2026 Full Process of Streamlined Import Customs Clearance Agency: Practical Guide from Document Pre-review to Port Release

I.Import Document Pre-review and Accurate HS Code Classification

The streamlined performance of import customs clearance is determined as early as the document pre-review stage.I once encountered a case of Ms.Deng: at the end of 2025,she imported a batch of precision hardware tools,but the non-professional agent she entrusted misclassified the HS Code,which led to a 30% direct upward adjustment of customs price verification in 2026,resulting in an extra tax payment of 120,000 RMB.Later,we retrieved the latest 2026 customs HS Code manual,compared the product material,function and application scenarios,reclassified it to the correct HS Code,and finally the verified price returned to a reasonable range,helping her recover the loss.

HS Code is the core logic of import customs clearance.Misclassification will not only trigger price verification deviation,but also lead to customs targeted inspection,and even suspected non-compliance.In 2026,the customs adopts AI + manual dual verification for HS Code audit,focusing on checking the consistency between declared elements and actual goods: brand,model,material and specification must be completely matched with the packing list and commercial invoice.Leveraging the port data resources of Zhongshitong Shanghai headquarters,we can predict the customs targeted control model in advance,and complete document calibration in advance for different categories such as general goods,electromechanical products and chemical products.

II.Commodity Inspection Pre-review and Compliance Check

The commodity inspection rules of 2026 are further refined,and the pre-review requirements for imported products of different categories vary significantly.Pre-inspection can avoid goods being detained after arrival.The following is a comparison of core commodity inspection requirements for mainstream products in 2026:

I once handled a case of Mr.Lv: he imported a batch of chemical raw materials,and the MSDS provided by the overseas supplier did not meet Chinese GB standards.If he declared directly after the goods arrived at the port,he would face the risk of goods detention and rectification.We found the problem during pre-review in advance,guided the supplier to modify the hazard category,emergency measures and other contents of the MSDS to ensure compliance with domestic regulatory requirements,and the commodity inspection and release was completed within 1 day after the goods arrived at the port.

III.Customs Price Verification and Tax Calculation

In 2026,the customs adopts the mode of "big data comparison + certificate of origin verification" for price verification,focusing on checking the price composition under trade terms.For example,under EXW term,overseas freight and insurance premium shall be included in the dutiable value; under FOB term,the freight amount shown on the bill of lading shall be checked.For products originating from RCEP member countries,providing the FORM E Certificate of Origin can enjoy up to 90% tariff reduction,but it is necessary to ensure that the "value-added standard" in the rules of origin is met,otherwise the preferential treatment cannot be enjoyed.

Risk warning: Many enterprises ignore the demurrage rules of shipping companies.In 2026,most shipping companies advance the demurrage starting time from the 5th day after arrival to the 3rd day after arrival.If customs clearance is delayed,the daily demurrage can reach 0.5% of the goods value.In addition,attention shall be paid in advance to the anti-dumping duty warning in Europe and America.In 2026,the US raised the anti-dumping duty rate on some electromechanical products to 25%.Leveraging our global agent network,we can obtain warning information in advance,and guide enterprises to adjust trade routes or declaration methods.

Leveraging Zhongshitong’s off-site declaration capability for nationwide ports,enterprises do not need to travel between different ports,and can complete the price verification and declaration for 27 nationwide ports directly through the Shanghai headquarters,greatly shortening the audit cycle.

IV.Special Supervision Links: Animal and Plant Quarantine and Import License

For products involving animal and plant quarantine or requiring import licenses,the regulatory requirements in 2026 are further stricter,and advance preparation is required:

• For animal and plant products,the Entry Animal and Plant Quarantine License shall be applied in advance.In 2026,the application shall be submitted 15 days in advance,5 days longer than that in 2025.It is necessary to ensure that the origin and variety in the application materials are consistent with the actual goods
• For imported meat,the official quarantine certificate issued by the exporting country shall be provided,and docking with the designated cold storage at the entry port shall be completed in advance to ensure that the goods can be directly stored in the warehouse for inspection after arrival
• When applying for import license,the supervision conditions of the products shall be checked.For example,for the O license of electromechanical products,the quota shall be verified in advance.If the quota is insufficient,adjustment application or product category replacement shall be carried out in advance

I once encountered a case of Director Nie: his client imported a batch of fruits,but did not apply for the animal and plant quarantine license in advance.After the goods arrived at the port,they were required to be returned,and the return cost was as high as 20% of the goods value.Later,we guided the client to submit the application 15 days in advance,and coordinated the port quarantine department to arrange priority inspection,so that the goods successfully entered the country and the loss was avoided.

Zhongshitong’s global agent network can assist enterprises to complete procedures such as overseas certificate of origin handling and advance import license application,ensuring that all compliance procedures are completed before the goods arrive at the port,so as to realize "release upon arrival" for streamlined customs clearance.