Xi'an Cosmetic Import Full Process Breakdown: Practical Guide for Filing and Customs Clearance

2026 Xi’an Cosmetic Import Core Risk Control Points

As the beauty consumption center in Northwest China,Xi’an saw a 37% year-on-year growth in cosmetic imports in Q1 2026.However,after the implementation of the new filing system,the port return rate surged by 22%.When handling transshipment of Japanese and Korean cosmetics to Xi’an at Shanghai Port,we identified three high-frequency issues:

• Out-of-control Filing Timeliness: Supplementary submission of domestic responsible person filing materials leads to an average delay of 28 days
• Ingredient Safety Assessment: The commodity inspection failure rate due to excessive EU sunscreen SPF values reaches 43%
• Label Design Defects: Customs detentions caused by missing items in Chinese labels account for 67%

Practical Guide for Pre-filing Operations

The 2026 new regulations require that the filing of domestic responsible persons must be completed before the goods arrive at the port.When handling the import of a certain Korean essence to Xi’an last month,we found in advance that its fermented ingredient was not included in the raw material catalog of the National Medical Products Administration:

• Immediately launch the Formula Replacement Plan: Complete the safety report of alternative ingredients within 72 hours
• Conduct Parallel Testing simultaneously: Complete pre-inspection of microorganisms/heavy metals in Shanghai laboratories
• Pre-verification of Filing Materials: Avoid material rejection through pre-review via the NMPA system

Ultimately,21 days of filing time were saved,ensuring that the filing certificate was obtained when the goods were loaded at Incheon Port.

Hardcore Operations for Full Customs Clearance Process

Practical Application of RCEP Tariff Reduction

Key Points to Break Through Commodity Inspection

Shanghai Port added a cosmetic efficacy claim verification link in 2026.We recommend Xi’an clients complete the following before leaving the factory in Korea:

• Provide Animal-free Testing Certificate (EU clients need to additionally issue an ethical procurement statement)
• Prepare the original SPF Value Verification Report for sunscreen products
• Mark the Industrial Alcohol Warning Label for products containing ethanol

When handling a certain Japanese brand’s facial masks last year,the entire container was detained at Waigaoqiao Port due to the failure to label the phenoxyethanol content (limit 1%).Later,by urgently submitting the Ingredient Safety Assessment Report,we avoided a destruction loss of RMB 176,000.

Risk Control for Xi’an Transshipment Logistics

Special attention should be paid to transshipment from coastal ports to Xi’an:

• Temperature-controlled Transportation: Products containing active ingredients require full-process temperature control at 5-25℃
• Advance Manifest Declaration: Transmit transshipment data 72 hours before arrival at the port
• Shock-proof Packaging: Glass containers must pass the 1.2-meter drop test

A case of importing a certain French perfume to Xi’an in March this year showed that the failure to declare the flammable nature of the fragrance led to land transportation delays.We immediately launched the following measures:

• Submit the Dangerous Goods Transportation Appraisal Report to Pudong Customs as supplementary documentation
• Replace with Explosion-proof Transportation Vehicles and affix UN codes
• Coordinate with Xi’an Station Customs for priority inspection

Ultimately,the delay was controlled within 5 days,avoiding the customer’s compensation for out-of-stock in shopping malls.

2026 Practical Risk Warning

Special attention should be paid to recent high-frequency pitfalls:

• Demurrage Trap: Delays in Middle East route schedules during Ramadan lead to a surge in storage fees
• Consumption Tax Miscalculation: Tax rate differences between essences and skin care products (23% vs 13%)
• Label Printing Loophole: Must include the Use Period Icon (opened canister mark)

We recommend Xi’an clients specify the FOB trade term in the contract to transfer overseas segment risks to suppliers.Meanwhile,reserve 15% of the cargo value as emergency funds to deal with sudden inspections and standard updates.