2026 Pollock Import Customs Declaration Agency Full-Process Compliance Operation Guide

Full-Process Practical Guide for Pollock Import Customs Declaration Agency

In 2026,the global aquatic trade pattern will adjust,and the import demand for pollock as a high-end aquatic processing raw material will continue to rise,but China Customs has also upgraded its supervision standards for imported aquatic products simultaneously.Many importers are unfamiliar with declaration rules and document requirements,leading to problems such as cargo detention at ports,valuation and tax supplements.We once encountered an aquatic trade company in Ningbo that entrusted a non-professional agent to declare frozen pollock,mistakenly reporting the HS code as 03035900,which was inspected by Shanghai Yangshan Port Customs,delaying the shipping schedule by 12 days and incurring an additional 32,000 yuan in port detention fees and container overuse fees.

1.Core Compliance Premises for Pollock Import

• Accurate HS Code Classification: In the 2026 version of the Customs Tariff,the legal code for frozen pollock is 03036900.When declaring,you need to truthfully fill in elements such as product status (fresh/frozen),packaging method,net weight,and processing technology (whether head and bone are removed).Any ambiguous declaration will trigger control and inspection.
• Entry Animal and Plant Quarantine Permit: According to the latest announcement of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs in 2026,imported pollock needs to submit an application on the "Internet + Customs" platform in advance,with a review cycle of about 7 working days.Goods without a permit will be directly returned by the port customs.
• Preparation of Certificate of Origin: If the goods are from RCEP member countries,a Form E certificate of origin must be submitted to enjoy a 5%-8% tariff reduction.In 2026,the RCEP tariff preferential policy for pollock has been fully implemented,and goods without a certificate of origin will be taxed at the most-favored-nation rate.

2.Key Risks and Responses in the Customs Declaration Process

In 2026,the customs valuation model for imported aquatic products has been upgraded,which will compare data such as import prices,global aquatic product market conditions,and supplier filing information.If the declared price is lower than the customs system threshold,the importer will be required to provide proof of transaction price,including formal purchase and sale contracts,commercial invoices,foreign exchange payment vouchers,third-party market price reports,etc.Our practical experience is to confirm transaction details with suppliers in advance and prepare a full set of supporting materials to avoid being required to supplement taxes or delay customs clearance.

Customs clearance efficiency and supervision priorities vary among different ports.As the largest aquatic import port in China,Shanghai Yangshan Port has a dedicated aquatic inspection area,which can significantly shorten inspection time.As an agency headquartered in Shanghai,we can rely on local resources to coordinate with customs and commodity inspection departments to speed up the process,and also support national remote declaration to provide one-stop services for cross-regional import enterprises.

3.Practical Points for Commodity Inspection and Animal/Plant Quarantine

• Pre-review of Documents: Submit documents such as bills of lading,packing lists,quarantine permits,and certificates of origin to the commodity inspection department for pre-review in advance to avoid rectification delays caused by document discrepancies found during on-site inspection.
• Packaging and Labeling Requirements: In 2026,customs requires that the outer packaging of imported pollock must be marked with the country of origin,production date,shelf life,and batch number,and must use food-grade packaging materials.Goods that do not meet the requirements will be required to be rectified or returned.
• Laboratory Testing Coordination: Some ports will conduct random inspections on veterinary drug residues and heavy metal content of pollock.Requesting third-party testing reports from suppliers in advance can speed up the laboratory testing process and avoid long waiting times.

4.Common Pitfall Reminders

• Beware of Low-Price Agent Traps: Some non-professional freight forwarders promise extremely low customs declaration fees,but may falsely report HS codes or conceal cargo information,which may lead to customs audits and high fines later.
• Clarify Document Exchange Fees and Demurrage Fees: Confirm the charging standards for document exchange fees and container overuse fees with the shipping company in advance to avoid hidden fees; at the same time,track the shipping schedule and reserve sufficient customs clearance time.
• Compliant Declaration of Cargo Value: Some importers deliberately underdeclare cargo value to reduce tariffs.In 2026,the customs’ big data valuation system can accurately identify abnormal declarations,and once verified,a fine of 5%-30% of the cargo value will be imposed.

As a professional agency deeply engaged in port services,we are familiar with the latest 2026 customs supervision rules and operation processes of ports across the country.We can help importers identify compliance risks in advance,optimize declaration plans,and achieve efficient customs clearance.Our team has more than 20 years of front-line practical experience,and has assisted hundreds of aquatic import enterprises in completing customs declaration businesses for pollock and other categories,reducing customers’ customs clearance costs by an average of 20% and delay risks by 30%.