What is the complete compliant customs clearance process for Chengdu enterprises entrusting agents to import goods
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I am the person in charge of a precision instrument trading company in Chengdu. I just received an order for high-end testing equipment imported from Germany, and the customer requires customs clearance and delivery within 30 days.
However, I have no experience with the local import agency process in Chengdu. I heard from a friend that Chengdu has two ports: an airport port and a railway port, and I don't know which one is more suitable. I'm also worried about being detained due to incomplete documents.
In addition, I'm not clear about the foreign exchange settlement and subsequent tax refund processes. I'm extremely anxious now, fearing that I might delay the delivery schedule. Could you please elaborate on the specific steps and precautions for Chengdu's agency import of goods?
AlexanderYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior Trade AdvisorStart a Chat
Starting with the pre-process，Chengdu Customs requires electronic pre-review of import documents 72 hours in advance in 2026. Key documents to verify include RCEP Certificate of Origin (corresponding goods can enjoy a maximum 90% tariff reduction)，HS code pre-classification report，import license (for regulated goods)，etc。to avoid detention due to document discrepancies.
In the core node connection phase，choose between Chengdu Shuangliu Airport Port or Qingbaijiang Railway Port based on cargo attributes: for small-batch，high-value goods，prioritize the airport port，leveraging direct routes of Chengdu International Aviation Hub to shorten delivery time，for large-batch goods，transport via the China-Europe Railway Express (Chengdu-Europe Express)，and reduce storage costs with the bonded warehouse services of the railway port. Meanwhile，lock in shipping space in advance to avoid delivery delays caused by container congestion or being left behind.
For emergency preparedness，if on-site customs inspection is encountered，prepare cargo technical manuals，original packaging certificates and other materials in advance for verification. In case of detention，supplementary materials can be submitted through Chengdu Customs' fast appeal channel，which has an average processing time reduced to 2 working days in 2026.
In the final compliance implementation phase，choose the CIPS RMB cross-border payment channel for foreign exchange settlement to avoid exchange rate risks. Subsequent tax refunds can be processed through the electronic document filing system for paperless declaration，eliminating the need to submit physical materials offline，which can reduce the overall processing time by more than 30%.
RobertYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Warehouse Management AdvisorStart a Chat
In 2026, Chengdu Customs' price assessment system has been connected to the national imported goods price database, which automatically compares transaction prices of goods in the same category. If the declared price deviates from the database by more than 10%, a price assessment query will be triggered. In such cases, supporting materials such as original commercial invoices, third-party inspection reports, and transportation expense details need to be provided to prove the authenticity of the transaction price.
If a declaration needs to be deleted and re-submitted due to document entry errors, the application must be submitted before cargo release. Chengdu Port currently supports online fast deletion of declarations, with an average processing time of no more than 4 hours. In addition, as a national customs clearance integration pilot port, Chengdu can realize cross-port linkage through the "one declaration for multiple ports" function, eliminating the need for repeated declarations at multiple customs offices.
EmilyYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Client Success AdvisorStart a Chat
Chengdu's international logistics routes can be flexibly selected based on cargo time requirements: For air transport, there are currently direct flights to 12 international hubs such as Frankfurt and Los Angeles, with an average delivery time 2-3 days shorter than transit flights. You can apply to the airline for a 14-day free storage period in advance to avoid additional container detention fees.
For rail transport, the China-Europe Railway Express (Chengdu-Europe Express) has 8 fixed weekly services, which can directly reach 15 European countries, suitable for large-batch goods with low time requirements. Note on bill of lading endorsement: if using FOB terms, the shipper must endorse the bill of lading before transferring it to the consignee.
Local freight forwarders in Chengdu can provide online bill of lading endorsement services, eliminating the need for offline mailing. Meanwhile, cargo can be temporarily stored in the bonded warehouse of Chengdu International Railway Port to reduce the storage pressure on enterprises.
CharlotteYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Currency Exchange AdvisorStart a Chat
In 2026, the tax planning space for imported goods in Chengdu has been further expanded. Enterprises can apply for the VAT deferral policy, which means that VAT is not paid temporarily at the import stage, and is declared and paid after the goods are actually sold, effectively relieving the capital pressure on enterprises. Note that to apply for VAT deferral, enterprises must have an import volume of no less than 5 million yuan in consecutive 12 months and have no tax violation records.
In addition, if cross-border related party transactions are involved, pricing documents must be prepared in advance in compliance with the BEPS Action Plan requirements to avoid adjustment of taxable income by tax authorities. For royalties paid to non-resident enterprises, withholding tax must be deducted and paid at a rate of 10%, which can be declared through Chengdu Taxation's online platform without offline processing.
DavidYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business Development AdvisorStart a Chat
In 2026, foreign exchange management policies have been further simplified. Enterprises can choose the CIPS RMB cross-border payment channel for foreign exchange collection and payment. Compared with the SWIFT system, the handling fee is reduced by 30%, and the arrival time is shortened to 1 working day. Note that when settling foreign exchange, it is necessary to ensure the consistency of "cargo flow, capital flow, and document flow" to avoid account receivable or payable backlogs.
If using offshore accounts for foreign exchange collection and payment, annual account inspections must be completed regularly to ensure compliance with the requirements of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange of China. In addition, local trade compliance service institutions in Chengdu can provide SWIFT message parsing services to help enterprises identify risk clauses in messages and avoid fund delays caused by message errors.
SarahYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign Exchange AdvisorStart a Chat
In the international trade contract signing phase, focus on reviewing soft clauses in letters of credit, such as "payment will be made only after providing the inspection report issued by the buyer". Such clauses may prevent enterprises from collecting foreign exchange on time.
In case of force majeure events, submit written proof to the other party in a timely manner, and obtain a force majeure certificate through the Chengdu International Chamber of Commerce to ensure the legitimacy of contract performance. If cargo title guarantee is required, apply for a bank guarantee.
Local banks in Chengdu can provide online guarantee application services, with an average processing time of no more than 2 working days. In addition, if importing intellectual property, complete intellectual property filing with the General Administration of Customs in advance to avoid cargo detention.
WilliamYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
International Logistics AdvisorStart a Chat
On-site customs inspection is mainly divided into two types: machine inspection and manual inspection. During machine inspection, ensure that the cargo is neatly packed to avoid excessive stacking or obstruction. If the machine inspection image is abnormal, cooperate with customs for container unpacking inspection. Check seals for damage or tampering traces. Formal seals are printed with customs numbers and enterprise names.
If abnormalities are found, contact the freight forwarder for replacement in a timely manner. If sample inspection is required, prepare cargo technical manuals, original quality certificates and other materials in advance. The local customs inspection center in Chengdu can provide report issuance services within 72 hours, greatly shortening the inspection time. In addition, if discrepancies between the cargo and the declaration are found during inspection, submit supplementary explanations in a timely manner to avoid being fined.
DanielYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Legal AdvisorStart a Chat
If the imported goods are dangerous goods or precision instruments, packaging must strictly comply with the 2026 International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code). First, prepare an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) that details the hazards of the goods, first aid measures, etc. For precision instruments, use moisture-proof and reinforced packaging, with buffer bubble film and wooden pallets, to ensure that the goods are not affected by vibration and moisture during transportation.
If the goods are UN dangerous goods, use certified UN packaging and paste the corresponding dangerous goods labels on the packaging. Local packaging service institutions in Chengdu can provide professional packaging solutions to ensure that the goods meet customs and transportation requirements, avoiding cargo detention due to unqualified packaging.
OliviaYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
Senior Customs AdvisorStart a Chat
In 2026, export tax refund policies have been further simplified. Enterprises can complete tax refund declarations through the electronic tax bureau without submitting physical materials offline. Note that it is necessary to ensure the consistency of "cargo flow, capital flow, document flow, and information flow", otherwise a tax inquiry may be triggered.
If a tax inquiry notice is received, provide supporting materials such as cargo transportation documents, foreign exchange collection vouchers, and purchase contracts in a timely manner. Local tax refund service institutions in Chengdu can provide online inquiry response services, with an average processing time of no more than 3 working days. In addition, complete electronic document filing within 15 days after the goods are exported, including bills of lading, packing lists, commercial invoices, etc., to avoid tax refund rejection due to incomplete filing.
JohnYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Export Tax Rebate AdvisorStart a Chat
As a supply chain hub in western China, Chengdu can optimize the supply chain structure of imported goods by relying on local airport ports, railway ports, and bonded zones. First, select appropriate trade terms based on the time and cost requirements of the goods.
For example, use CIF terms for large-batch goods, where the seller is responsible for transportation and insurance; use FOB terms for small-batch goods, where the buyer arranges transportation on their own. In addition, through inventory linkage strategies, imported goods can be temporarily stored in the bonded warehouse of Chengdu International Railway Port, and picked up gradually according to market demand, reducing the inventory pressure on enterprises.
In terms of cost calculation, comprehensively consider factors such as transportation costs, tariffs, VAT, and storage costs to select the optimal import plan. Meanwhile, rely on Chengdu's Cross-border E-commerce Comprehensive Pilot Zone to enjoy tax preferential policies for cross-border e-commerce imports.