Full Process Analysis of Stone Import Customs Clearance

Four Core Links of Stone Import Customs Clearance

Last year,a client Mr.Qu imported a batch of marble blocks from Italy.During customs declaration,due to incorrect HS code classification,the customs classified it under 68029190,which has a 3% higher tariff rate than the correct classification 68022100.The additional tariff alone amounted to nearly CNY 120,000.This type of issue essentially arises from the failure to clarify the code corresponding to the material and specifications before stone customs declaration.For customs valuation,the consistency between material description and HS code is the core review point.

1.Customs Valuation: From Price Disputes to Compliant Clearance

Stone import prices are highly affected by international market fluctuations.In the first half of 2026,CIF prices of Indian granite rose by 11.7% year-on-year.The customs valuation department generally raises price inquiries for high-value stones.Zhongshitong recommends preparing three types of documents in advance: ① Certificate of Origin and commodity inspection invoice (stamped with the chamber of commerce of the exporting country); ② Real-time quotations from international stone exchanges (e.g.data from Istanbul Stone Exchange,Turkey,in Q2 2026); ③ Specified parameters clearly marked in packing lists (e.g.thickness,pattern density).

A client Director Lian once imported granite slabs from Brazil.Due to a 15% deviation between the contract price and the international market average price,it triggered customs verification.We assisted in retrieving the *2026 Stone Price White Paper* released by the Brazilian Mining Association and submitted additional transaction records of this batch of stones in international auctions.Finally,the customs recognized the declared price,avoiding the risk of supplementary taxation.

2.Pre-Commodity Inspection: Radioactive Testing and Quality Grading

For pre-commodity inspection of stone imports,two key indicators need attention: ① Radionuclide limits (GB 6566-2010,the revised version in 2026 adds radon concentration testing requirements); ② Physical performance parameters (e.g.water absorption rate,compressive strength).Taking granite as an example,blocks imported from Chennai Port,India,need to provide additional test reports complying with IS 13435-2025 to prove conformity to Chinese standards for building decoration stones.

Note: Since 2026,Shanghai Port has mandated the provision of "Three Inspection Reports" (factory inspection,pre-shipment inspection,and post-entry inspection) for all imported marble blocks.A stone merchant incurred 7 days of port detention after arrival due to missing radioactive testing,resulting in detention fees of CNY 86,000.Zhongshitong can connect with the laboratory of Shanghai Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau in advance,reducing the radioactive testing time to 3 working days.

3.Animal and Plant Quarantine: Biosafety and Compliance Certificates

Although stones are not perishable goods,they may still carry soil or plant residues.For stone imports from RCEP member states in 2026,additional attention is needed: ① Granite imported from Australia must provide the *Wood Free Certificate* issued by AQIS (Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service); ② Marble slabs imported from Southeast Asia must confirm whether they have undergone fumigation treatment (the fumigation certificate must specify the treatment agent and dosage).

A batch of Vietnamese granite handled by Zhongshitong was once detained by Shanghai Port Inspection and Quarantine Bureau because the wooden packaging did not carry IPPC marks.We urgently coordinated with the Vietnamese agent to issue an additional fumigation certificate and contacted the Shanghai Bureau to process release procedures on an urgent basis.Finally,the goods cleared customs within 48 hours,avoiding terminal storage fees caused by detention (CNY 2,000/day for a 20-foot container).

4.Import License Application: Qualification Verification and Policy Boundaries

In 2026,import licenses for stone imports are managed in a categorized manner: ① Finished decorative stones (thickness 20mm) are exempt from import licenses; ② For block imports,a *Mineral Import Certificate* must be provided; ③ For marble imported from the EU,an *Endangered Species Certificate* must be submitted (only applicable to rare varieties from the Carrara region of Italy).Zhongshitong can use its national port agent network to assist customers in cross-declaration at open ports such as Ningbo and Xiamen.

2026 Stone Import Customs Clearance Pitfall Avoidance Guide

• Stone HS Code Classification Logic: The same material is classified by processing depth (blocks > slabs > finished products) and subdivided by origin (Indian Red > Domestic Red > Brazilian Red).The key lies in whether it has undergone cutting processing (unprocessed blocks have a tariff rate of 0-5%,while finished slabs have a rate of 10-15%).
• Key National Policies to Note in 2026: ① India: From March onwards,a 2% additional tariff will be imposed on granite block exports; ② Italy: From May onwards,a stone traceability QR code system will be implemented,requiring advance application for the Origin Traceability Code; ③ RCEP Member States: Australia and New Zealand can enjoy tariff reductions of 5-10% with FORM R Certificate of Origin.
• Zhongshitong Service Advantages: ① One-stop customs clearance at Shanghai Port: Providing integrated services of "customs declaration + commodity inspection + warehousing",with a new fast lane at Pudong Airport in 2026; ② Global Agent Network: With 7 overseas liaison points established in Turkey,Greece,and Egypt,high-quality sources can be locked in advance; ③ Risk Early Warning System: Real-time monitoring of customs valuation models (e.g.the warning index of stone commodity codes in Shanghai Customs District rose by 12% in 2026).

Stone import customs clearance seems process-standardized,but actually hides three variables: material,policy,and price.20 years of experience tells us that completing pre-classification of HS codes 15 working days in advance and submitting three sets of international market price proofs simultaneously can reduce the customs clearance time from an average of 7 days to within 48 hours.Zhongshitong always believes that the value of foreign trade agency does not lie in "getting goods in",but in making every import of the client compliant and efficient.