Full-Process Compliance Operation Guide for Export Customs Declaration Agency Services

Core Values of Export Customs Declaration Agency Services and Compliance Key Points for 2026

In 2026,global trade compliance requirements will continue to upgrade.The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will expand coverage to new energy products; the U.S.will update its anti-dumping tariff list targeting Chinese steel and home appliances; and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) member states will add detailed provisions on cumulation rules for certificate of origin review standards.If export enterprises declare independently,they are prone to cargo detention,port congestion,or even heavy fines due to document non-compliance,incorrect HS code classification,or failure to grasp destination country regulatory changes in a timely manner.As a professional agency at Shanghai ports,Zhongshitong relies on a national port linkage network and global agency cooperation system to predict local regulatory requirements in advance,providing enterprises with full-link compliance services.

Accurate HS Code Classification: Avoid Price Review and Inspection Risks

In 2026,the General Administration of Customs completed the annual revision of the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System,with HS codes adjusted for more than 300 mechanical and electrical,chemical,and hardware products.For example,the code for electric screwdrivers was adjusted from 84672900 in 2025 to 84679200,with battery rated capacity parameters added to the declaration elements.Last year,a Dongguan hardware tool enterprise declared using the old code,which triggered controlled inspection at Shanghai Yangshan Port,resulting in 7 days of port detention and RMB 23,000 in port detention fees,plus a required supplementary payment of RMB 120,000 in tariff differences.

Zhongshitong’s customs declaration team will check product materials,functions,and uses against the 2026 version of the coding library,and submit pre-classification applications to the customs pre-classification center in advance.For high-risk categories,we will coordinate with clients to provide supporting materials such as product manuals and test reports to ensure 100% compliance with regulatory requirements.In March this year,a Suzhou photovoltaic module enterprise exported to the Netherlands; we completed the pre-classification of the new code in advance,avoiding inspection delays due to code non-compliance.

Destination Port Certification and Document Compliance

Document requirements vary greatly by destination port.In 2026,Saudi Arabia updated the electronic submission requirements for SASO certification; the EU added traceability filing requirements for photovoltaic products; and India imposed stricter review standards for the validity period of import medical device registration certificates.If enterprises fail to verify documents in advance,goods are likely to be detained at the destination port.

Our document team will sort out regulatory requirements of destination countries in advance.For example,products exported to Saudi Arabia must complete SASO electronic certification and upload to the Saudi customs system in advance; new energy products exported to the EU must submit CBAM carbon footprint reports.Last year,a Ningbo medical device enterprise exported to India; due to failure to update the registration certificate validity period in time,goods were detained at Mumbai Port for 10 days,generating RMB 48,000 in port detention fees.After our intervention,we assisted the client in supplementing certification materials and coordinating local agencies to complete customs clearance,with goods released in only 3 days.

For certificate of origin declaration for RCEP member states,we will strictly follow the 2026 cumulation rules to assist clients in calculating the proportion of origin components,ensuring products meet tariff reduction conditions.In the first quarter of this year,a Foshan furniture enterprise exported to Vietnam; through the RCEP certificate of origin issued by us,it enjoyed a 5.2% tariff reduction,saving nearly RMB 800,000 in total costs.

Anti-Dumping Warning and Trade Barrier Response

In 2026,global trade protectionism is rising.The U.S.will impose an additional 25% countervailing duty on Chinese electric vehicles; the EU will launch an anti-dumping review targeting Chinese solar panels; and Mexico will update steel import quota rules.If enterprises declare independently,they are prone to missing the latest tariff adjustment information,leading to inconsistencies between declared prices and actual tariffs and generating additional costs.

Zhongshitong’s risk control team will monitor global trade barrier dynamics in real time,building a trade barrier early warning database covering more than 120 countries and regions.Last year,a Foshan ceramic enterprise exported to the U.S.; we provided early warning of anti-dumping tax adjustments,assisting the client in adjusting shipment plans and transferring some goods to bonded warehouses in Mexico for processing,avoiding additional tariff expenses of RMB 3.2 million.In addition,we will assist enterprises in applying for tariff exemptions.For example,for new energy products meeting U.S.Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) requirements,we will help clients prepare materials such as product traceability and production processes to improve the approval rate of exemption applications.

Export Tax Refund Optimization and Foreign Exchange Collection Security

In 2026,the State Taxation Administration updated the export tax refund review process,adding requirements for electronic document review,and extending the review cycle for high-risk products to 15 working days.If the enterprise’s declaration information does not match customs data,it may lead to delayed or rejected tax refunds.

Our tax refund team will assist clients in organizing complete tax refund documents,including customs declarations,special VAT invoices,packing lists,and foreign exchange collection vouchers,while connecting to the electronic port tax refund system to ensure full consistency between declaration information and customs data.For high-risk products,we will conduct pre-review of documents in advance to avoid tax refund delays due to information inconsistencies.In the first half of this year,a Shanghai garment enterprise completed tax refund receipt in only 7 working days through our services,8 working days shorter than independent declaration.

Foreign exchange collection security is also one of the core pain points for export enterprises.In 2026,global exchange rate fluctuations will intensify,and foreign exchange control policies in some emerging market countries will tighten.We can provide foreign exchange settlement agency services to help clients avoid exchange rate loss risks.For example,locking in exchange rates through forward foreign exchange settlement and sale to avoid losses from exchange rate fluctuations.Last year,a Ningbo textile enterprise suffered a 5.7% exchange rate loss due to failure to lock in exchange rates; after our intervention,we adjusted its foreign exchange collection method and locked in the exchange rate through euro forward foreign exchange settlement and sale,avoiding similar losses.

Practical Process of Zhongshitong Export Customs Declaration Agency

• Pre-Consultation: Provide clients with free consulting services such as HS code classification,destination country regulatory requirements,and tariff rate inquiries
• Document Review: Verify all documents provided by clients to ensure compliance with customs and destination port requirements,and detect and correct document errors in advance
• Declaration Pre-Entry: Pre-enter declaration information into the customs system in advance,and submit the declaration formally after confirming with the client
• Port Follow-Up: Assign dedicated personnel to follow up on inspection and release processes,and handle emergencies in a timely manner,such as coordination for customs controlled inspections
• Tax Refund Follow-Up: Assist clients in handling export tax refund procedures,track the progress of tax refund review,and ensure timely receipt of tax refund funds
• After-Sales Feedback: Provide clients with regular updates on customs clearance,offer trade compliance advice,and help enterprises optimize subsequent export processes

Common Risks and Avoidance Plans

Many enterprises worry about the cost of export customs declaration agency.In fact,professional agency services can help enterprises avoid unnecessary losses such as port detention fees,fines,and additional taxes and duties,ultimately saving costs.Zhongshitong has transparent charges; all costs will be confirmed with clients in advance with no hidden charges.For example,detailed cost lists will be provided for document transfer fees and inspection fees.

In addition,leveraging Shanghai’s geographical advantage as an international trade center,we can connect with ports across the country to complete remote declarations.For example,we have cooperative agency teams at ports such as Guangzhou,Shenzhen,and Qingdao,providing enterprises with cross-regional one-stop customs declaration services.No matter from which port the enterprise’s goods are exported,we can provide unified compliance services to solve practical problems in cross-regional trade.