Detailed Explanation of Full Process of Goods Import Customs Declaration and Clearance

Import Goods Customs Declaration and Clearance: Core Hub of Import Foreign Trade

Import goods customs declaration and clearance is the "throat" of the import foreign trade link,which directly determines whether goods can enter the warehouse in time and whether enterprises can achieve rapid capital turnover.In 2026,the volume of imported goods at Shanghai Port continues to rise,while the latest adjustments to customs declaration policies (such as the update of RCEP rules of origin and dynamic management of tariff quotas) have left many enterprises confused.This article systematically sorts out the core process of import goods customs declaration and clearance,combines the practical experience of Zhongshen,to help enterprises clarify key nodes and avoid common risks.

I.Pre-Import Preparation Stage – Lay a Solid Compliance Foundation to Avoid Subsequent Delays

Stage Objective: Ensure all documents are complete and meet the requirements of the latest policies,paving the way for smooth declaration.

Key Actions:

• Confirm commodity HS code: Must match the 2026 version of tariff schedule,pay attention to the applicable conditions of preferential tariff under RCEP
• Prepare required documents: Contract,commercial invoice,packing list,bill of lading (or waybill),certificate of origin (for preferential treatment),import license (if required,such as for food,medical devices,etc.)
• Advance filing: For commodities subject to automatic import licensing,applications shall be submitted in advance through the Ministry of Commerce system

Common Problems:

• Incorrect HS code classification: Leads to overpaid tariff or customs clearance delay
• Non-compliant certificate of origin: Cannot enjoy RCEP preferential tariff
• No advance license application for special commodities: For example,without sanitary quarantine filing for food,declaration cannot be processed after goods arrive at the port

Role of Zhongshen:

• Manager Wu’s team has 20 years of classification experience,provides free HS code verification for clients to match the latest tariff schedule
• Sorts out required document list,reminds license application for special commodities (such as advance sanitary quarantine filing for food)
• Consults with Shanghai Customs in advance to confirm the validity of certificate of origin under RCEP

II.Declaration Stage After Goods Arrival at Port – Submit Accurately for Efficient Review

Stage Objective: Complete electronic declaration within 48 hours after goods arrive at the port to avoid port storage demurrage.

Key Actions:

• Electronic declaration: Submit customs declaration via China International Trade Single Window
• Tax calculation: After customs review,the payment order for tariff,value-added tax and consumption tax (if any) will be generated
• Tax payment: Electronic payment is available (third-party payment platform,bank guarantee)

Common Problems:

• Inconsistent declaration data with documents: Leads to customs rejection and required re-declaration
• Delayed tax payment: Incurs late payment penalty of 0.05% per day
• Unskilled operation of Single Window: Causes stagnation of declaration process

Role of Zhongshen:

• Has a green declaration channel for Single Window,with a declaration success rate of 99%
• Calculates tax in advance,reminds clients to prepare sufficient funds,and supports tax advance for eligible clients
• Follows up declaration status in real time,feedbacks the cause and assists modification within 1 hour after rejection

III.Inspection and Release Stage – Cooperate with Inspection for Rapid Customs Clearance

Stage Objective: Pass customs inspection smoothly and avoid goods detention.

Key Actions:

• Inspection notification: Customs issues inspection notification after random inspection or risk assessment
• On-site cooperation: Provide detailed information of goods and assist unpacking inspection
• Release confirmation: After no problems are found in inspection,customs issues the release order

Common Problems:

• Goods inconsistent with declaration during inspection: Such as discrepancy in specification and quantity,which may result in penalty
• Queuing at inspection site: Leads to extended port demurrage time
• Delayed submission of supplementary materials: Affects inspection progress

Role of Zhongshen:

• Familiar with inspection procedures of all ports in Shanghai,books inspection time in advance to reduce waiting time
• Assists preparing supplementary materials for inspection to ensure consistency between goods and declaration
• Communicates with customs immediately when inspection abnormality occurs,strives for lenient handling

IV.Post-Clearance Procedure Stage – Complete Wrap-up and Guarantee Follow-up

Stage Objective: Complete pick-up,verification and other procedures to ensure smooth warehousing of goods.

Key Actions:

• Goods pick-up: Pick up goods from the yard or terminal with the release order
• Verification: Import foreign exchange payment verification (if required),tariff payment order deduction (enterprises can deduct VAT with the customs duty payment proof)
• Warehouse coordination: Assists arranging compliance warehouse if temporary storage is required

Common Problems:

• Incomplete documents for pick-up: Goods cannot be picked up
• Delayed verification: Affects foreign exchange receipt and payment
• Expired tariff payment order: VAT cannot be deducted

Role of Zhongshen:

• Assists with pick-up procedures,coordinates with the yard to confirm pick-up time
• Provides guidance for import foreign exchange payment verification,or handles verification on behalf of clients (after client authorization)
• Reminds enterprises to deduct VAT with tariff payment order in time to avoid expiration and invalidation

Comparison of Clearance Precautions for Common Imported Commodities

Core Value of Zhongshen: Making Import Clearance Simpler

Goods import customs declaration and clearance involves multiple departments and policies,and a slight mistake can lead to delay or fine.Zhongshen has been deeply engaged in the industry for 20 years,with Shanghai as the core covering ports across the country,and can provide customers with full-process one-stop service: from preliminary document preparation to final verification,every link is followed up by a professional team,helping customers avoid more than 90% of common risks and improve customs clearance efficiency by 30%.

If you have demand for imported goods customs clearance,you can contact Manager Wu of Zhongshen to get a customized clearance plan and make your import business smoother.