2026 Guide to Full Process of Import & Export Customs Declaration: From HS Code to Destination Port Clearance

Destination Port Certification: The First Invisible Threshold for Cross-Border Customs Declaration

Global destination port certification requirements continue to tighten in 2026.The EU CE certification adds an electronic label traceability function,RCEP member states in Southeast Asia mandate electronic submission of COO certificates,and the North American market extends the FDA certification period for mechanical products to 15 working days.If enterprises overlook these details,they are very likely to face cargo detention,fines or even return shipments at the destination port.

In the fourth quarter of last year,we assisted a Jiangsu-based machinery enterprise with an export case to Germany: the CNC machine tools exported by this enterprise were seized by customs at Hamburg Port because the CE certification version was not updated to the 2026 latest standard.Our solution was: immediately coordinate with local German agents to connect with TÜV Rheinland,complete the certification update within 3 working days; at the same time,supplement the revised certification documents through the Shanghai Port remote declaration system,and finally the goods were released within 72 hours,avoiding detention fee losses of about 12,000 euros.

Key Notes on Destination Port Certification in 2026

• EU Market: CE certification must include the Unique Product Identifier (UPI),otherwise it cannot clear customs through the EORI system;
• RCEP Member States: COO certificates must be directly connected to the destination country’s customs system through the China International Trade Single Window,and paper certificates are no longer accepted;
• North American Market: FDA certification requires advance pre-declaration in the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) system,and shipment can only be arranged after approval.

Anti-Dumping Early Warning: Response Strategies for High-Risk Categories in 2026

The number of global anti-dumping investigations increased by 12% year-on-year in 2026,with iron and steel products,photovoltaic modules,and chemical products being the hardest hit.Enterprises need to establish a real-time early warning mechanism to avoid high-tariff regions in advance.

Three key steps for anti-dumping early warning: First,real-time monitoring of destination country tariff databases through Zhongshitong’s global agent network; Second,apply for Certificate of Origin 30 days in advance to meet RCEP preference conditions; Finally,if the destination country’s tariff exceeds 20%,immediately adjust shipment plans and transfer to low-tariff regions.

Export Tax Refund Optimization: Efficiency Improvement under 2026 Policies

Export tax refund policies are further simplified in 2026,with paperless declaration coverage reaching 100%,but review standards are stricter.Common reasons for refund delays for enterprises include: inconsistent product names on customs declaration forms and VAT invoices,incorrect HS code classification,and failure to verify export payments in a timely manner.

Practical pitfall-avoidance suggestions: The product name on the customs declaration form must be exactly the same as that on the VAT invoice,including brand,model and specifications; HS code classification shall refer to the latest 2026 version of the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System; if involving mechanical and electrical products,advance pre-classification review through the Mechanical and Electrical Office is required; export payment verification must be completed within 90 days after the goods leave the port,otherwise it will affect the refund progress.

Risk warning: False customs declaration (such as over-declaration of export prices) will lead to the recovery of tax refunds and a fine of 3 times the amount.Customs has intensified crackdowns on false invoicing and fake trade in 2026,so enterprises must ensure all documents are authentic and valid.

Payment Security Assurance: Full-Link Risk Control from Customs Declaration to Settlement

Foreign exchange control policies are adjusted in 2026,so cross-border e-commerce payments must be settled through official platforms (such as Cross-Border RMB Settlement System),and personal account receipts will be restricted.Enterprises need to note:

• Adopt Letter of Credit (L/C) or Document against Payment (D/P) for payment,and avoid telegraphic transfer (T/T) with advance payment ratio less than 30%;
• Be cautious about telex release of bills of lading,and must confirm that the buyer has paid the full amount;
• Use Zhongshitong’s foreign exchange settlement services to lock in exchange rate fluctuation risks and avoid exchange losses.

Last year,a Zhejiang-based foreign trade enterprise exported to the Middle East,and because it adopted T/T with 10% advance payment plus telex release of bill of lading,the buyer refused to pay the balance after receiving the goods,resulting in a loss of about 500,000 yuan.Our solution was: assist in recovery through the global agent network,and at the same time establish a payment risk control system for the enterprise,adopting the combination of L/C and ocean bill of lading to ensure control of the goods ownership.

As an agency headquartered in Shanghai,Zhongshitong can realize remote declaration at ports nationwide,covering major ports such as Tianjin,Shenzhen,and Ningbo; at the same time,through more than 200 global agent networks,it provides one-stop services such as destination port customs clearance,warehousing and distribution.Whether it is general cargo or special categories,we can anticipate customs valuation and inspection models in advance to ensure smooth cargo clearance.