As China opens its door wider and wider, an increasing volume, variety and range of products are imported from overseas into the domestic market. However, the import customs clearance procedures vary for each type of product, and customs clearance processes differ across ports nationwide. This results in "different declaration methods for different products at different ports". Our company provides customs clearance services centered on Ningbo Port, with a service coverage extending to all other ports across the country. The general import customs clearance procedures are as follows:
1. Qualification Review Different products require different qualifications. Our company will first conduct relevant qualification reviews based on the product to ensure all qualifications are legitimate and compliant. 2. Customs Document Review We examine relevant documents including original bill of lading/telex release document/SWB, packing list, commercial invoice, contract and certificate of origin to guarantee the accuracy of documents submitted to customs. 3. Customs Declaration and Inspection Application After verifying the enterprise’s paper documents and customs materials, we submit declarations to the Customs of the People's Republic of China for customs clearance and inspection filing. The processing time varies by product type: fast clearance can take just one day, while complex cases may take two weeks or longer. 4. Tariff Payment Following preliminary customs review, customs will issue tax bills covering import duties, value-added tax, consumption tax and other taxes based on the product HS code, cargo value and trade terms. Clients shall settle all relevant taxes in accordance with their goods and the issued tax bills. 5. Customs Inspection Tax payment is followed by a customs review prior to cargo release. Goods passing review will be cleared directly. For shipments raising customs concerns, inspections and written explanatory statements will be required, and inspection arrangements are determined on a case-by-case basis. 6. Customs Release This is a pivotal stage in customs administration. With the customs release order in hand, clients may apply for cargo and container pickup.
