Full Process of 2026 Import Inspection Agency (New Regulation Interpretation)

Full Process of Import Inspection Agency: 2026 Practical Guide to Customs Valuation and Compliance

As an import and export agency with 20 years of in-depth operation at Shanghai Port,we have seen too many clients suffer from cargo port detention due to omissions in the inspection process.Last year,the German precision instrument import case handled by Supervisor Liao was automatically marked as "high risk" by the customs system due to incorrect HS code classification,resulting in 5 days of port detention and more than 20,000 yuan in demurrage.This reminds us that import inspection agency is far from simple document submission,but requires full-chain compliance control of access permits and commodity inspection from the source.

I.Customs Valuation and Accurate HS Code Classification

Customs valuation is the first checkpoint for import inspection,which directly affects subsequent inspection probability and costs.In 2026,the "commodity price deviation" indicator is added to the customs valuation model.If the declared price differs from the average price of similar commodities by more than 15%,the system will automatically trigger manual valuation.

• Risk Point 1: Incorrect HS Code Classification: A client once incorrectly declared "medical masks" (9619) as "other textile products" (6307),which raised the tax rate from 0% to 13%,and the goods were classified as "low-risk commodities" by customs due to the classification error,which triggered inspection instead.The correct approach is that declaration elements must fully match the actual goods,including brand (e.g."3M"),model (e.g."N95") and material (e.g.non-woven fabric),none of which can be omitted.
• Risk Point 2: Declared Price Inconsistent with Actual Goods: Supervisor Liao once handled a case where a chemical enterprise imported coatings with a declared price only 60% of the average price of similar products.Customs inspection found that imported resin raw materials were actually used,and the total tax payment plus late fee reached 12% of the cargo value.It is recommended to collect the "commodity price database" released by the General Administration of Customs in the past 3 months in advance to ensure the declared price is reasonable.

Advantages of Zhongshitong: Relying on the big data systems of the two customs clearance centers in Shanghai Waigaoqiao and Yangshan Port,we can predict HS code classification risks 72 hours in advance.The team led by Supervisor Liao has established a "database of more than 100,000 commodity codes",which can quickly match declaration cases of similar commodities.

II.Commodity Inspection Pre-audit and Special Regulatory Document Verification

Commodity inspection pre-audit is a key link to prevent animal and plant epidemics and chemical safety risks.In 2026,the "import commodity traceability code" is newly added,requiring all imported commodities involving food contact materials and medical devices to upload "raw material traceability information" of production batches in advance.

• Separate Processing for General Cargo and Special Cargo:
  • General cargo (e.g.hardware tools): Required documents include contract,invoice,packing list,bill of lading (after original bill exchange),certificate of origin (applicable for RCEP member countries),import license (separate application required if involving endangered species).
  • Chemicals: Must submit MSDS (including GHS classification),hazard label filing certificate (for dangerous goods),and sample Chinese label (reviewed before labeling).
  • Animal and plant products: In addition to the bill of lading,the Entry Animal and Plant Quarantine Permit shall be processed in advance,and logs shall be provided with IPPC fumigation certificate (to prevent the introduction of pine wood nematode disease).
• "Three Checks and Three Verifications" for Document Pre-audit: The "Three Checks and Three Verifications" pre-audit method created by Supervisor Liao’s team: Check the consistency between declaration elements and actual goods (brand/model/specification),check the issuing date of the certificate of origin (must be within 30 days before the customs declaration date),check the bill of lading endorsement (blank endorsement must meet the requirements of the shipping company).

Case: In the Indonesian palm oil import case handled by Supervisor Shu,the client failed to submit the Entry Animal and Plant Quarantine Permit,resulting in 14 days of port detention after the cargo arrived,with total demurrage and storage fees of 86,000 yuan.Through the "document pre-audit green channel",Zhongshitong completed the quarantine approval 3 working days in advance,and the inspection and release were completed within 24 hours after the cargo arrived at the port.

III.Animal and Plant Quarantine and Special Supervision Procedures

Animal and plant quarantine is a non-negotiable link in import inspection.In 2026,the General Administration of Customs added the Measures for the Administration of Quarantine of Imported Aquatic Animals,implementing dual-track supervision of "breeding source traceability + epidemic monitoring" for imported aquatic products such as salmon and crayfish.

