditions in advance
• Document pre - review: Avoid rejection of documents due to expired test reports or non - compliant translations
• Special channels: Dangerous goods paints require special warehouses and transportation filings
• Cost optimization: Use free trade agreements to reduce tariffs (such as ASEAN, RCEP)
• Emergency handling: On - site coordination ability in case of sudden inspections

Before signing the agency agreement, it is recommended that enterprises confirm:

1. Qualification verification

Check the hazardous chemical business qualifications and AEO certification level of the agency company

2. Case requirements

Request to provide recent customs clearance cases of the same type of paint (such as automotive paint, powder paint)

3. Expense details

Beware of the "lump - sum price" trap and clarify possible additional expenses such as inspection fees, container detention fees, and bill - changing fees

According to the latest news, the General Administration of Customs will implement in Q3:

• Pilot of electronic labels for harmful substances in paints (QR codes need to be filed in advance)
• Credit - based hierarchical management of import paint enterprises (enterprises with high credit enjoy priority inspection rights)
• The tariffs for water - based paints imported from Southeast Asia generally decrease by 2 - 3 percentage points