---
title: "Full Process of Xiamen Import Customs Clearance and Analysis of Common Issues - Zhongshen Trading China"
description: "In 2026，as a core import port in China's southeast coastal area，Xiamen has seen continuously growing foreign trade activity. However，the import customs clearance process is complex and policies are updated frequently，leading many enterprises to encounter issues such as document-goods discrepancy and incorrect tariff calculation. Drawing on Zhongshen’s over 20 years of industry experience，this article systematically sorts out the full process of Xiamen import customs clearance，analyzes core..."
url: "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/customs-declaration-knowledge/xiamen-import-customs-clearance-process-common-issues.html"
language: "en"
type: "Article"
category: "Customs Declaration Basics"
datePublished: "2026-10-16"
dateModified: "2026-10-16"
brand: "Zhongshen Trading China"
image: "https://cndpic.sh-zhongshen.com/uploads/tradepics/0rUYA8jUtzk3k.webp"
---

# Full Process of Xiamen Import Customs Clearance and Analysis of Common Issues

## 1.Pre-import Preparation: Pre-check of Qualifications and Documents

As a key import hub in China’s southeast coastal area in 2026,Xiamen handles over 10 million tons of imported goods every year.Customs clearance is a critical link connecting international transportation and the domestic market — once the process stalls,it will not only incur demurrage and warehouse fees,but also lead to penalties for document-goods discrepancy.Mr.Han,an enterprise representative,once reported that in 2025,when importing chemical raw materials,he overpaid 18,000 yuan in tariffs due to outdated HS code,and avoided such issues after entrusting a professional agent in 2026.The core goal of this stage is to confirm qualification compliance and complete documents,laying a foundation for subsequent customs clearance.

![Zhongshen: One-stop Solution for Xiamen Import Customs Clearance](https://cndpic.sh-zhongshen.com/uploads/tradepics/0rUYA8jUtzk3k.webp)

### Key Actions

- Confirm enterprise qualifications: If there is no right to import and export,you need to entrust a qualified agent (Zhongshen can provide Class A agency qualification support)
- Check HS codes: Xiamen Customs updated the codes for categories such as plastics and food in 2026,so accurate classification is required (Zhongshen has a professional classification team with an error rate of less than 0.5%)
- Prepare required documents: Bill of lading,commercial invoice,packing list,sales contract,certificate of origin (required for preferential tariffs),commodity inspection clearance form (for legally inspected goods),etc.

### Common Issues

1.Discrepancy between document name and goods: For example,imported plastic pellets are marked as "plastic raw materials",leading to customs return of the declaration;

2.Expired certificate of origin: Xiamen Customs requires that the certificate of origin be issued within 30 days before the arrival of goods in 2026,and preferential tariffs cannot be enjoyed if it is expired;

Role of Zhongshen: Review all documents in advance,check codes and commodity descriptions,coordinate with commodity inspection for clearance forms for legally inspected goods in advance,to avoid rework after goods arrive at the port.

## 2.Declaration upon Arrival of Goods: Data Submission and Customs Audit

The core goal of this stage is to submit declaration data accurately and pass the preliminary customs audit,to avoid process delays caused by data errors.In 2026,the volume of declarations submitted via the Single Window by Xiamen Customs increased by 12% compared to 2025,putting higher requirements on declaration efficiency.

### Key Actions

![How to Avoid Common Risks in Xiamen Import Customs Clearance?](https://cndpic.sh-zhongshen.com/uploads/tradepics/0rVN8dyyA1K61.webp)

- Electronic declaration: Submit the customs declaration form via the Single Window,accurately fill in information such as commodity name,quantity,CIF value,origin,etc.;
- Upload accompanying documents: Scanned copies must be clearly legible; Xiamen Customs requires details of trade contracts to be uploaded for some commodities in 2026;
- Confirm declaration elements: For food,supplement ingredients and shelf life; for chemical products,supplement MSDS reports;

### Common Issues

1.Incomplete declaration elements: Imported milk powder without shelf life filled in,leading to customs requesting supplementary information and a delay of 3-5 days;

2.Deviation in value declaration: Some enterprises underreport value to avoid taxes,and after being inspected,they need to re-declare,incurring demurrage;

Role of Zhongshen: Has proficient operation experience with the Single Window,with a declaration pass rate of over 98%; improves information according to the latest element requirements to avoid declaration returns.