• Quarantine Approval 3 Working Days in Advance:
  • Meat products: The Inspection and Quarantine Certificate for Imported Meat Products shall be submitted in advance,and the slaughterhouse registration number (e.g.US FDA certification number) shall be provided.
  • Plant products: Logs shall be provided with IPPC fumigation certificate (to avoid carrying quarantine pests such as longhorn beetles).Zhongshitong can process the certificate in advance at Southeast Asian ports through its global agency network.
• Key Points for Quarantine Cooperation After Entry: If the customs requires unpacking inspection,equipment such as forklifts and cranes shall be arranged in advance; if cold chain food is involved,temperature monitoring records shall be provided simultaneously (the whole cold chain transportation shall meet the temperature control standard of 0-4℃).

Risk Warning: From January 2026,the customs implements 100% unpacking inspection on pork products from high-risk areas of African swine fever.Supervisor Shu recommends that clients give priority to "RCEP member countries + low-risk production areas" (e.g.Australia,New Zealand),which can reduce the inspection probability to less than 5%.

IV.Import License Processing and Special Supervision

In 2026,the Catalog for Classified Management of Imported Commodities is newly added,and 12 categories of commodities such as second-hand construction machinery and used office equipment are included in the "key supervision list",requiring separate application for the Pre-shipment Inspection Certificate for Imported Used Mechanical and Electrical Products.

• License Types and Application Materials:
  • Products in the 3C certification catalog (e.g.home appliances,auto parts): CCC certification certificate shall be provided (imported products require the import version of CCC certification).
  • Hazardous chemicals: The Environmental Management Registration Certificate for Import of Hazardous Chemicals shall be processed in advance,and the "hazardous chemical number" (e.g.UN12 hazard category) shall be marked in the remarks column of the customs declaration form.
  • Food products: Sample Chinese label (including ingredient list and nutrition facts table) shall be provided,and pre-audit shall be completed through the "Imported Food Label Review System" of the General Administration of Customs.
• Risk Avoidance Tip: Document Validity Management: The validity period of import licenses (e.g.3C certificate) is 180 days,and customs declaration shall be completed within the validity period; the validity period of the certificate of origin (FORM R) is 12 months from the date of issuance,and RCEP tariff reduction cannot be enjoyed after the expiration date.

Services of Zhongshitong: Relying on the "customs clearance integration platform" of Shanghai Free Trade Zone,we can realize "declaration in different places,release at the locality".For example,clients in East China can directly pick up goods at Ningbo Port after completing inspection at Shanghai Port,saving cross-regional logistics costs.

V.2026 Import Inspection Risks and Countermeasures

At present,import inspection agency faces three core risks,which require key prevention:

• Hidden Cost Trap: Document exchange fee (freight forwarders may falsely report 100-500 yuan per shipment),demurrage fee (incurred if goods are not picked up after expiration,about 500-2000 yuan per day),inspection fee (unpacking and handling costs incurred during customs inspection,about 800-1500 yuan per time).It is recommended to sign a "lump sum price agreement" with the agent to clarify the cost details.
• Policy Change Risk: From Q2 2026,the EU will implement anti-dumping sunset review on Chinese photovoltaic modules,and an additional "non-market economy status declaration" is required for import.Supervisor Shu’s team has established a "policy early warning radar",which can push risk reminders 7 working days in advance.
• Exchange Loss Risk: RMB exchange rate fluctuations may lead to increased import costs.It is recommended to adopt "batch settlement + forward settlement" to lock the exchange rate.Zhongshitong’s partner banks can provide same-day exchange rate inquiry and locking services.

Conclusion: Import inspection agency is the "safety gate" of cross-border trade.Every link from HS code classification to animal and plant quarantine requires precise control.Zhongshitong’s 20 years of experience proves that completing document pre-audit 72 hours in advance and establishing a "risk prediction - rapid response" mechanism can shorten the import inspection cycle from an average of 5 days to less than 3 days,while reducing the inspection rate to less than 3%.If you need to obtain the 2026 Import Inspection Compliance Checklist,you can contact Supervisor Liao’s team for it.