Xiamen Lithium Ore Import Customs Brokerage: Full-process Compliance Control and Port Operation Guide

Core Link Breakdown of Xiamen Lithium Ore Import Customs Brokerage

Customs Valuation: Precisely Confirm Tax Calculation Benchmark,Avoid Price Query

In 2026,Xiamen Customs implements the latest *Measures for the Examination and Determination of Dutiable Value of Import and Export Goods* for lithium ore valuation,focusing on verifying the authenticity and completeness of transaction prices.Last year we handled a case for a lithium battery enterprise in Fujian: the enterprise declared Australian lithium ore at FOB price,but failed to provide overseas transportation insurance certificate and third-party draft survey report,thus was queried by the customs for under-declared price,and required to make up nearly 800,000 RMB of tax.Finally,we assisted the client to access the import price database of the same batch of Australian lithium ore,supplemented EXW transaction contract,foreign exchange payment voucher and MTC quality certificate,thus passed the valuation review and avoided extra tax burden.

Notes in actual operation: Lithium ore falls into the category of bulk cargo,the customs will give priority to referring to the preferential tax rate corresponding to the RCEP member state certificate of origin.If the goods come from non-RCEP countries such as Australia,it is required to provide a price appraisal report issued by a third-party institution,and clarify that demurrage at loading and discharging ports will not be included in the dutiable value,the cost details shall be listed separately.

Pre-inspection by Commodity Inspection Authority: Pre-control Environmental Protection and Quality Risks

As a solid raw material,Xiamen Customs has made it mandatory in 2026 to complete radioactivity testing and *Solid Waste Attribute Identification Report* in advance for imported lithium ore.Previously,a trading company in Jiangsu failed to carry out pre-inspection,after the goods arrived at the port,the radioactivity test value was close to the threshold of GB6566-2010 standard,the goods were detained at the port area for 12 days,resulting in nearly 150,000 USD of demurrage and storage fees.Our operation logic is: 7 days before the goods are loaded on board,we assist the client to entrust a CNAS-qualified institution to complete the test,to ensure that the radioactivity activity is ≤ 0.1μSv/h,and check in advance that the mineral content and particle size parameters on the MTC quality certificate are fully consistent with those on the bill of lading and packing list,to avoid goods return due to inconsistent documents after arrival at the port.

Animal and Plant Quarantine: Special Control Requirements for Lithium Ore

Imported lithium ore may carry alien species (for example,Australian lithium ore often carries drought-tolerant weed seeds).In 2026,Xiamen Customs requires that the official phytosanitary certificate issued by the country of origin must be provided,and the certificate must be clearly marked "free of harmful organisms".We will review the validity period and authenticity of the signature and seal of the phytosanitary certificate in advance.If the goods come from high epidemic areas such as Africa and South America,we will also assist the client to apply for pre-inspection channel to shorten port inspection time.

Import Permit Processing: Efficient Application to Avoid Port Detention

Lithium ore belongs to goods under automatic import license administration.The application process in 2026 has been fully electronic,the permit can be issued within 3 working days after submitting documents,but attention shall be paid to the remaining annual quota.We once encountered a Zhejiang-based enterprise that did not check the quota in advance,and found that the quota was exhausted when the goods arrived at the port,failing to apply for the permit,resulting in high costs due to 10 days of port detention.Our solution is: assist the client to query the Ministry of Commerce quota system 30 days in advance,if the quota is insufficient,coordinate with the client to adjust the import batches,or apply for a temporary quota,to ensure that the permit is obtained before the goods arrive at the port.

Core Risk Warning for Xiamen Lithium Ore Import Customs Declaration

• Risk of Excessive Radioactivity: If the test value exceeds the GB6566-2010 standard,the goods will be directly returned,all incurred demurrage,transportation costs and testing costs will be borne by the importer
• Risk of Solid Waste Identification: If lithium ore is determined as solid waste,the importer will face an administrative penalty of up to 500,000 RMB from the customs,and the relevant responsible persons may bear criminal liability
• Risk of Valuation Query: Failure to provide complete transaction vouchers or the price is lower than the customs reference price will lead to adjusted tax calculation price,with tax burden increased by up to 15%
• Demurrage Trap: The demurrage at Xiamen Port starts to be calculated from the 3rd day after arrival,the charge is 300 USD per 20GP container per day,it is required to plan the customs clearance time in advance to avoid overtime

Customs Clearance Efficiency Comparison of Lithium Ore Between Xiamen Port and Other Core Ports

Practical Case: Lithium Ore Import Customs Clearance Pitfall Avoidance for Fujian Lithium Battery Enterprise

Scenario: In November 2025,a lithium battery enterprise in Fujian imported 20,000 tons of lithium ore from Australia.After arriving at Xiamen Port,the customs queried that the declared price was on the low side,and the radioactivity test value was close to the threshold,facing port detention and goods return risks.

Task: Quickly resolve the valuation query,ensure the goods meet environmental protection standards,and avoid demurrage and goods return losses.

Action: We accessed the import price database of Australian lithium ore in Q3 2025,provided complete EXW transaction contract,foreign exchange payment voucher and third-party draft survey report; meanwhile coordinated the testing institution to conduct accurate re-test on radioactivity,and issued a report that meets the GB6566-2010 standard; checked the quota usage of the automatic import license in advance to ensure all documents are complete.

Result: The goods were smoothly cleared on the 5th day after arrival at the port,nearly 120,000 USD of demurrage was avoided,the valuation result was consistent with the declared price,no extra tax burden was added; the radioactivity test report met the requirements,no goods return occurred.

Relying on the nationwide port interconnection network of our Shanghai headquarters,we can realize off-site pre-inspection for Xiamen Port,complete all document review and risk investigation before the goods are loaded on board,to ensure fast customs clearance after the goods arrive at the port.Meanwhile,our global agent network can complete radioactivity testing and phytosanitary certificate processing in advance at the country of origin,further shortening the customs clearance cycle and reducing compliance risks.