Full Process of Import Thermal Paste Agency: Customs Valuation and Pre-inspection Key Points

I.Three Core Business Modules of Import Thermal Paste Agency### 1.1 Customs Valuation and Precise HS Code ClassificationAs a chemical product,the HS code classification of thermal paste directly affects clearance efficiency and costs.In the 2026 latest customs classification directory,common disputes focus on two categories: **silicone-based thermal paste (e.g.Shin-Etsu KE-45) classified under 38249090** (3% duty,supervision condition A),and **metal-based thermal paste (e.g.Dow Corning TC-5625) classified under 38109000** (5% duty,no supervision conditions).Last year,a client mistakenly reported metal-based paste as silicone-based,leading to questioning during customs valuation,paying an additional 20% deposit,and finally being released only after submitting a supplementary composition analysis report.Recommendation: Prior to import,be sure to require the supplier to provide a **Composition Analysis Report** (including metal content,organic matter ratio) and confirm the classification with the customs broker.Zhongshitong can provide customs classification pre-audit services to avoid coding errors.### 1.2 Commodity Inspection Pre-audit and MSDS Compliance VerificationThe 2026 revised "Regulations for the Implementation of the Law on Import and Export Commodity Inspection" has strengthened safety testing requirements for chemicals.If thermal paste contains <em>volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or heavy metals</em>,it must pass commodity inspection pre-audit in advance.**Most Common Risk Point**: The MSDS was not updated according to GB/T 16483-2024 (e.g.missing Chinese GHS pictograms),causing the inspection and quarantine bureau to require rectification.Practical Case: Thermal paste imported by a Japanese/Korean client was detained at the Shanghai Port Inspection and Quarantine Bureau for 5 days because the MSDS was only in English and lacked the "Flammable Liquid" pictogram.Zhongshitong assisted the client in contacting the manufacturer to fill out the Chinese MSDS and supplemented the declaration of conformity with the "Compilation Provisions for Safety Technical Sheets of Hazardous Chemicals," completing the pre-audit in 3 working days.### 1.3 Certificate of Origin and Tariff Optimization Strategies

Country of Origin	CO Type	Tariff Rate (2026)	Applicable Scenarios
Japan	FORM J (RCEP)	0-3%	Silicone thermal paste (Shin-Etsu,Toshiba brands)
South Korea	FORM K (RCEP)	1-2.5%	Metal-based thermal paste (Samsung,LG Chem)
EU	FORM A	4-8%	High-end nano thermal paste (watch for anti-dumping investigations)

Note: If the thermal paste contains rare earth elements or special additives,verify whether it involves the EU REACH regulation to avoid cargo detention due to failure to meet environmental indicators.## II.Five Major Hidden Risks and Solutions for 2026 Import Thermal Paste Agency<ul>- **Risk 1: HS Code Classification Error** → Solution: Submit "Commodity Classification Pre-classification Application" in advance,attached with third-party testing reports (e.g.SGS composition analysis).- **Risk 2: Missing MSDS File** → Solution: Require supplier to provide Chinese MSDS compliant with GB 2056-2024,highlighting GHS labels like "Flammable Liquid" and "Irritant".- **Risk 3: Deposit Freeze Due to Valuation Query** → Solution: Retain complete trade chain documents (purchase contract,bank slip,logistics documents) to prove the authenticity of the declared price.- **Risk 4: Demurrage and Delivery Order Fee Traps** → Solution: Choose "Door-to-Door" all-inclusive service.Zhongshitong signs agreements with shipping agents to avoid extra charges from freight forwarders.- **Risk 5: Certificate of Origin Format Error** → Solution: Use Zhongshitong’s pre-audit system to automatically verify RCEP origin standards for FORM J/K.## III.Practical Case of Thermal Paste Import at Shanghai Port: 3-Day Clearance from Detention to Release**Scenario**: A semiconductor enterprise imported 500kg of nano thermal paste from Germany.Due to declaring it as "general chemicals" without declaring dangerous goods attributes,the shipping company charged a daily demurrage fee of 3000 RMB.**Task**: Complete rectification within 3 days.**Action**:

• Zhongshitong immediately contacted the customs classification department and submitted the "Pre-determination Form for Classification of Hazardous Chemicals," confirming the product belongs to Class 3 Flammable Liquid (UN1263);
• Coordinated with the supplier to reissue the Dangerous Goods Transport Appraisal Report (DGD) issued by the German manufacturer;
• Simultaneously completed the translation and filing of the Chinese MSDS and supplemented it to the commodity inspection system.**Result**: Completed dangerous goods declaration and inspection within 3 working days,avoiding 15,000 RMB in demurrage fees,and the cargo was delivered to the production line on time.## IV.Conclusion: "Four-Step Risk Control Method" for Import Thermal Paste AgencyAs an agency deeply cultivating the Shanghai port for 20 years,Zhongshitong helps enterprises avoid over 90% of import risks through the "Pre-audit Classification -> Dangerous Goods Screening -> Certificate of Origin Verification -> Logistics Node Monitoring" four-step method.It is recommended to choose a service provider with "Specialized Chemical Agency Qualification + National Port Linkage Network" to ensure dual guarantees of compliance and efficiency.