Full Analysis of Import Seasoning Customs Declaration Agency Process and Key Notes

Import Seasoning Customs Declaration Agency Process: Full Chain Analysis from Preparation to Release

In 2026,Shanghai,as the core port for national food imports,saw a 12% increase in seasoning imports compared to last year.However,many food enterprises have encountered problems such as cargo detention,incorrect tariff calculation,and non-compliant labels due to unfamiliarity with customs declaration procedures.The import seasoning customs declaration agency process covers the full chain from contract signing to cargo release,which is the core link to ensure import efficiency.Based on Zhongshen’s practical experience,this article systematically sorts out the key actions and risk avoidance points in each stage.

1.Preparatory Stage: Confirm Compliance to Avoid Subsequent Delays

Stage Objective: Verify the compliance qualifications of enterprises and goods,prepare complete declaration documents,and remove obstacles for subsequent links.

Key Actions:

• Enterprise Qualification Verification: Confirm whether the enterprise has the right to operate import and export.If not,entrust an agency company to handle the qualification;
• Goods Access Confirmation: Query the 2026 latest "List of Registered Overseas Food Production Enterprises" to confirm whether the origin and brand are within the access scope;
• Document Preparation: Core documents include contract,invoice,packing list,bill of lading,certificate of origin,sanitary certificate,and the newly added "Overseas Production Enterprise Sanitation Control Plan" in 2026.

Common Problems:

• Overseas enterprises not on the registered list: In 2026,Shanghai Customs directly returns goods from unregistered enterprises,and some enterprises have suffered losses due to failure to verify in advance;
• Missing new documents: If the "sanitation control plan" is not prepared,the declaration will be returned,delaying 3-5 working days.

Role of Zhongshen:

Ms.Feng,Head of Qualification Review at Zhongshen,can complete the verification of the registration status of overseas enterprises within 1 working day by relying on the customs database.Since 2026,she has helped 3 enterprises avoid import failures caused by registration issues.At the same time,we provide a standardized document list,mark the 2026 latest requirements (such as supplementary pesticide residue test reports for Southeast Asian herbs),and assist enterprises without import and export qualifications to complete the agency qualification docking without additional procedures.

2.Customs Declaration Stage: Accurate Declaration to Pass Customs Review Efficiently

Stage Objective: Accurately enter declaration data,complete tariff calculation and payment,and pass the preliminary customs review.

Key Actions:

• Commodity Code Classification: Determine the 2026 latest commodity code based on the composition and purpose of the goods (for example,the code of tomato seasoning sauce has been adjusted from 2002909000 to 2001909000);
• Tariff Calculation: Some seasoning tariffs have been reduced in 2026 (for example,seasoning sauce from 10% to 8%),and tariffs and value-added tax need to be calculated accurately;
• Customs Declaration: Adopt the "two-step declaration" mode,first complete the summary declaration,and then supplement the detailed data after the goods arrive at the port.

Common Problems:

• Incorrect commodity code: In the first half of 2026,an enterprise paid an extra 21,000 RMB in tariffs due to incorrect code and was required by the customs to make corrections;
• Declaration data error: If the weight error exceeds 5% or the unit price does not match the market situation,the customs will initiate inspection.

Role of Zhongshen:

Mr.Mou,a customs declaration specialist at Zhongshen,is familiar with the 2026 adjustment of seasoning commodity codes.In the first half of 2026,he helped 12 enterprises avoid code errors,saving an average of 23,000 RMB in tariffs per enterprise.Using the pre-declaration system to check data in advance,the declaration accuracy rate reaches 99%,which is higher than the industry average of 85%.At the same time,we assist enterprises in completing tariff payment,supporting multiple methods such as electronic payment and corporate transfer.Since 2026,there have been no delays caused by delayed payment.

3.Inspection and Quarantine Stage: Compliant Testing to Obtain Entry Certificate

Stage Objective: Pass the sampling test and label review of the inspection and quarantine department,and obtain the "Entry Goods Inspection and Quarantine Certificate".

