Full-process Compliance Guide for Import Coating Customs Clearance: Key Operational Points of Access Permits and Commodity Inspection

Core Control Modules for Import Coating Customs Clearance

I.Precise Control of Customs Valuation

In 2026,customs will adopt the transaction value method as the core benchmark for valuing imported coatings,requiring importers to provide a complete and authentic chain of trade documents,including EXW/FOB/CIF trade contracts,commercial invoices,ocean bills of lading,etc.For coatings imported from regions such as the EU and the US,it is necessary to verify the latest 2026 anti-dumping duty rates in advance.The anti-dumping duty rate for some solvent-based coatings has been increased to 15.8%,and failure to declare in advance will result in additional costs.In addition,coatings imported from RCEP member states require a FORM E certificate of origin,which allows for tariff reductions of 0-5%.During valuation,it is necessary to ensure that the certificate of origin fully matches the cargo information to avoid being unable to enjoy preferential tariff rates due to document discrepancies.

It should be noted that during customs valuation,the customs will compare the import prices of coatings of the same category in the same period.If the declared price is below the reasonable range,a price challenge procedure will be initiated,causing a delay of up to 7-10 days.Importers need to prepare supporting documents such as foreign exchange payment vouchers and procurement agreements in advance to ensure compliance with price declaration.

II.Pre-Operation of Commodity Inspection Pre-Examination

Imported coatings fall into the category of chemical products.In 2026,commodity inspection pre-examination has become a mandatory pre-link for customs clearance,with core control points including MSDS review,GHS hazard communication label compliance,and dangerous goods declaration (DG Declaration).In practice,we assisted Mr.Ou in handling an import customs clearance case: the solvent-based coating he purchased from the EU failed the commodity inspection pre-examination due to an incorrect flash point label in the MSDS (actual flash point was 23℃,incorrectly marked as 60℃).The cargo was detained at the port for 7 days after arrival,resulting in demurrage of 12,000 RMB.Only after re-entrusting a qualified third-party institution to issue an MSDS compliant with Chinese GB standards and supplementing the hazardous chemical classification identification report did the cargo pass the pre-examination smoothly.

• MSDS Report: Must include core parameters such as GHS classification,flash point,toxicity,and storage and transportation requirements.In 2026,it must be issued by a third-party institution recognized by China.Overseas reports must be translated into Chinese and stamped with an official seal
• GHS Hazard Communication Label: Must be affixed in accordance with Chinese GB 15258 standard,including hazard statements,precautionary measures,emergency contact number,etc.The label size shall not be less than 10cm×10cm
• Ocean Dangerous Goods Declaration (DG Declaration): If the coating is a hazardous chemical,it must be submitted to the shipping company 48 hours in advance,and the declaration content must be completely consistent with the MSDS
• Certificate of Origin: Coatings imported from RCEP member states require a FORM E certificate to ensure the cargo complies with origin rules and enjoys tariff reductions
• Component Test Report: For coatings containing special heavy metals and precursor chemical components,a component test report issued by an authoritative institution is required

Commodity inspection pre-examination must be submitted 7-10 days before the cargo arrives at the port.Cargo that has not completed the pre-examination will be temporarily detained by the port customs and cannot enter the inspection link.In addition,misdeclaring non-hazardous goods as general cargo is strictly prohibited.In 2026,the customs’ penalty for misdeclaration of chemical products has been upgraded,with a maximum fine of 30% of the cargo value,and the enterprise will be included in the credit blacklist.

III.Compliance Inspection of Animal and Plant Quarantine

Some imported coatings contain animal and plant-derived components such as natural resins and plant extracts.In 2026,customs will further strengthen quarantine control over such products,especially coatings imported from Southeast Asian RCEP member states.It is necessary to check in advance whether they fall under the scope of animal and plant quarantine supervision.If the components contain extracts of endangered wild animals and plants,an import permit under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) must be obtained.Failure to do so will result in cargo seizure.

In addition,if imported coatings are packed in wooden packaging,an IPPC fumigation mark must be provided.If not provided,mandatory fumigation will be carried out,causing a delay of 3-5 days and additional fumigation costs.Importers need to require overseas suppliers to provide wooden packaging fumigation certificates in advance to ensure the packaging complies with Chinese quarantine standards.

IV.Practical Operation of Import License Application

For imported coatings containing dual-use items (such as specific heavy metals and precursor chemical solvents),a Dual-Use Items and Technologies Import License must be obtained.The application process has been simplified in 2026,but the application must be submitted 30 days in advance.Application materials include component test reports,import contracts,usage instructions,etc.The license is valid for 6 months,and a re-application is required if it expires.

Risk Warning: Dual-use item licenses are state-controlled documents.Misdeclaration or forgery of licenses will face criminal liability,with a maximum penalty of 5 years of imprisonment.In addition,shipping company demurrage is calculated from the 3rd day after the cargo arrives at the port,with a daily demurrage of 0.1% of the container value.Importers need to prepare documents in advance to ensure smooth customs clearance and avoid high demurrage costs.

Relying on the core resources of Shanghai Port and the nationwide cross-port declaration system,cross-regional customs clearance collaboration can be realized.There is no need to handle procedures on-site at the cargo entry port,saving labor and time costs.At the same time,the global agent network can monitor the document preparation progress of overseas suppliers in real time,identify compliance risks in advance,and ensure fast cargo clearance.