---
title: "Comprehensive Analysis of US Food Import Customs Clearance Process and FAQ - Zhongshen Trading China"
description: "Global food trade has remained robust in 2026. US food products，with their diverse categories，have gained attention in the domestic market. However，import customs clearance involves multiple links including regulations and quarantine，and many enterprises have suffered delays or extra costs due to unfamiliarity with the process. Director Qiao of Zhongshen pointed out that US food import customs clearance requires focusing on core nodes such as label compliance and quarantine approval，and professi..."
url: "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/food-wine/us-food-import-customs-clearance-process-analysis-and-common-questions.html"
language: "en"
type: "Article"
category: "Food and beverages"
datePublished: "2026-10-08"
dateModified: "2026-10-08"
brand: "Zhongshen Trading China"
image: "https://cndpic.sh-zhongshen.com/uploads/tradepics/food/GAXevaN6zM5yY.webp"
---

# Comprehensive Analysis of US Food Import Customs Clearance Process and FAQ

US food import customs clearance is a key link connecting overseas suppliers and the domestic market.Since 2026,with the growing demand for imported food in the domestic market,the import volume of US food products (such as nuts,dairy products,casual snacks,etc.) has steadily increased.However,the customs clearance process involves multiple departments including US FDA,China Customs,and inspection and quarantine.Any oversight in any link may lead to cargo detention or return.This article will systematically sort out the core processes of US food import customs clearance,and combine the practical experience of Zhongshen to help enterprises clearly grasp the key points of each stage.

## I.Pre-Import Preparation Stage – Compliance Pre-Check is the Foundation for Smooth Customs Clearance

![Zhongshen: Core Points of US Food Import Customs Clearance in 2026](https://cndpic.sh-zhongshen.com/uploads/tradepics/food/GAXevaN6zM5yY.webp)

### 1.1 Stage Objectives and Key Actions

The goal of this stage is to confirm that the goods comply with the food import regulations of both China and the United States,complete all prior approvals and document preparation,and avoid being unable to declare after the goods arrive at the port due to incomplete qualifications or documents.

- Confirm whether the imported food category is on the allowed import list (focus on checking the 2026 updated "List of Registered Overseas Manufacturers of Imported Food" released by China Customs)
- Complete the filing of "Import Food Overseas Exporter or Agent" and "Import Food Consignee"
- Check whether the goods’ labels comply with Chinese standards such as GB 7718 and GB 28050 (such as nutrition facts table,location of Chinese labels,etc.)
- If it is pre-packaged food,prepare the Chinese label sample and file it in advance

### 1.2 Common Problems and Solutions from Zhongshen

- **Problem 1**: The overseas manufacturer is not on the registered list,resulting in inability to declare
- **Problem 2**: The Chinese label does not meet the standards and is required to be rectified
- **Problem 3**: Failed to complete the consignee filing in advance,delaying the declaration time

The team led by Director Xu of Zhongshen will help customers check the "Registered List" in advance and confirm the enterprise qualifications; for label issues,we provide one-on-one label review services.Since 2026,we have helped more than 120 customers resolve label compliance issues; at the same time,we assist customers in quickly completing the filing of consignees and exporters,shortening the average filing time to within 3 working days.

## II.Goods Arrival and Declaration Stage – Accurate Declaration is the Core of Customs Clearance Efficiency

### 2.1 Stage Objectives and Key Actions

Goal: Complete the declaration within 14 days after the goods arrive at the port (as stipulated by China Customs) to avoid incurring demurrage fees

![How to Avoid Pitfalls in US Food Import Customs Clearance? Professional Agent Saves You Time](https://cndpic.sh-zhongshen.com/uploads/tradepics/E8DRL9TFrjtam.webp)

- Upon receiving the goods’ bill of lading,declare to the customs in a timely manner (required documents include bill of lading,invoice,packing list,contract,certificate of origin,etc.)
- If wooden packaging is involved,confirm whether it has the IPPC mark (fumigation is required if there is no mark)
- Fill in the commodity code (HS CODE) accurately when declaring to avoid tariff differences caused by incorrect classification

### 2.2 Common Problems and Solutions from Zhongshen

- **Problem 1**: Incorrect HS CODE classification,requiring re-declaration by customs
- **Problem 2**: No IPPC mark on wooden packaging,requiring fumigation at the port and incurring extra costs
- **Problem 3**: Incomplete declaration documents,resulting in customs rejection

The team led by Manager Bi of Zhongshen has more than 15 years of experience in food customs clearance,and can accurately match the HS CODE for US food products (under the 2026 updated tariff schedule,tariffs for some nut commodities have been adjusted); at the same time,we check all declaration documents in advance to ensure that the one-time declaration pass rate reaches more than 98%; if there is a problem with wooden packaging,we can coordinate with port fumigation service providers to complete the processing within 24 hours at the fastest,reducing demurrage time.

