Import of Maca Tablets Agency: Full-process Compliance Guide for Shanghai Port

Core Access Thresholds for Maca Tablets Import Agency

As a product that is both medicinal and edible,imported maca tablets agents must first clarify three core regulatory requirements:

• Pre-inspection Review: Label filing (including Chinese labels,nutrition facts tables,and country-of-origin information) must be completed 15 working days in advance.A mandatory requirement for labeling "maca extract content" was added in 2026 (GB 7718-2024)
• Animal and Plant Quarantine: An Entry Animal and Plant Quarantine Permit must be provided.If the product comes from RCEP member countries such as Peru,no additional testing is required with the official quarantine certificate from the exporting country
• Import License: Starting from 2026,"pharmaceutical-type maca tablets" require a Pharmaceutical Import Clearance Form,while regular food-type products only need a Food Import Record

Shanghai Port implements a "label pre-audit first,then inspection declaration" model for maca tablets imports.Last year,a Peruvian supplier was returned because the label did not mark "unsuitable population",resulting in demurrage fees exceeding $20,000.

Breakdown of Full Process for Maca Tablets Import at Shanghai Port

Documentation Preparation Before Customs Declaration

Strict verification of three types of documents is required:

• Import Cargo Declaration Form (required declaration elements: brand,specification,country of origin,maca extract content)
• Certificate of Origin (if applicable for RCEP,tariff reduction of 0-5% can be enjoyed; in 2026,the tariff for Peruvian maca tablets has been reduced to 3.2%)
• Sanitary Certificate (a requirement for "irradiation sterilization testing" was added in 2026,which must be additionally provided for maca tablets from Brazil)

Key Nodes of Customs Valuation

Customs valuation for maca tablets follows the "transaction value method".Common dispute points:

Pre-emptive Prevention of Inspection Risks

In 2026,the inspection rate for products with "maca extract content > 30%" at Shanghai Port has increased to 18%.The following needs to be prepared in advance:

• Apply for the "low-risk inspection" green channel (proof of no violations in the last 3 times is required)
• The 3.2% RCEP tariff must be simultaneously reflected in the "Certificate of Origin + Declaration Form"
• Prepare the "Maca Planting Base Certificate" (issued by the origin administration bureau)

Practical Case of Maca Tablets Import Agency in 2026

Scenario: A company imports 1000 boxes of maca tablets from Peru,with the contract stipulating FOB Lima Port,originally scheduled to arrive on March 15,2026.Task: Complete the full-process customs clearance within 5 days.Action:

• Complete the application for Entry Animal and Plant Quarantine Permit 10 days in advance,and submit the official quarantine certificate of Peru simultaneously
• Confirm with the overseas supplier that the label includes three elements: "net content,storage conditions,unsuitable population"
• Apply for the "declaration at local jurisdiction,inspection and release at port" mode to reduce 3 repeated transports

Result

: The goods completed inspection within 24 hours after arrival.Due to the label complying with new regulations (the "allergen warning" was added in 2026),customs clearance was completed in 3 days,with a tariff reduction of 45,000 yuan and demurrage fees saved of $12,000.

Risk Warning List for Maca Tablets Import Agency

1.Label Compliance Risk: A requirement for "unit conversion of nutrition facts table" was added in 2026 (e.g.mg/g must be uniformly converted to g/100g).A batch was returned due to unit errors.

2.Exchange Loss Risk: Fluctuations in RMB exchange rate (USD/CNY fluctuation range of 6.8-7.2 in 2026).It is recommended to adopt "batch settlement + forward exchange hedging".

3.Demurrage Fee Trap: Freight forwarders intentionally split the bill of lading during document exchange leading to demurrage.It is necessary to specify the "full single total bill of lading" clause in the contract.

Zhongshitong,as a 20-year agency enterprise at Shanghai Port,can provide one-stop services of "label pre-audit + valuation prediction + inspection accompaniment" to ensure full-process compliance for maca tablets imports.