## 3.Inspection and Tax Payment: Core Link of Compliant Customs Clearance

This stage is a concentration of risks.In 2026,the inspection rate of Xiamen Customs increased by 3% compared to 2025,requiring close attention.The following are common inspection types and precautions:

| Inspection Type | 2026 Inspection Rate | Precautions | Zhongshen Support |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Manual Inspection | 15% | Prepare samples in advance and cooperate with unpacking inspection | Special personnel cooperate on-site and arrange goods to facilitate inspection |
| Machine Inspection | 20% | Avoid metal items to avoid misjudgment | Guide to adjust cargo placement to improve pass rate |
| Written Inspection | 65% | Supplement detailed documents (such as contract details) | Submit supplementary materials within 24 hours |

### Key Actions

- Cooperate with inspection: If selected,you need to arrive on-site within 24 hours and provide goods description;
- Tax calculation: Confirm tariff rates according to HS codes,calculate tariffs and value-added tax (consumption tax included for some commodities) based on CIF price;
- Electronic tax payment: Xiamen Customs supports WeChat/Alipay payment in 2026,and goods will be released immediately after payment is received;

### Common Issues

1.Discrepancy between cargo quantity and document quantity: 100 boxes of imported goods actually arrived with 98 boxes,and failure to update data led to failed inspection;

2.Incorrect tax calculation: Failing to include freight in CIF price,underpaying tariffs and incurring late payment fees;

Role of Zhongshen: Professional team accurately calculates taxes,accompanies throughout the inspection process,and reduces average inspection time by 2 days.

## 4.Release and Pickup: Final Step Connecting Domestic Logistics

The core goal of this stage is to pick up goods quickly and avoid demurrage.In 2026,the demurrage fee at Xiamen Port increased by 5% compared to 2025,and fees double after 7 days.

### Key Actions

- Confirm release: Check the status via the Single Window and arrange pickup after receiving the release notice;
- Complete pickup procedures: Contact the shipping company with the release order and pay port charges (port charges at Xiamen Port are calculated based on cargo volume/weight in 2026);
- Domestic logistics connection: Transport to the warehouse or customer-specified location and provide real-time tracking;

### Common Issues

1.Failure to pick up goods promptly after release: Demurrage for 7 days incurs additional costs,Ms.Pan from an enterprise once spent an extra 3,000 yuan due to this;

2.Poor logistics connection: Failure to transport goods promptly after arrival at the port,delaying customer delivery;

Role of Zhongshen: Complete pickup within 24 hours after release,coordinate local logistics resources in Xiamen; have our own warehouse for temporary cargo storage to avoid demurrage.

## Summary: Core Value of Professional Agents

Xiamen import customs clearance involves multiple links and detailed requirements,and compliance requirements are higher after policy updates in 2026.Zhongshen has been deeply engaged in the industry for over 20 years,with Class A agency qualification from Xiamen Customs,and can provide one-stop services: follow the entire process from document preparation to pickup,avoid risks such as code errors and inspection delays,shorten average customs clearance time by 3-5 days,and save costs such as demurrage and warehouse fees.If you have needs for Xiamen import customs clearance,you can contact our professional team for consultation to avoid unnecessary losses.

## Related Resources
- [Customs Declaration Basics](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/customs-declaration-knowledge/)
- [Trade Services](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/services/)
- [Trade Cases](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/cases/)
- [Trade Wiki](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/wiki/)
- [Trade Class](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/guide/)
- [Global Trade Services](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/country/)
- [Trade Q&A Hub](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/)

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