Was the imported cumin detained? The customs declaration secrets that even Shenyang foodies don't know

"From Dubai to Shenyang, how many hurdles does a bag of cumin have to go through on its transnational journey?" When Mr. Zhang tried to import Middle Eastern cumin for the first time, he was almost helpless in the face of the complicated customs declaration process. In fact, the import volume of spices at Shenyang ports increased by 37% year-on-year in 2023, with cumin accounting for as high as 21%. This article will break down the core links of imported cumin customs declaration for you and reveal how to make exotic spices reach the dining tables in Northeast China efficiently and in compliance.

Unlike other food raw materials, there are three particularities in cumin customs declaration:

• Differences in Pesticide Residue Detection Standards: The fumigants commonly allowed in Middle Eastern countries conflict with Chinese standards.
• Risks of Classification Disputes: Ground/unground cumin corresponds to different HS codes (0908.22/0908.23) respectively.
• Religious and Cultural Factors: Some production areas require the provision of halal certification documents.

Ms. Li's case is quite representative - last year, because she didn't do pre-classification identification in advance, the 5 tons of Indian cumin she imported was temporarily detained by the customs for two weeks, resulting in additional storage fees of over 10,000 yuan.

Step 1: Preparation of Qualification "Permits"

Importers need to possess simultaneously: food business license, import and export rights, and overseas manufacturer registration number. Zhongshitong suggests handling the registration of consignees of imported food 3 months in advance, which is a mandatory requirement of Shenyang Customs.

Step 2: Strategy of Document "Combination Punch"

• Certificate of Origin (the planting area needs to be indicated)
• Phytosanitary Certificate (pay close attention to the fumigation treatment record)
• Ingredient Test Report (pay attention to indicators such as aflatoxin)

Step 3: Control of Clearance Time

The fresh product channel at Shenyang Taoxian Airport Port can shorten the clearance time by 50%, but it requires: completing the declaration 24 hours before arrival at the port and uploading the attached documents electronically. The newly launched "Smart Customs" system in 2024 has reduced the inspection ratio of spices such as cumin to 12%.

Step 4: Tax Optimization Plan

According to the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement, cumin produced in Vietnam can enjoy zero tariffs, but the FORM E certificate needs to be submitted. It should be noted that if different origin cuments are mixed in the same batch of goods, the whole batch will lose the preferential qualification.

A Shenyang trader was once penalized for the following mistakes:

• Wrongly translating "cumin seed" as "caraway seed" led to a classification error.
• Not declaring the fungicide used during transportation (the MSDS file needs to be provided).
• The packaging jute bags were not labeled with the IPPC mark (a mandatory requirement for wooden packaging).

Customs data shows that among the spices returned due to unqualified labels in Northeast China in 2023, 23% of the problems were due to the failure to label "irradiated food" or "containing allergens".

With the in-depth implementation of the RCEP Agreement, cumin from emerging production areas such as Malaysia and Indonesia is pouring into the market. It is recommended that importers:

• Establish a dynamic database to track changes in pesticide residue standards in various countries.
• Give priority to selecting overseas factories that have implemented "pre-inspection".
• Utilize the "bonded testing" function in Shenyang Comprehensive Bonded Zone to reduce risks.

Have you ever had any "strange" experiences with spice customs declaration? Welcome to share your stories in the comment section. We will select three readers to provide free customs declaration plan diagnosis. Next issue will reveal the "gray traps in saffron import". Stay tuned!