2026 Full Import Agency Process: Key Points of Customs Valuation and Commodity Inspection & Quarantine

Four Core Compliance Nodes for Import Agency

Against the backdrop of global supply chain restructuring in 2026,import agency has evolved from simple "cargo transportation" to "full-link compliance management".As an agency expert with 20 years of in-depth operation experience at Shanghai Port,we have witnessed too many enterprises suffer customs clearance delays caused by incorrect HS code classification and missing declaration elements,and we have also handled huge tax supplementary payment cases triggered by misjudgment of valuation models.Below we dissect the authoritative operation logic of import agency from four dimensions: customs valuation,commodity pre-inspection,animal and plant quarantine,and import license.

1.Customs Valuation: How to Avoid Dual Risks of Over-declaration and Under-declaration

Customs valuation is the first "lifeline" of import agency.Customs valuation rules have been further refined in 2026.They not only focus on whether the declared price matches the transaction price (such as FOB/CIF/EXW),but also lock the reasonable price range through triple verification of transaction price method,identical goods transaction price method,and deductive price method.I once encountered a typical case: an electronic enterprise imported a batch of semiconductor equipment with a declared value of 5 million US dollars.Customs inspection found that the actual unit price of its core component wafer dicing saw far exceeded the declared value,and finally a supplementary tax of 1.2 million US dollars was imposed according to the identical goods transaction price method.

There are two keys to avoiding valuation risks: first,consistency of declaration elements,parameters such as model,brand,material must fully match the physical labels (for example,precision instruments need to indicate the accuracy level); second,predict the control model in advance,the customs added a low declaration trigger model in 2026,when the declared price is 30% lower than the average price of similar goods in the customs system,it will automatically be included in the key valuation list.We recommend that before conducting import agency,submit the HS code through the Customs Pre-classification System to obtain preliminary classification opinions and reduce the probability of inspection.

• Over-declaration risk: The declared price is higher than the actual transaction price,which may be determined as providing false information to the customs,facing fines or cargo return
• Under-declaration risk: The declared price is lower than the benchmark price of the customs system,triggering manual valuation,requiring supplementary documents such as foreign exchange payment certificates,certificates of origin,etc.
• Zhongshitong Solution: Establish a price verification list,including dynamic data such as the import price range of similar goods in the past 3 years,exchange rate fluctuation coefficient,and changes in tariff rates

2.Commodity Pre-inspection: Accurate Screening of Animal and Plant Quarantine and Legal Inspection Catalog

Commodity pre-inspection is the safety net of import agency,especially for sensitive categories such as animal and plant products,food additives,etc.The 2026 new edition of the Import and Export Commodity Inspection Catalog adds statutory inspection requirements for 12 categories of products,among which cosmetics need to submit an additional non-special cosmetics filing certificate,and medical devices need to provide an import medical device registration certificate.

In terms of animal and plant quarantine,focus should be placed on meat,fruits,etc.imported from RCEP member countries.For example,an enterprise imported beef from Australia,and the cargo was detained after arriving at the port because it did not apply for the Entry Animal and Plant Quarantine License in advance,resulting in a port detention fee of 80,000 US dollars per day.Our operation process is:

• Step 1: Submit the Quarantine Approval Form 7 working days before the cargo arrives at the port,and complete the overseas pre-inspection simultaneously (for example,Australian beef needs to be confirmed whether it comes from non-epidemic areas)
• Step 2: Check whether the quarantine certificate of the exporting country contains key declarations such as African swine fever free and foot and mouth disease free
• Step 3: For high-risk categories (such as genetically modified products),apply for genetically modified component testing in advance to avoid cargo return due to unqualified test results

In 2026,a new cross-border e-commerce bonded warehouse pre-inspection channel was added.If the cargo is imported from a bonded warehouse,the electronic account can be uploaded in advance through the Single Window to shorten the inspection time.

3.Import License Handling: Full-cycle Guide for Special Category Qualifications

Not all import agency businesses require licenses,but for categories involving 3C certification,automatic import license,endangered species,etc.they must be handled in advance.Policies have been tightened in 2026,the approval cycle of import licenses for some highly polluting products (such as waste plastics) has been extended to 45 working days,and an environmental protection assessment report is required.

Taking 3C certification as an example,attention should be paid to during import agency:

• If the product is included in the CCC Exemption Catalog (such as for scientific research only),apply for an exemption certificate in advance
• If the product is included in the CCC Compulsory Certification Catalog (such as household air conditioners),provide the original CCC Certificate and its Chinese translation
• If there is a brand authorization letter,it must be completely consistent with the name of the importer,otherwise customs clearance is impossible

We have established a license handling calendar in import agency,which visualizes the handling time limit,material list,and approval department of different categories.For example,in the 2026 anti-dumping duty early warning list,stainless steel plates from the European Union need to submit an additional anti-dumping questionnaire.If the enterprise cannot reply on time,a 45% punitive tariff will be imposed.

4.Risk Early Warning and Hidden Cost Control

Hidden risks of import agency are often more fatal than explicit costs.The common three major traps include:

In addition,the new imported cargo safety and quality traceability requirement was added in 2026,import agency enterprises need to provide traceability code for each batch of cargo.I once helped an auto parts enterprise pass customs clearance quickly through the traceability code,avoiding inspection delay caused by missing batch information,and saving 30% of logistics costs.

Core Value of Authoritative Import Agency

As an import agency expert at Shanghai Port,Zhongshitong’s core advantages lie in national port coordination + global agency network.Whether it is coastal ports such as Shenzhen and Ningbo,or inland ports such as Chengdu and Chongqing,we can realize cross-region declaration through the National Single Window,increasing customs clearance efficiency by 40%.Taking a chemical enterprise importing hazardous chemicals from Singapore as an example,we obtained the MSDS report in advance through the global agency network,and coordinated with Singapore Customs to complete the hazardous goods label rectification,ensuring that the cargo is released within 48 hours after arriving at the port.

The trade environment is complex and changeable in 2026,import agency is no longer simple cargo transportation,but a triple balance of compliance + efficiency + cost.Choosing a professional agency is essentially choosing the ability to avoid risks in advance - this is the core value of our 20 years of import agency experience.