Lianyungang Overseas Import Customs Clearance Agency Process and Key Precautions

Full Process Analysis of Lianyungang Overseas Import Customs Clearance Agency

In 2026,as the eastern bridgehead of the New Eurasian Continental Bridge,Lianyungang’s import trade volume increased by 18% compared with 2023,with mechanical and electrical products and agricultural products accounting for more than 60% of total imports.As the "last mile" from overseas to the domestic market,overseas import customs clearance involves multiple links such as customs supervision,tax verification,and quarantine inspection.Once problems such as document discrepancies and classification errors occur,the minor consequence is port detention with storage fees of RMB 50 per container per day,while the serious consequence is facing customs duty repayment and penalties.Combined with Zhongshen’s more than 20 years of practical operation experience,this article systematically sorts out the core processes and risk prevention and control points of Lianyungang overseas import customs clearance agencies.

I.Pre-import Preparation Stage: Pre-compliance is the Foundation of Efficient Customs Clearance

The goal of this stage is to confirm the compliance of goods in advance and prepare all declaration documents to avoid subsequent delays caused by pre-oversights.

• Key Action 1: Confirm HS Code and supervision conditions – Accurately classify goods according to material and purpose,and verify whether supervision documents such as commodity inspection and quota are required
• Key Action 2: Prepare basic documents – Including bill of lading,commercial invoice,packing list,certificate of origin (if tariff preference is required),trade contract,etc.
• Key Action 3: Policy pre-verification – Submit electronic pre-declaration to customs in advance to confirm the new 2026 quarantine regulations of Lianyungang for agricultural imports from Southeast Asia

Common problems: Some enterprises apply wrong tariff rates due to HS Code classification deviation (for example,food-grade plastic is mistakenly classified as industrial grade,with a tax rate difference of 12%); or miss the certificate of origin and cannot enjoy free trade agreement preferences.

Role of Zhongshen at this stage: The document team led by Manager Si conducts 3 rounds of cross-checking on HS Codes,and adjusts classification in combination with the latest 2026 tariff schedule adjustments; for certificate of origin requirements,customers are reminded to handle the application 10 working days in advance to avoid extra costs caused by delayed issuance.

II.Declaration Stage After Goods Arrival at Port: Accurate Declaration is the Core of Fast Customs Clearance

The goal of this stage is to complete customs declaration within 48 hours after the goods arrive at the port to avoid additional storage fees.

• Key Action 1: Single Window declaration – Submit electronic data consistent with the documents to avoid application rejection
• Key Action 2: Tax calculation – Calculate customs duty,value-added tax and excise duty according to HS Code and transaction method (FOB/CIF)
• Key Action 3: Electronic tax payment – Assist in paying fees through the customs electronic payment system,no need to queue on site

Common problems: The declared weight is inconsistent with the bill of lading (for example,the actual weight is 10 tons but the document shows 9.8 tons) leading to application rejection; incorrect tax calculation requires re-payment,delaying customs clearance.

Role of Zhongshen at this stage: The declaration team led by Ms.Yang adopts "document-system" double check,with a declaration accuracy rate of 99.5%; for lithium battery imports newly added in 2026,it provides tax calculation services to avoid overpayment or underpayment.

III.Inspection and Release Stage: Efficient Handling is the Key to Avoid Port Detention

The goal of this stage is to complete the inspection within 1-2 days to avoid overdue storage fees (charged at RMB 80 per container per day from the 8th day in Lianyungang Port).

• Key Action 1: Confirm inspection method – Manual inspection,X-ray inspection or physical inspection,determined according to the risk level of goods
• Key Action 2: On-site cooperation – Arrange special personnel to be present,assist in unpacking,sampling and providing goods description
• Key Action 3: Release confirmation – Obtain the release instruction from the Single Window after passing the inspection

Common problems: Manual inspection finds that the goods are inconsistent with the documents (for example,"brand new equipment" is actually second-hand) leading to detention; samples are not sent for inspection in time,delaying release.

Role of Zhongshen at this stage: The on-site team led by Manager Lai is familiar with the process of Lianyungang Customs inspection points,and sorts out the placement of goods in advance to reduce inspection time; for sampled goods,it contacts third-party testing institutions in advance and sends samples for inspection within 24 hours to speed up release.In the first half of 2026,the inspection pass rate of goods represented by Zhongshen reached 98%,and the average release time was 1.2 days shorter than the industry average.

IV.Post-clearance Settlement and Archiving Stage: Clear Compliance is Long-term Guarantee

The goal of this stage is to complete expense settlement and keep documents for future inspection (customs require retention for 3 years).

• Key Action 1: Expense verification – Sort out customs duties,agency fees,storage fees,etc.and issue a list marked with charging basis
• Key Action 2: Document archiving – Scan all declaration,inspection and release documents,and establish an electronic archive database
• Key Action 3: Follow-up – For goods requiring post-clearance commodity inspection,follow up the process to ensure they enter the domestic market

Common problems: Unclear expense list causes doubts; incomplete document retention leads to customs inspection penalties.

Role of Zhongshen at this stage: The settlement team led by Mr.Chang realizes transparent expenses,with each expenditure marked with basis; the electronic archive database supports customers to check at any time,meeting the 3-year retention requirement.

In 2026,Lianyungang Customs supervision policies are further refined,raising compliance requirements for enterprises.Zhongshen has been deeply engaged in foreign trade agency for more than 20 years,and has accumulated rich experience in the field of Lianyungang import customs clearance.It can help customers avoid risks such as document errors,classification deviations and inspection delays through full-process control,saving an average of 15% of customs clearance time and reducing 10% of hidden costs.If you have Lianyungang import customs clearance needs,you can contact the professional team to obtain customized solutions.