2026 Full Detailed Explanation of Hefei Import Agency Complete Operation Process

In 2026,as a core logistics node for regional linkage in the Yangtze River Delta,the annual number of China-Europe Railway Express (Hefei) runs exceeds 800,and the local import business volume has maintained double-digit growth for three consecutive years.Many local manufacturing and trade enterprises in Hefei often face problems such as unfamiliarity with port rules,insufficient document compliance and difficulties in cross-regional logistics coordination when carrying out import business.As a foreign trade agency headquartered in Shanghai,Zhongshitong relies on front-line practical experience and national port linkage capabilities to provide Hefei enterprises with full-process import agency services.The following is a detailed explanation of the latest 2026 version of Hefei import agency process.

Core Process Breakdown of Hefei Import Agency

The Hefei import agency process covers four core links: pre-preparation,port declaration,inspection and release,and logistics distribution.Each node must strictly follow the latest supervision rules of the General Administration of Customs in 2026.The following are the practical details of each link:

1.Pre-document Pre-review and Accurate HS Code Classification

HS code classification is the core first step of import agency.In 2026,the General Administration of Customs updated the *Notes on Commodities and Headings of the Import and Export Tariff*,adding 327 commodity code entries,and adjusting the classification rules for some mechanical and electrical and chemical products.Incorrect code classification will not only lead to inconsistent tax rates,but also trigger customs control and inspection,delaying customs clearance efficiency.

In May 2026,a machinery manufacturing enterprise in Hefei imported a precision injection molding machine from Japan.The HS code classified by the enterprise itself did not match the actual product category,so it was placed under control and inspection by Hefei Customs,delaying customs clearance by 11 days.The practical operation team of Zhongshitong checked the product parameters and referred to the 2026 version of the notes,reclassified it as 84772090,successfully passed the review,and secured RCEP member state tariff preferences for the enterprise.

Documents to be prepared in the pre-review link include: commercial invoice,packing list,bill of lading,sales contract,brand authorization letter (if involving OEM products).Zhongshitong will complete document review 3-5 days in advance to avoid document rejection due to non-conformity.

2.Import License and Supervision Certificate Handling

According to the latest supervision requirements in 2026,supervision certificates shall be handled in advance for the import of some categories:

• Mechanical and electrical equipment: Automatic Import License is required,and pre-shipment inspection and quarantine (CCIC) procedures shall be handled in advance for used equipment
• Chemical products: MSDS report and dangerous goods packaging certificate (if they are hazardous chemicals) shall be provided
• Animal and plant-derived products: Entry Animal and Plant Quarantine License shall be handled
• Commodities imported from RCEP member states: Certificate of Origin (FORM R) shall be applied for in advance to enjoy up to 90% tariff reduction or exemption

Local enterprises in Hefei shall submit applications for import licenses through the "International Trade Single Window",and the review cycle is usually 3-7 working days.Zhongshitong can provide full-process agency services to shorten the review time limit.

3.Port Declaration and Customs Valuation

In 2026,customs valuation adopts a big data comparison model,which compares the declared price of enterprises with the transaction price of similar commodities worldwide and the average domestic import price.Once the declared price deviates from the reasonable range,the valuation process will be triggered.Enterprises shall provide true transaction vouchers,including payment slips,factory certificates,brand authorization letters,etc.to prove the rationality of the transaction price.

Common valuation risks include underreported price,transaction price excluding packaging fees,and royalties not included in the dutiable value.In April 2026,a chemical enterprise in Hefei imported a batch of coatings.Because it did not include royalties in the dutiable value,it was required by Hefei Customs to pay a total of 126,000 yuan of back taxes and late fees.The team of Zhongshitong reminds enterprises to supplement relevant documents during the pre-review link to avoid such risks.

For port declaration,you can choose direct declaration at Hefei local port,or transship to Hefei through Shanghai Port.The transshipment mode can enjoy the inspection efficiency advantage of Shanghai Port,which is suitable for the import of large-tonnage goods.

4.Commodity Inspection Pre-review and Inspection Release

After imported goods arrive at the port,they shall first be inspected by the commodity inspection department.In 2026,the commodity inspection control rate of Hefei Port is about 12%,and controlled goods shall undergo sampling testing,label review and other processes.Zhongshitong can coordinate with the commodity inspection department in advance to complete the pre-review and reduce the control probability.

General cargo inspection usually takes 1-2 working days,and special categories (such as food,cosmetics) need to wait for the test report,which takes about 3-5 working days.After passing the inspection,the enterprise shall pay import tariffs,value-added tax and consumption tax (if applicable) before going through the release procedures.

5.Logistics Distribution and Tax and Fee Settlement

After the goods are released,you can choose road transportation or railway transportation to deliver the goods from Hefei Port to the enterprise warehouse.Zhongshitong can integrate the global logistics network to provide door-to-door delivery services.Tax and fee settlement shall be completed through foreign exchange accounts,and enterprises shall handle foreign exchange filing in advance to avoid exchange loss risks.

In 2026,the foreign exchange settlement handling fee rate of local banks in Hefei is about 0.05%-0.1%.Zhongshitong can assist enterprises in selecting the optimal settlement channel to reduce exchange loss costs.

Common Risks and Pitfall Avoidance Guide for Hefei Import Agency

• Underreported/Concealed Price Risk: In 2026,the coverage rate of customs big data control has increased to 92%.Once triggered,enterprises will face tax repayment,late fees and credit rating downgrade.It is recommended that enterprises provide complete transaction vouchers
• Supervision Certificate Missing Risk: Goods without supervision certificates handled in advance will be temporarily detained.For some categories (such as used equipment),CCIC procedures shall be handled 30 days in advance.Do not take any chances
• Hidden Fee Trap: Some unqualified agencies will charge extra document exchange fees,demurrage fees and inspection fees.Zhongshitong will clarify the fee list before providing services,with no hidden consumption
• Transshipment Document Non-conformity Risk: For goods transshipped from Shanghai Port to Hefei,it shall be ensured that the manifest information is consistent with the declaration information of Hefei Port,otherwise the goods will be detained

Comparison Between Hefei Local Agencies and Shanghai-Linked Agencies

For Hefei enterprises,choosing a professional import agency can greatly reduce compliance risks and improve customs clearance efficiency.As a foreign trade agency headquartered in Shanghai,Zhongshitong relies on the national port linkage capability to provide Hefei enterprises with full-process services from document pre-review to logistics distribution,helping enterprises complete import business efficiently.