Full Process Checklist for Import Agency Procedures

I.Core Procedure Framework of Import Agency

The essence of import agency is to undertake the full compliance customs clearance process after enterprises’ global procurement.From goods arrival at port to domestic delivery,it covers four consecutive stages: Document Preparation → Port Declaration → Inspection and Release → Tax and Fee Settlement.Taking general cargo as an example,the basic procedures include 8 core links,while requirements vary significantly across different product categories: additional CCC certification is required for machinery,hazard label identification for chemical products,and animal and plant quarantine certificate for agricultural products.

Zhongshitong once encountered a client importing precision instruments from Germany.The client misclassified the HS code (declared 84869000 as 9031) without pre-verification,which led to the anti-dumping tax rate jumping from 0% to 12%,causing an extra tariff loss of RMB 180,000.This reminds us: The first step of procedure preparation is to clarify product attributes and regulatory requirements.

II.Customs Valuation: Price Declaration and Compliance Verification

Customs verification on the authenticity of imported goods value is a core link,and the declared price shall be compared with the transaction price of identical or similar goods at the same period.Common risk points include:

• Failure to declare overseas ocean freight/insurance premiums under FOB terms,leading to under-declared total value;
• Abnormal transaction price with affiliated companies (e.g.parent company supplying goods to subsidiary at abnormally low price),which is identified as "transaction under special relationship" by customs;
• Failure to submit price supporting documents (such as bank foreign exchange payment slips,purchase contracts,third-party price assessment reports).

In practice,Manager Zhou once assisted a Shanghai electronics enterprise to import semiconductor equipment.Since the declared price was 15% lower than the average price of similar equipment in the customs database,manual valuation was triggered.By supplementing the original factory quotation of the equipment,value-added tax invoice of the German factory,and third-party price appraisal report,the customs finally recognized the declared price,avoiding RMB 23,000 storage fee caused by 3 days of port detention.

III.Pre-commodity Inspection Review: Statutory Inspection and Risk Prediction

The commodity inspection authority implements classified inspection on imported goods.No additional inspection is required for general cargo,while special categories need to complete relevant procedures in advance:

• Food/Cosmetics: label filing and component testing (2026 adds new "Safety Technical Specification" requirements for cosmetics,labels shall be reviewed in accordance with GB 5296.3-2026 standard);
• Machinery/Medical Devices: CCC certification (application shall be submitted to the CCC Certification Center 3 months in advance);
• Animal and Plant Products: official foreign quarantine certificate plus Chinese translation (e.g.imported beef requires non-epidemic area certificate and veterinary health certificate).

Supervisor Gu once handled a case of a client importing Thai fragrant rice.Since the client did not conduct pre-label review in advance,it was found after goods arrival that the production date was not marked on the label (violating GB 7718-2011),the commodity inspection authority ordered rectification,resulting in RMB 30,000 cost for label re-production and return shipment.This reminds us: Pre-commodity inspection review shall be started 15 working days in advance,with focus on verifying the consistency between label content and actual goods.

IV.Special Procedures for Specific Product Categories (Taking General Cargo/Machinery/Chemical Products as Examples)

Taking a chemical enterprise importing coatings as an example,the enterprise only provided the English version of MSDS report instead of the Chinese version,and was required to make rectification by the commodity inspection authority of Shanghai Chemical Industry Park,which took 5 days.Zhongshitong assisted to complete the full Chinese version of MSDS (including "flammable liquid" classification,flash point value,toxicity data),and completed filing through the dangerous goods declaration system,finally the goods were released smoothly.

V.Risk Control and Practical Pitfall Avoidance Guide

Common "hidden costs" in import agency and corresponding solutions:

• Demurrage Trap: over-days storage fee charged by shipping companies (RMB 500 per day for general cargo,RMB 1200 per day for dangerous goods).Countermeasure: confirm free storage period with shipping agent in advance,complete document exchange 24 hours before goods arrival.
• Document Exchange Fee Dispute: freight forwarders temporarily increase the document exchange fee (e.g.a client was asked to pay extra RMB 3000 for document exchange).Countermeasure: specify the "lump-sum document exchange fee" clause in the agency contract,covering bill of lading exchange fee,telex release fee and other related charges.
• Wrong HS Code Classification: machinery products are mis-declared under Chapter 84 instead of Chapter 90,with a tariff rate difference up to 20%.Countermeasure: query the code in advance through the customs commodity classification pre-ruling system,or entrust the professional classification team of Zhongshitong.

2026 Policy Update: Shanghai Port has implemented the "Two-step Declaration" reform.Enterprises can first declare the means of transport and product name,and supplement detailed data later,which cuts the customs clearance time by 1-2 days on average.It is recommended that enterprises prioritize the combined mode of "Two-step Declaration + Advance Declaration" to reduce inspection probability.

VI.Special Import Preference for RCEP Member States

For RCEP member states including Japan,South Korea,Australia,etc.Zhongshitong can assist to process the "Origin Declaration + FORM R Certificate" to realize tariff reduction.For example: a Shanghai apparel enterprise imported fabric from Japan,and reduced the tariff from 5% to 0% with the FORM R certificate,saving about RMB 45,000 tariff for one shipment.Note that: The application for certificate of origin must meet the rule of "Regional Value Content ≥ 30%",and be completed before goods arrival.

Final reminder: import agency procedures require advance planning and dynamic adjustment.With 20 years of experience at Shanghai Port,Zhongshitong can provide services including "off-site declaration at global ports + full-category compliance pre-review" to ensure zero delay and zero penalty customs clearance for goods.For specific category procedure checklists or policy interpretation,you can contact Manager Zhou for a customized solution.