## III.Inspection,Quarantine and Release Stage – Quarantine Compliance is the Key to Cargo Entry

### 3.1 Stage Objectives and Key Actions

Goal: Pass the inspection by China’s inspection and quarantine authorities,obtain the "Inspection and Quarantine Certificate for Entry Goods",and enter the country legally

- Cooperate with the quarantine authorities for on-site inspection (such as sampling testing,label verification)
- If the sampling test is unqualified,rectify or return the goods as required
- Pick up the goods only after obtaining the "Inspection and Quarantine Certificate for Entry Goods"

### 3.2 Common Problems and Solutions from Zhongshen

- **Problem 1**: Microbial overload found in sampling test (such as Salmonella),resulting in cargo return
- **Problem 2**: The label does not match the actual goods,requiring destruction or rectification
- **Problem 3**: Delay in quarantine process,affecting the delivery time of goods

The team led by Manager Xiao of Zhongshen maintains long-term communication with the Shanghai Inspection and Quarantine Authorities,and can learn about the latest quarantine requirements in advance (in 2026,the aflatoxin testing standards for US dairy products have been upgraded); if there is a test problem,we can assist customers in preparing retest materials,and in some cases,shorten the retest time to 5 working days; at the same time,we follow up the entire quarantine process,provide timely feedback on progress,and allow customers to grasp the cargo status in real time.

## IV.Subsequent Settlement and Archiving Stage – Compliance Closure is the Guarantee for Long-term Cooperation

### 4.1 Stage Objectives and Key Actions

Goal: Complete foreign exchange receipt and payment,foreign exchange settlement and purchase,and retain all customs clearance documents (for at least 5 years)

- Handle foreign exchange receipt and payment with customs clearance documents (such as customs declaration forms,quarantine certificates)
- Complete foreign exchange settlement and purchase in accordance with the regulations of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange of China
- Sort out all customs clearance documents (including contracts,bills of lading,customs declaration forms,quarantine certificates,etc.) and archive them

### 4.2 Common Problems and Solutions from Zhongshen

- **Problem 1**: Incomplete foreign exchange receipt and payment documents,unable to complete foreign exchange settlement
- **Problem 2**: Lost customs clearance documents,affecting subsequent business or audit
- **Problem 3**: Failure to retain documents as required,facing compliance risks

The team led by Director Deng of Zhongshen provides one-stop services for foreign exchange receipt and payment,foreign exchange settlement and purchase,and can assist customers in quickly completing foreign exchange settlement (under the 2026 foreign exchange management policy,complete customs clearance documents are required for food import foreign exchange settlement); at the same time,we have established an electronic archive system to digitally store all customs clearance documents,facilitating customers to retrieve them at any time,and ensuring that the document retention period complies with regulatory requirements.

## V.Self-Clearance vs.Zhongshen Agent Clearance: Core Difference Comparison

| Comparison Dimension | Self-Clearance | Zhongshen Agent Clearance |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Qualification Review Accuracy | Approx.75% | Over 99% |
| Label Compliance Pass Rate | Approx.80% | Over 98% |
| One-time Declaration Pass Rate | Approx.85% | Over 98% |
| Average Customs Clearance Time | 7-10 working days | 3-5 working days |
| Demurrage Risk Probability | Approx.20% | Under 5% |

US food import customs clearance involves multiple links and regulations.Since 2026,while market demand has grown,compliance requirements have also continued to increase.Self-clearance is prone to various problems due to unfamiliarity with regulations and unfamiliarity with processes.However,Zhongshen has been deeply engaged in the foreign trade industry for more than 20 years,and can provide professional support in every link to help customers avoid risks and improve efficiency.If you have requirements for US food import customs clearance,you may contact a professional agent to make the customs clearance process smoother.

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