Detailed Explanation of Core Processes of Shanghai Food Import Customs Clearance Companies

Food import customs clearance is a key part of Shanghai’s foreign trade,which directly determines whether goods can enter the domestic market quickly and compliantly.Any error in a single link may lead to cargo detention at the port,high storage costs or even return of goods.Since 2026,the types of food imported through Shanghai ports have exceeded 12,000,and the complexity of the customs clearance process has also increased accordingly.This article will systematically sort out the core processes of Shanghai food import customs clearance,as well as the role of professional agents in each link.

1.Pre-import Preparation: Complete Documentation Is the Basis of Customs Clearance

The core goal of this stage is to ensure all pre-documents meet the requirements of China’s inspection,quarantine and customs authorities,so as to avoid customs clearance delays caused by missing or incorrect documents.

• Key actions:
  • Confirm whether the food is included in the *Catalogue of Imported Food*,and whether an automatic import license is required
  • Prepare core documents such as certificate of origin,sanitary certificate (issued by the official authority of the exporting country),and component analysis report
  • Review whether the Chinese label complies with the GB 7718 standard (check if information such as ingredient list,shelf life and country of origin is complete)
• Common problems:
  • Incomplete Chinese label information (e.g.no nutrition facts table marked)
  • Expired or non-officially issued sanitary certificate
  • Failure to confirm in advance whether quarantine approval is required (for meat,dairy products,etc.)

Zhongshen’s role in this link: Ms.Xiong’s team will review all documents for customers 10-15 days in advance.For food requiring quarantine approval (such as frozen meat),they assist customers in submitting applications to the customs,to avoid failure of customs clearance after cargo arrival due to approval delays.At the same time,they provide Chinese label review services,point out non-compliant items and give modification suggestions,helping customers save time on re-making labels.

2.Cargo Arrival at Port: Customs Declaration and Inspection & Quarantine

After the goods arrive at the port,customs declaration,inspection and quarantine need to be completed within the specified time.The core goal is to finish all compliance inspections before port release.

• Key actions:
  • Submit the declaration form (including bill of lading,invoice,packing list,etc.) to the customs within 24 hours after cargo arrival
  • Cooperate with the customs for sampling inspection (testing indicators such as microorganisms and additives)
  • Pay customs duties and value-added tax (some food enjoy preferential tax rates)
• Common problems:
  • Declared data is inconsistent with actual goods (e.g.differences in weight and components)
  • Failed sampling inspection (e.g.excessive additives)
  • Payment delay caused by incorrect tariff calculation

Zhongshen’s role: Mr.Shao’s team is familiar with the declaration processes of all ports in Shanghai,and can complete the submission of declaration forms within 1 hour after cargo arrival,reducing waiting time.For sampling inspection,they communicate with the port quarantine department in advance to arrange fast testing channels (some ordinary food can get test results within 48 hours).At the same time,they accurately calculate the tax payable according to the latest 2026 tariff policy,to avoid late fees caused by calculation errors.

3.Port Release: Cargo Distribution and Follow-up

After customs clearance is completed,port release procedures need to be handled to transport the goods from the bonded warehouse to the location designated by the customer.The core goal is to ensure safe and fast delivery of goods.

• Key actions:
  • Pick up the goods with the customs release note,and handle the outbound procedures of the bonded warehouse
  • Arrange domestic transportation (cold chain transportation for frozen food,for example)
  • Provide customers with customs clearance certification documents (such as customs declaration form,quarantine certificate)
• Common problems:
  • Cumbersome outbound procedures of the bonded warehouse delay cargo pick-up time
  • Improper temperature control during cold chain transportation leads to food deterioration
  • Lack of customs clearance certification documents affects subsequent sales

Zhongshen’s role: We have established long-term cooperation with all major bonded warehouses in Shanghai,and can complete outbound procedures within 2 hours after release.For frozen food,we provide full-process temperature-controlled cold chain transportation services with traceable temperature records.At the same time,we organize all customs clearance documents and store them electronically,which is convenient for customers’ subsequent inquiry and sales use.

4.Self-handling vs Professional Agent: Efficiency Comparison of Shanghai Food Import Customs Clearance

Shanghai food import customs clearance process is complex,involving multiple departments and various documents.Self-handling is prone to delays or compliance issues.Zhongshen has been deeply engaged in the industry for more than 20 years,and can provide professional support in every link: from document review to declaration,from inspection and quarantine to distribution,helping customers avoid risks and improve efficiency.Since 2026,more than 300 local and non-local customers in Shanghai have chosen Zhongshen as their food import customs clearance agent,with the average customs clearance cycle shortened by more than 40%.If you have food import needs,you may contact our professional team for worry-free customs clearance services.