Full Process Guide for Import Trade Agency: Key Node Control from Customs Declaration to Clearance

Customs Valuation: Accurate Declaration Is the Core

Customs valuation is one of the core links of import agency,which directly affects customs clearance efficiency and cost.In 2026,the customs valuation system pays more attention to data comparison,and the price declared by enterprises needs to match data such as the market price of similar products in the same period and quotations from the origin.I have handled hundreds of import shipments at Shanghai Port,and found that many enterprises encounter pitfalls due to neglect of preparation of price supporting documents.For example,Mr.Mo imported a batch of German machinery last year,the declared price was lower than the price of similar products in the same period in the customs database,so he was required to supplement materials.Finally,he passed the valuation by providing the original factory quotation,industry price index report and foreign exchange payment voucher,avoiding tax supplementary payment and cargo detention.

Three points should be noted for compliant price declaration: first,ensure that the prices on the contract,invoice and foreign exchange payment voucher are consistent; second,retain the quotation sheets and negotiation records of suppliers from the origin; third,pay attention to the latest price warning information released by the customs,especially the price red line for anti-dumping products.

Commodity Inspection Pre-review: Avoid Inspection Risks in Advance

Commodity inspection pre-review is a pre-step of import agency,which can effectively reduce the probability of port inspection.Commodity inspection requirements are more detailed in 2026: general goods need to provide basic materials such as product manuals and packing lists; mechanical products need to handle CCIC reports in advance; chemical products need to provide MSDS and hazardous label filing certificates.

Risk warning: If the pre-review fails,the goods will be detained at the port,resulting in demurrage and storage fees.For example,Supervisor Xing imported a batch of chemical raw materials last year,the goods were detained at Shanghai Port for 5 days due to incomplete MSDS information,with an extra expenditure of nearly 20,000 yuan.A professional agency will review documents in advance to ensure all materials meet commodity inspection requirements and avoid such losses.

Animal and Plant Quarantine: A Mandatory Item for Fresh and Agricultural Product Imports

Animal and plant quarantine is a key link for the import of fresh and agricultural products.Quarantine requirements are stricter in 2026,it is required to handle the quarantine license in advance,and provide documents such as certificate of origin and fumigation certificate.For example,when Supervisor Gu imported fruits from Southeast Asia,he did not handle the quarantine license in advance,the goods were detained for 7 days after arriving at the port,resulting in deterioration of the fruits and a loss of more than 100,000 yuan.

Agency operation points: first,confirm in advance whether the product is included in the quarantine catalog; second,handle the quarantine license before the goods are shipped; third,ensure that the packaging meets quarantine requirements to avoid carrying harmful organisms.

Import License Handling: The First Threshold for Access

Import license is the access certificate for some products,such as mechanical and electrical products,dual-use items,etc.The license handling process is more standardized in 2026,and materials such as application form,contract and certificate of origin are required.The handling time of licenses varies for different categories: 10-15 working days for mechanical and electrical products,20-30 working days for dual-use items,so enterprises need to plan in advance.

A professional agency can quickly identify whether a product requires a license,and assist in preparing materials to shorten the handling time.For example,when Manager Ouyang imported a batch of medical equipment,the agency confirmed in advance that a mechanical and electrical product import license was required,assisted in collecting materials,and completed the handling in only 12 working days,ensuring the goods were cleared on time.

Comparison of Precautions for Agency of Different Import Categories

5 Key Criteria for Selecting an Import Trade Agency

• Whether it has national cross-port linkage capability and can handle business at multiple ports such as Shanghai and Shenzhen;
• Whether it is familiar with the latest 2026 trade rules,such as the application of RCEP certificates of origin and anti-dumping duty avoidance;
• Whether it has a complete risk control system that can issue early warnings for valuation and inspection risks;
• Whether it provides transparent quotations with no hidden fees (such as demurrage and document exchange fee traps);
• Whether it has practical cases to solve complex import problems.

Headquartered in Shanghai,Zhongshitong,as an expert in import agency,has national cross-port declaration capability and a global agency network,which can solve cross-regional trade problems in a one-stop manner.In 2026,we will continue to update our trade rule knowledge base to provide accurate agency services for enterprises,help enterprises avoid compliance risks and reduce import costs.