Is the customs clearance of Japanese essence too complicated? This guide to avoiding pitfalls can save you tens of thousands of yuan

Have you ever been excited when seeing "Japanese direct-mail essence liquid" on e-commerce platforms, but then been deterred by the complicated tax instructions when checking out? Or has a purchasing agent promised "guaranteed customs clearance", but you received a notice of customs detention when receiving the goods? With the continuous popularity of Japanese skin care products, import customs clearance has become a common focus of attention for both consumers and merchants. Today, let's unveil the mystery of customs clearance for importing Japanese essence.

Japanese skin care products are known for being "safe, mild, and technologically advanced". The scale of China's imported daily chemical products alone exceeded 8 billion yuan in 2022. However, data from the General Administration of Customs shows that about 23% of personal mailed parcels were inspected due to non-standard declarations. Ms. Zhang once had such an experience: "The luxury essence I bought for 2,000 yuan was returned due to a translation error in the ingredient list and finally had to be destroyed."

• Ingredient compliance: Ingredients such as tranexamic acid and rhododendrol allowed in Japan are special-purpose cosmetic raw materials in China.
• Tax rate differences: The general tax rate for essence products is as high as 20%, while the preferential tax rate under agreements is only 5%.
• Label standardization: It is required to include 9 mandatory labels such as the Chinese ingredient list, the country of origin, and the importer.

Mr. Wang, the customs clearance manager of Zhongshi Tong, revealed: "90% of customs clearance delays are due to insufficient preliminary preparations." Professional agents can provide:

• Pre-classification service: Determine the HS code of the goods in advance to avoid 30% of classification disputes.
• Full-process traceability: Full-link monitoring from picking up goods at the factory to temporary storage in the bonded warehouse.
• Emergency handling: When being subject to customs control and inspection, arrive at the scene within 2 hours to cooperate with the opening of the box.

Taking a certain brand of yeast essence as an example, the complete process includes:

1. The Japanese factory issues the certificate of origin and the free sales certificate.
2. The Chinese laboratory conducts 30 tests such as microbiological and heavy metal tests.
3. File with the National Medical Products Administration (it takes about 20 working days for non-special cosmetics).
4. Prepare customs declaration documents (invoices, packing lists, and contracts need to be in Chinese and Japanese bilingual).
5. Affix Chinese labels after customs release.

After the implementation of Order No. 248 of the General Administration of Customs:

• Importers of cosmetics need to register "Record-filing of Importers of Imported Food and Cosmetics" in advance.
• The transportation temperature of essence products needs to be maintained within 10 - 25°C throughout the process.
• At least 3 unopened samples should be retained for each batch for future reference.

When you see the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence with the label of "Direct Shipping from Bonded Warehouse" on e-commerce platforms, you might as well ask one more question: "Can you provide the customs declaration form and the entry inspection certificate?" Behind each bottle of essence that is imported in compliance with regulations are dozens of professional documents. Choosing a regular channel is not only responsible for your skin but also shows respect for the law.

Have you also encountered difficulties in customs clearance of imported skin care products? Welcome to share your experiences in the comment section. We will select 3 readers to provide free customs clearance consulting services.