What is the complete list of documents required for coconut milk import customs clearance agency?
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I am a trader newly engaged in food import business. Recently, I secured an order for prepackaged coconut milk imported from Malaysia, which is expected to arrive next month. However, I have no prior experience in food import customs clearance and am completely unaware of the documents required for the agency.
Are there any special requirements for prepackaged food like coconut milk under the new 2026 customs regulations? Could the goods be detained due to incomplete documents? Additionally, do I need to prepare materials for foreign exchange settlement and export tax rebate simultaneously?
I’m worried that missing any link might lead to a surge in detention fees, delaying the peak sales season for this batch of goods. Could you please provide a detailed list of all documents required for importing coconut milk through a customs clearance agency?
EllaYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior Financial AdvisorStart a Chat
First，it is necessary to clarify the classification of imported coconut milk. Prepackaged coconut milk falls under prepackaged food. In 2026，the customs has fully implemented electronic document declaration，and the core documents are divided into four categories: basic trade documents，food compliance documents，customs declaration documents，and subsequent record-filing documents.
Basic trade documents include the signed import contract，commercial invoice，packing list，and ocean bill of lading (or air waybill). The consignee information on the bill of lading must match the declaration entity. Since 2026，electronic bills of lading must be uploaded to the customs system for verification，while paper bills of lading require an original endorsement stamp.
Food compliance documents are the core for coconut milk imports，including the Certificate of Origin and Sanitary and Phytosanitary Certificate issued by the exporting country’s official authority，as well as nutritional composition test reports from domestic recognized third-party testing agencies. These must clearly indicate the fat and protein content of the coconut milk，complying with China’s General Principles of Nutritional Labeling for Prepackaged Foods.
Next are the documents for customs declaration: Import cargo declaration form (electronic declaration requires pre-entering the HS code，for coconut milk，the 2026 HS code is 2106909099，confirm the latest code adjustment). Also，the Chinese translation of the prepackaged label must be affixed to the smallest retail unit and can only be sold on the market after customs review and filing.
Finally，subsequent record-filing and settlement documents: Foreign exchange receipt and payment vouchers，electronic records of import foreign exchange verification，and record-filing documents for export tax rebate，including the tax rebate copy of the customs declaration form and invoices. These must be retained for 5 years for customs inspection. In 2026，a new traceability code requirement for coconut milk was added，traceable labels must be affixed to the packaging，otherwise，on-site inspection will be failed.
SarahYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign Exchange AdvisorStart a Chat
The HS code for coconut milk must be accurately classified. In 2026, the customs updated its coding database for prepackaged foods, with prepackaged coconut milk classified under 2106909099. Misclassifying it as 20081999 will result in tax rate differences. Accurate transaction prices must be provided during declaration; the customs will refer to the pricing standards for coconut milk imports in the same period. In case of price disputes, supporting materials such as purchase and sales contracts, freight insurance policies must be provided.
During on-site inspection, customs will verify whether the goods’ packaging, labels match the declared documents. If unfiled labels are found, rectification is required before release. Additionally, in 2026, the customs integration model was implemented, allowing declaration at Shanghai Port or other ports without additional procedures at the port of arrival. However, confirm the inspection rate of the import port in advance. If a declaration is canceled and re-filed, a modification statement must be submitted within the specified time to avoid late payment fees.
OliviaYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
Senior Customs AdvisorStart a Chat
The logistics route for imported coconut milk should choose direct or transshipment based on the port of departure. In 2026, the direct shipping route coverage from Southeast Asia to China has reached 85%, and direct shipping reduces cargo damage risks from transshipment.
Confirm the free storage period and container detention period with the freight forwarder in advance, usually 7 days. Exceeding the period will incur detention and container detention fees, calculated daily and accumulating to a high amount. Note the bill of lading endorsement: for a ‘TO ORDER’ bill of lading, the shipper’s endorsement stamp is required for .
Additionally, since coconut milk is a liquid food, food-grade compliant containers must be used to avoid odor contamination; the freight forwarder must provide a container cleanliness certificate. In case of overbooking, transshipment at a transfer port is an option, but confirm the transfer port’s handling capacity in advance to avoid shipping delays.
JohnYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Export Tax Rebate AdvisorStart a Chat
Imported coconut milk is subject to import VAT and tariffs. In 2026, China’s MFN tariff rate for coconut milk imports from Southeast Asian countries is 10%, with a VAT rate of 9%.
If choosing VAT deferral, import VAT can be temporarily unpaid at declaration and paid after subsequent sales, relieving corporate cash flow pressure. However, VAT deferral compliance requirements must be met, including providing genuine purchase/sales contracts, payment vouchers, etc. Additionally, if the imported coconut milk is for reprocessing, the bonded import for processing trade can be applied for, enjoying bonded policies without paying import tariffs and VAT.
However, a processing trade manual must be obtained from customs and regular verification is required. For cross-border related-party transactions, BEPS (Base Erosion and Profit Shifting) regulations must be followed to avoid tax risks.
WilliamYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
International Logistics AdvisorStart a Chat
Foreign exchange settlement for imported coconut milk must comply with China’s foreign exchange management regulations. In 2026, the CIPS (Cross-Border Interbank Payment System) was promoted for RMB cross-border settlements, enabling RMB settlement to avoid exchange rate fluctuation risks. Import foreign exchange payment filing must be processed at the bank, providing import contracts, customs declarations, etc., to ensure consistency between fund flow and cargo flow.
Additionally, if using offshore accounts for settlement, account compliance must be ensured to avoid being listed as an abnormal account. Real trade background materials are required for foreign exchange conversion to avoid banks requesting additional documents. If there is a payment delay, the reason must be explained to the bank to avoid impacting the company’s foreign exchange credit rating.
CharlotteYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Currency Exchange AdvisorStart a Chat
Import coconut milk contracts must clarify the rights and obligations of both parties, including quality standards, delivery time, liability for breach of contract, etc. Force majeure clauses should be included to address emergencies like pandemics or port congestion. Letter of credit (L/C) terms should avoid ‘soft clauses’—for example, requiring unavailable documents to prevent payment delays.
Cargo ownership control is achieved through bill of lading endorsement. For FOB terms, pay attention to the cargo ownership risks of the buyer’s designated freight forwarder; a straight bill of lading from the forwarder can be requested to ensure ownership remains with the seller. If a letter of guarantee is required, its validity must be ensured to avoid invalid guarantees.
DanielYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Legal AdvisorStart a Chat
During on-site inspection, customs will verify if the container seal matches the seal number on the bill of lading. If seal damage or inconsistency is found, inspection of the container is required. When unpacking, protect the goods’ packaging to avoid damage.
For machine inspection, the outer packaging should be opened in advance to avoid affecting inspection results. If customs requests sampling, samples must be sent to the designated testing agency, with inspection fees borne by the importer.
The inspection cycle is typically 3-5 days. If the inspection result is non-compliant, rectification or return is required, with costs borne by the importer. Prepare the goods’ inspection reports in advance to avoid additional sampling during on-site inspection.
AlexanderYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior Trade AdvisorStart a Chat
Imported coconut milk is a liquid food, and packaging must comply with China’s food packaging standards. In 2026, recyclable food-grade plastic barrels or cartons are required; the packaging must label the manufacturer, production date, shelf life, etc. An MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) must be prepared, detailing the composition, hazards, first aid measures, etc. If the fat content exceeds a certain standard, the goods must be packaged as dangerous goods.
Additionally, moisture-proof reinforcement is required during transportation to prevent leakage due to bumping; cushioning and fixing straps can be used. For container transport, ensure container sealing to prevent rainwater ingress. Provide packaging inspection reports confirming compliance with food-grade standards.
SophiaYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Senior Customs AdvisorStart a Chat
Supply chain planning for imported coconut milk should consider inventory linkage strategies, determining import volumes based on sales forecasts to avoid overstocking or stockouts. A Just-In-Time (JIT) model can be adopted to reduce inventory costs. Optimize trade terms: for CIF terms, the seller can be responsible for transportation and insurance to lower the buyer’s logistics costs.
Additionally, long-term contracts with suppliers can secure more favorable prices and payment terms. Accurately calculate import costs, including tariffs, VAT, freight, insurance, customs clearance fees, etc., to ensure expected profit margins. For cross-regional supply chains, consider differences in customs clearance efficiency and costs across ports to select the optimal import port.