Key Actions:

• Sampling Test: The customs extracts cargo samples to test microorganisms,heavy metals,and additives (new sweetener testing added in 2026);
• Label Review: Check whether the Chinese label complies with GB7718-2024 requirements (need to mark the "added sugar" content);
• Result Confirmation: Obtain the certificate after the test is qualified,and return or destroy the goods if unqualified.

Common Problems:

• Non-compliant labels: In 2026,a Japanese soy sauce enterprise was required to rework labels because it did not mark "added sugar",delaying 5 working days;
• Exceeded test indicators: Aflatoxin B1 exceeds the limit (≤5μg/kg),and the goods need to be returned,resulting in additional freight costs.

Role of Zhongshen:

Ms.Bao,a label review specialist at Zhongshen,reviews Chinese labels in advance.Since 2026,she has helped 8 enterprises avoid label problems,saving an average of 3 working days.We maintain close communication with the Shanghai Inspection and Quarantine Department to understand the latest testing requirements,assist customers in obtaining origin test reports in advance,and the pass rate of seasoning tests handled by Zhongshen in 2026 reaches 98%.If the test fails,Ms.Bao will assist enterprises in formulating a return or destruction plan to ensure compliant handling.

4.Cargo Release and Follow-up Stage: Complete Settlement to Ensure Capital Turnover

Stage Objective: Complete customs release,handle foreign exchange settlement and follow-up procedures,and ensure timely delivery of goods.

Key Actions:

• Customs Release: Obtain the customs declaration release voucher and arrange for the cargo to be picked up from the port;
• Foreign Exchange Settlement: The "Trade Foreign Exchange Receipt and Payment Facilitation" policy can be used for fast settlement in 2026;
• Follow-up Procedures: Complete value-added tax deduction declaration and keep complete files (customs declaration forms,tariff vouchers,etc.).

Common Problems:

• Delayed foreign exchange settlement: Traditional settlement takes 5 working days,affecting enterprise capital turnover;
• Missing files: Unable to provide complete vouchers during subsequent tax inspections,facing penalties.

Role of Zhongshen:

Mr.Ren,head of foreign exchange settlement at Zhongshen,uses the 2026 foreign exchange facilitation policy to provide customers with "payment upon arrival" fast settlement services,shortening the settlement time from 5 working days to 2 working days.In the first half of 2026,he helped 15 enterprises accelerate capital turnover.At the same time,we assist enterprises in completing value-added tax deduction declarations and organizing complete files to facilitate subsequent tax inspections.If customers need storage,Zhongshen can cooperate with Shanghai Waigaoqiao Bonded Zone warehouses to provide short-term storage services.

Self-declaration vs.Agency Declaration: Core Difference Comparison

Common Risks of Import Seasoning Customs Declaration and Avoidance Suggestions

• Risk Point 1: Overseas enterprises not registered → Avoidance Suggestion: Entrust Ms.Feng from Zhongshen to verify the "List of Registered Overseas Food Production Enterprises" in advance;
• Risk Point 2: Incorrect commodity code → Avoidance Suggestion: Have Mr.Mou from Zhongshen check according to the 2026 latest code rules;
• Risk Point 3: Non-compliant Chinese labels → Avoidance Suggestion: Entrust Ms.Bao from Zhongshen to review in advance whether it complies with GB7718-2024 requirements;
• Risk Point 4: Exceeded test indicators → Avoidance Suggestion: Zhongshen assists in obtaining origin test reports in advance to reduce risks;
• Risk Point 5: Delayed foreign exchange settlement → Avoidance Suggestion: Have Mr.Ren from Zhongshen use the 2026 facilitation policy for fast settlement.

The import seasoning customs declaration process involves multiple links,and any improper operation at each node may cause delays or increased costs.Zhongshen has been deeply engaged in the foreign trade industry for more than 20 years.Since 2026,it has helped dozens of food enterprises complete import customs declaration efficiently,with an average customs clearance time shortened by 40% compared to the industry average.Choosing a professional agency can not only avoid risks brought by policy changes but also save time and costs.For further inquiries,please contact us.