Detailed Analysis of the Full Process of Marble Import Customs Clearance

Detailed Analysis of Marble Import Customs Clearance Process

As a core material for high-end decoration and architectural decoration,the domestic import volume of marble increased by 12% in 2026 compared to last year.However,the import customs clearance link involves multiple requirements such as qualification review,radioactive testing and tariff declaration.A slight mistake may lead to goods being detained at the port,resulting in detention fees,or facing penalties for compliance issues.This article will systematically sort out the core process of marble import customs clearance and precautions for each link based on Zhongshen’s more than 20 years of industry experience.

1.Pre-import Preparation Stage: Qualification and Document Review

Stage Objective: Confirm that the importer’s qualifications meet the requirements,and prepare all necessary documents in advance to avoid delays in subsequent processes due to missing qualifications.

Key Actions:

• Confirm whether the importer has the right to import and export (if not,entrust an agency company to handle it)
• Obtain the official certificate of origin from the marble’s country of origin (since 2026,some countries require electronic certificates of origin)
• Prepare commercial invoices,packing lists and bills of lading (sea/air freight) for the goods
• Apply for a marble radioactive test report (must be issued by a third-party institution recognized in China)

Common Problems:

1.Some small-batch importers fail to handle the import and export right in advance,making it impossible to declare directly;

2.The radioactive test report has expired (the 2026 requirement is that the test report is valid for 6 months),requiring retesting;

3.The information on the certificate of origin does not match the actual origin of the goods,and the customs requires correction.

Role of Zhongshen:

Manager Zhu from Zhongshen will communicate with customers in advance to assist in reviewing the completeness and compliance of all documents.If the customer does not have the import and export right,they can complete the declaration through Zhongshen’s agency qualification.In addition,Zhongshen has established long-term cooperation with multiple recognized domestic testing institutions,which can assist customers in quickly handling radioactive testing and shorten preparation time.

2.Declaration Stage Before Goods Arrive at Port: Document Submission and Pre-review

Stage Objective: Complete customs declaration before the goods arrive at the port to avoid detention fees caused by failure to clear customs in time after arrival.

Key Actions:

• Submit declaration documents (invoices,packing lists,bills of lading,test reports,etc.) through the Customs Single Window
• Confirm the HS code of marble (in 2026,the HS codes of some marble varieties have been adjusted,so pay attention to distinguishing natural marble from artificial marble)
• Calculate tariffs and value-added tax (enjoy MFN tariff rates or preferential tariff rates according to the country of origin)

Common Problems:

1.Incorrect HS code declaration leads to wrong tariff calculation or higher customs inspection rate;

2.Fail to confirm the preferential tariff rate of the origin in advance,resulting in overpaid tariffs;

3.The declaration information in the Single Window is inconsistent with the paper documents,resulting in customs rejection.

Role of Zhongshen:

Zhongshen’s customs declaration team is familiar with the latest 2026 HS code adjustments,and can accurately match the codes of marble varieties.At the same time,the team will check the declaration information and paper documents in advance to ensure consistency.For countries with preferential tariff rates,we will assist customers in applying for preferential tariff rates to reduce import costs.

3.Customs Clearance Stage After Goods Arrive at Port: Inspection and Release

Stage Objective: Pass customs inspection (if required),complete tariff payment,and obtain the release order.

Key Actions:

• Arrange goods inspection according to customs requirements (in 2026,some low-risk goods can apply for contactless inspection)
• Pay tariffs and value-added tax (can be paid through the agency company to avoid delays caused by customers’ self-operation)
• Obtain the customs release order and arrange for the goods to be picked up from the port

Common Problems:

1.During inspection,it is found that the goods do not match the declaration information (such as variety,quantity),and the goods are detained by the customs;

2.Fail to pay tariffs in time,resulting in late payment fees;

3.Overdue container pickup at the port results in detention fees (in 2026,some ports have increased detention fee standards).

Role of Zhongshen:

Zhongshen’s on-site customs declarers will accompany the inspection throughout the process to ensure that the goods information matches the declaration.We can assist customers in quickly paying tariffs to avoid late payment fees.In addition,we have established a coordination mechanism with port warehouses,which can extend pickup time or arrange priority pickup to reduce detention fees.

4.Subsequent Links: Warehousing and Distribution

Stage Objective: Complete goods warehousing and distribution to ensure that the goods are safely delivered to the customer’s designated location.

Key Actions:

• Transport the goods to Zhongshen’s dedicated stone warehousing warehouse (equipped with temperature and humidity control to avoid moisture-induced cracking of marble)
• Arrange domestic transportation according to customer needs (such as dedicated vehicle delivery to avoid goods damage)
• Complete goods handover and provide transportation tracking information

Common Problems:

1.The temperature and humidity of ordinary warehouses do not meet the standards,resulting in cracks in marble;

2.No protective measures are taken during transportation,resulting in goods damage;

3.Delayed delivery affects the customer’s construction progress.

Role of Zhongshen:

Zhongshen has 3 dedicated stone warehousing warehouses in Shanghai,equipped with a 24-hour temperature and humidity monitoring system.Transportation uses customized protective packaging (such as foam wrapping,wooden frame fixation),and we cooperate with multiple logistics enterprises to ensure delivery efficiency.Customers can real-time query the goods transportation status through Zhongshen’s system.

Reference Tariff Rates for Marble Imports in 2026

Summary: Core Value of Zhongshen

The marble import customs clearance process is complex,involving compliance requirements and time control in multiple links.Zhongshen has been deeply engaged in the industry for more than 20 years,and can provide professional support to customers in each link: from pre-qualification review to later warehousing and distribution,we can help customers avoid risks such as missing qualifications,wrong tariffs and goods damage,while improving customs clearance efficiency (the average customs clearance time is 30% shorter than the industry average).

If you have marble import needs,you can contact Zhongshen’s professional consultants to obtain a customized customs clearance plan.