Full Process of Composite Materials Import Agency: Key Points on Customs Valuation and Pre-inspection

Core Pain Points and Compliance Paths of Composite Materials Import Agency

Composite materials (such as carbon fiber and glass fiber products) are key raw materials for industrial production,and their import demand is increasing year by year.However,in 2026,customs supervision over high-value industrial materials will be stricter,making three core difficulties: consistency between declaration elements and physical objects,HS code classification,and verification of the benchmark price for customs valuation.I once encountered a case where Supervisor Hu handled the agency import of carbon fiber composite materials,but due to inconsistency between the declared material and the actual composition,the goods were detained at Shanghai Port for 5 days,resulting in demurrage fees exceeding 120,000 yuan.This article will combine practical operations to break down the key points of the entire process from documents to release.

I.Customs Valuation: The Breakthrough Logic for Price Disputes

Customs valuation is the first hurdle for composite materials imports.The 2026 revised "Customs Valuation Measures" clarifies that customs will give priority to referring to the "transaction value of identical goods"; if the declared price deviates from the market average by more than 10%,the "price inquiry procedure" will be triggered.

• Case Warning: A customer imported glass fiber composite materials with a declared price of 3,800 yuan per ton,while the customs statistical average price of similar goods in the same period was 4,200 yuan per ton,so it was judged that "the transaction value cannot reflect the real value".The key to solving this: provide the original purchase contract (including the supplier’s stamped quotation) + bill of lading (showing the actual transaction terms) + third-party price assessment report (such as data from international market institutions),and finally the customs recognized the declared price.
• Accuracy of HS Code Classification: Composite materials classification needs to distinguish between "primary form" and "processed form".For example: carbon fiber not impregnated with resin is classified under "7019.1900" (primary form),and carbon fiber impregnated with resin is classified under "3920.9900" (processed).Incorrect classification may lead to tariff differences (the total difference between customs duty and value-added tax is 5%-8%).

II.Pre-commodity Inspection: MSDS and Hazard Label Verification

The 2026 revised "Commodity Inspection Law" separately regulates "hazardous chemicals" (such as resin containing solvents) in composite materials.Two pre-inspections need to be completed in advance:

• MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet): Must include "ingredient list,hazard category,protective measures".I once assisted a customer in handling a case where the goods were detained at Yangshan Port because the MSDS did not mark "flammable liquid" (Class 3 hazardous materials).After supplementing the relevant information,the goods were released within 3 days through the hazardous materials declaration process.
• Radioactive Detection: If imported carbon fiber reinforced plastics (such as those used in aerospace) are involved,it is necessary to confirm in advance whether they contain natural radioactive elements (such as uranium ore impurities),so as to avoid being returned due to "excessive radioactivity".

III.Import License Application: Prior Approval for Special Categories

Some types of composite materials require special licenses:

• Dual-use Items: Carbon fiber composite materials related to military use (such as aerospace grade) require the "Import License for Dual-use Items" issued by the Ministry of Commerce.The processing cycle is 20 working days,and application needs to be submitted 30 days in advance.
• Endangered Species: If it contains endangered plant fibers (such as carbon fiber blended with natural hemp),it requires the "Permit for Import of Endangered Species".In 2026,"bamboo fiber composite materials" were added to the control list,and additional verification of the certificate of origin is required.

IV.Risk Early Warning: 5 Hidden Pitfalls

Common compliance and cost risks in agency imports:

V.Shanghai Port Agency Advantages and 2026 New Policies

As an established agency at Shanghai Port,we reduce risks through the "three coordination" mechanism:

• Port Coordination: Established a "white list" with customs brokers at Wai Gaoqiao Port,Yangshan Port,and Pudong Airport; priority inspection channel can be applied for special inspections
• Policy Coordination: Real-time synchronization of 2026 RCEP member countries’ tariff adjustments (such as reducing the tariff on Thai carbon fiber to 0%),assisting customers in applying for Certificates of Origin
• System Coordination: Developed a "pre-classification system" to upload HS codes and declaration elements to the customs system in advance,reducing the probability of inspection

The essence of composite materials import agency is "compliance management".Choosing an experienced agency is not just about handling procedures,but also about risk anticipation.If you are facing similar needs,you can contact the technical team of Zhongshitong to get a free HS code pre-classification service.