2026 Full Guide to Ore Import Customs Clearance: Shanghai Port Practical Operation

Analysis of Core Links of 2026 Ore Import Customs Clearance: Practical Operation Path for Shanghai Port

As a key link of bulk cargo trade,the compliance and efficiency of ore import customs clearance directly affect the landed cost.In 2026,with the restructuring of global supply chains,ore import faces challenges such as stricter customs valuation review and upgraded environmental protection standards.The following content is explained from three dimensions of access permission,port operation and risk prevention and control,combined with Shanghai Port practical operation experience.

1.Core Access Qualifications and Pre-inspection Key Points for Ore Import

Three core access requirements shall be completed before ore import: import license (for some ore types),solid waste attribute identification,and radioactivity test report.Among them,solid waste attribute identification is a newly added key supervision item in 2026,and those who fail to pass will face return shipment or administrative penalty.

• Import license handling: Confirm whether the Non-coal Mine Import License is required according to ore types (such as rare earth,rare metal ores).Starting from 2026,Shanghai Customs implements the rule of "license first,release later" for rare earth ore import.It is recommended to submit application to Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce 30 working days in advance,and the materials shall include mineral product quality test reports.
• Solid waste identification process: Third-party institutions recognized by Shanghai Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau (such as SGS,BV) must be entrusted to complete the identification before shipment.Focus shall be put on whether the ore contains substances listed in the Catalogue of Restricted Imported Solid Wastes Usable as Raw Materials,and the identification report shall clearly state "not solid waste" or the specific classification.
• Radioactivity test: For uranium ore,rare earth ore,phosphate ore and other related ores,CMA certified radioactivity test report issued within 6 months before shipment shall be provided.In 2026,the random radioactivity inspection rate for iron ore imported from Australia by Shanghai Customs has increased from 5% to 15%,and unqualified products will be returned.

2.Full Process of Customs Clearance at Shanghai Port and Cost Control

As the ore import hub in East China,Shanghai Port has advantages such as "direct pickup alongside the vessel" and "one-time inspection",but the connection efficiency of each link shall be noted.The "Pre-inspection System for Imported Ores Before Inspection" was newly launched in 2026,and the following materials shall be submitted through the single window 3 working days in advance:

3.Risk Warning and Adaptation to 2026 Trade Regulations

There are multiple hidden risks in ore import customs clearance,which require key prevention:

• Solid Waste Risk: An importer once had 1,000 tons of chromite returned by Shanghai Customs due to failure to complete solid waste identification,with a total loss of 420,000 CNY including tariffs and port detention fees.Suggestion: When purchasing overseas,require suppliers to provide the Solid Waste Exclusion Certificate.
• Excessive Radioactivity: Starting from January 2026,Shanghai Port carries out mandatory radiation value testing on ilmenite from Africa,and excessive radiation will face a 50% fine.Practical suggestion: Conduct CTPAT certified third-party testing at the port of shipment to avoid secondary testing after import.
• Exchange Rate Fluctuation: Most ore imports are settled in US dollars.Under the Fed’s interest rate hike cycle in 2026,exchange rate fluctuations may lead to increased costs.Suggestion: Adopt the combined strategy of "spot foreign exchange settlement + forward foreign exchange settlement" to reduce exchange rate risks.
• Demurrage Trap: Demurrage for bulk carriers is calculated on an hourly basis (average 8,000 CNY per hour at Shanghai Port in 2026).It shall be clearly specified in the bill of lading that "the ship owner’s liability period ends upon the completion of cargo delivery" to avoid extra payment.

4.Advantages of Midstong Ore Import Customs Clearance Services

Relying on 20 years of experience in Shanghai Port,Midstong can provide full-chain services:

• Global Agency Network: We have agents in major ore exporting countries such as Australia,Brazil and South Africa,which can coordinate overseas pre-inspection and avoid port problems in advance.
• Valuation Strategy Support: Using the customs database and historical transaction data,we provide "declared price pre-assessment" for importers to reduce valuation risks.
• Fast Release Scheme: We have established a green channel with Shanghai Customs and commodity inspection authorities to ensure ore goods are "picked up immediately upon arrival,and customs clearance is completed within 3 days".

Ore import customs clearance requires precise control of each node,and special attention shall be paid to the changes of environmental protection standards and valuation rules in 2026.Midstong is willing to help enterprises avoid risks with professional capabilities,and realize compliant and controllable whole process of ore import.