2026 Must-Read Guide for Enterprises on Full-Process Compliance Practice of Hefei Import Customs Clearance

2026 Core Processes and Compliance Key Points of Hefei Import Customs Clearance

In 2026,Hefei Customs has completed the iteration of its supervision model for import business,with the inspection targeting rate for mechanical,electrical and chemical products increased by 17% compared with 2024.Enterprises shall control compliance details from the source.As a central China land-sea combined transport hub,most import goods enter Hefei through Hefei Port and Xinqiao Airport Port.Different ports have different inspection priorities,so matching the supervision requirements of corresponding ports in advance can greatly shorten the customs clearance cycle.

1.Core Logic of Accurate HS Code Classification

In 2026,the General Administration of Customs has updated more than 3,200 HS code explanatory notes,and the classification recheck rate for high-risk categories at Hefei Port has increased to 21%.When a Hefei auto parts enterprise imported German hydraulic brake pumps in 2025,it incorrectly classified "hydraulic brake assembly" under 87083990,while the correct code should be 87083099,leading to a difference in customs valuation and an additional tariff payment of RMB 182,000.The following points shall be noted in practice:

• Confirm the accurate matching of product material,function and purpose against the 2026 version of the Import and Export Tariff
• For new and used mechanical and electrical products,complete CCIC filing at Hefei Customs in advance
• For combined products,classify according to the main function instead of splitting by components

2.Key Points for Import License and Document Pre-audit

In 2026,the zero-tariff scope for goods originating from RCEP member countries has added categories such as photovoltaic inverters and energy storage batteries.When Hefei enterprises import relevant products from South Korea and Japan,they shall check the consistency of the title on the FORM E Certificate of Origin in advance,otherwise they cannot enjoy tax reduction benefits.For animal and plant quarantine products (such as food and solid wood panels),submit a pre-audit application to Hefei Customs 7 working days before the goods arrive at the port,to avoid port detention due to incomplete documents after arrival.

Documents requiring key verification include: commercial invoice,packing list,ocean bill of lading,certificate of origin,legal inspection and quarantine certificate.For specially permitted import goods,corresponding import license documents shall be obtained in advance.

3.Customs Valuation and Inspection Risk Prevention and Control

In 2026,the valuation benchmark of Hefei Port refers to the contemporaneous transaction prices of Shanghai and Ningbo ports.If enterprises import under EXW terms,they shall provide complete transaction vouchers (including transport contract,packing cost invoice,royalty agreement),otherwise the customs will adopt the deductive method for valuation,which will increase the landed cost.When a Hefei chemical enterprise imported caustic soda from India in 2025,it concealed the packing cost expenditure,and was required to pay retroactive tax of RMB 127,000 by customs valuation,plus port detention fee of RMB 32,000.

For inspection risks,the following preparations can be made in advance:

• Sort out import transaction records of similar products in the past 3 months as supporting documents for customs valuation
• For hazardous chemicals,prepare MSDS report,dangerous goods packaging certificate and hazardous characteristic classification and appraisal certificate in advance
• If the goods involve intellectual property rights,provide brand authorization certificate

Regional Advantages of Hefei Import Customs Clearance and Cross-Port Coordination

Relying on the global agency network of the Shanghai headquarters,off-site declaration at Hefei Port and cross-port inspection resource coordination can be realized,which shortens the customs clearance cycle by 32% on average compared with local agencies.In 2026,Hefei Customs launched the "advance declaration + two-step declaration" model,enterprises can submit declaration information 48 hours before the goods arrive at the port,complete document pre-audit in advance,and go through release procedures directly after the goods arrive at the port.

For the import needs of local Hefei enterprises,we can provide one-stop services from overseas pickup,international transportation,Hefei Port customs clearance to domestic distribution.Meanwhile,we can advance temporary expenses such as port detention fees and inspection deposits,to ease the capital pressure of enterprises.

Common Hidden Costs and Pitfall Avoidance Guide

Hidden costs in Hefei import customs clearance links are mostly concentrated in document exchange,inspection,port detention and other links.The following is the fee comparison of Hefei Port in 2026:

In 2026,the inspection rate for hazardous chemicals by Hefei Customs has increased to 22%.When importing chemical products,if enterprises fail to prepare compliant documents in advance,they will face risks such as goods detention and high port detention fees.A Hefei food import enterprise imported dried durian from Thailand in 2025,and the goods were detained for 10 days after arriving at the port due to failure to apply for the animal and plant quarantine license in advance,resulting in a port detention fee of RMB 41,000.

2026 Compliance Trend of Hefei Import Customs Clearance

In 2026,Hefei Customs will further strengthen the supervision of cross-border e-commerce import goods,and for import goods under the bonded warehouse stocking model,it will increase the comparison between declared prices and actual inventory.Meanwhile,the proportion of cross-border RMB settlement in Hefei’s import trade has increased to 45%,so enterprises can choose RMB settlement to avoid exchange rate fluctuation risks and reduce foreign exchange conversion costs.

For large-scale equipment import projects,enterprises can apply for pre-classification and pre-valuation services from Hefei Customs in advance,to avoid subsequent compliance disputes.Zhongshitong,as a professional agency under the Shanghai headquarters,can provide full-process compliance consulting and risk management and control services to help enterprises complete the import customs clearance process smoothly.