Full Process of Import Fireproof Coating Agency: Key Points of Customs Valuation and Pre-inspection of Commodity Inspection

Full Process of Import Fireproof Coating Agency: Key Points of Customs Valuation and Pre-inspection of Commodity Inspection

In March 2026,a chemical enterprise imported 1,000 barrels of fireproof coatings from South Korea.Due to failure to check the newly added classification standard of "fluorine-containing flame retardants" in the 2026 Edition of the Catalogue of Hazardous Chemicals,the goods were classified as hazardous chemicals upon arrival,resulting in demurrage of RMB 12,000 and a 48-hour delay in customs clearance.This is a typical consequence of "misjudgment of non-hazardous goods" and a compliance risk that needs to be avoided in import fireproof coating agency.

The core of import fireproof coating agency lies in three controls: identification of hazardous chemical properties,completeness of regulatory documents,and efficiency of port inspection.As a long-established agency at Shanghai Port,Zhongshitong suggests enterprises complete three preparations in advance: confirm whether the product is included in the 2026 Edition of the Catalogue of Hazardous Chemicals,verify the indicators in Item 10 (flammability) and Item 16 (corrosivity) of the MSDS,and prepare the dual-use item certificate of the manufacturer (if applicable).

I.Definition of Hazardous Chemical Properties for Fireproof Coating Import Agency

Double confirmation is required through chemical classification and physical state:

• If the coating contains flammable solvents (e.g.xylene >0.1%),even if it is claimed as "non-hazardous goods",it shall still be declared as Class 3 flammable liquids;
• If it belongs to water-based fireproof coatings (without flammable components),it shall be checked whether it is included in the Catalogue of Non-pharmaceutical Precursor Chemicals (the 2026 edition added control on "phosphorus-containing flame retardants").

A manager Jiang from a coating enterprise once encountered that 500 tons of coatings were detained at the port due to the MSDS not labeling "self-reactive substances" (Class 4.1 flammable solids),resulting in additional inspection fees of RMB 3,000.The correct approach is to require overseas suppliers to provide a complete MSDS and have Zhongshitong’s technical team verify it item by item.

II.Customs and Commodity Inspection Procedures for Import Fireproof Coatings at Shanghai Port

1.Customs Valuation: Focus on verifying the consistency of the transaction price with similar products in the same period.Core Document Requirements:

• The commercial invoice must clearly state the brand,model,quantity and unit price of the coatings;
• The packing list must indicate the net weight and gross weight,and be consistent with the country of production of the certificate of origin;
• The certificate of origin must be certified by the embassy or consulate of the exporting country in China.

2.Pre-inspection of Commodity Inspection: Three tests must be completed in advance:

• Content of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) (2026 standard: ≤60g/L);
• Residual amount of heavy metals (lead,cadmium) (≤90mg/kg);
• Fire performance test report (complying with GB 12441-2025 standard).

3.Import Permit Processing: If the coating contains special flame retardants,it is necessary to apply to the Ministry of Commerce for the "Import License for Dual-Use Items and Technologies".Practical Tips: Submit the application 30 working days in advance to avoid delays due to "incorrect classification of 10-digit HS code".

III.Compliance Operations of MSDS and GHS Labels

The MSDS shall contain 16 core contents,of which Items 3,4 and 8 are key:

• Item 3: Composition/Information on Ingredients (all flammable solvents shall be listed);
• Item 4: First-aid measures (clearly state the treatment steps after skin contact);
• Item 8: Exposure control/personal protection (recommend types of protective gloves and goggles).

New GHS labels are mandatory from January 2026:

• "Flammable liquids" shall be marked with a red diamond;
• "Carcinogenicity" shall be marked with a black skull and crossbones pattern (e.g.when containing formaldehyde);
• "Waste disposal" shall clearly state "Do not pour into sewers".

Risk Point: The MSDS of a Southeast Asian supplier was not updated to the 2026 new classification standard,resulting in the goods being returned upon arrival due to "no GHS pictograms on labels".Zhongshitong coordinated with the foreign factory to add the labels,completing the rectification in 15 days.

IV.Hidden Risk Prevention and Control in Agency Services

1.Demurrage and Order Exchange Fee Traps:

• Demurrage: The ship was delayed for 1 day due to failure to exchange the original bill of lading in time,resulting in a cost of RMB 2,000 per day;
• Order Exchange Fee: Some freight forwarders charge additional "port storage fees" and "delay declaration fees" when exchanging orders.It is necessary to sign a lump-sum agreement in advance.

2.Foreign Exchange Settlement Risk: The exchange rate fluctuates greatly in 2026.It is recommended to adopt a combination strategy of "spot foreign exchange settlement + forward exchange rate hedging".Zhongshitong can provide bank guarantee services to lock in the exchange rate.

3.Customs Clearance Delay: Pay attention to the ship’s arrival date and holidays (e.g.the port inspection efficiency decreases by 30% during the 2026 Spring Festival holiday),and complete the document pre-inspection 5 working days in advance.

V.Practical Case: Full Process of Importing 5,000 Tons of Fireproof Coatings via Agency

Scenario: A construction group imported 5,000 tons of fireproof coatings from Germany and needed to complete customs clearance within 15 days.Actions:

• Completed MSDS and GHS label pre-inspection 7 days in advance;
• Adopted the "declare customs first then inspect commodity" model,saving 3 working days;
• Applied for "off-site release",and the goods were directly transferred to Nanjing warehouse upon arrival.

Result

: The entire customs clearance process was completed in only 13 days,saving demurrage of RMB 120,000,and the coating performance test passed at one time.

As a benchmark enterprise for import fireproof coating agency at Shanghai Port,Zhongshitong can provide full-chain services from overseas factories to domestic project sites.It is recommended to complete three tasks first: MSDS compliance verification,HS code pre-classification,and hazardous goods declaration pre-inspection to ensure the goods arrive safely and compliantly.