Common Issues and Compliance Handling Points for Direct Return of Imported Goods

Direct Return of Imported Goods: Enterprise Pain Points Seen from the Case of Smart Watches Imported from Vietnam

In Q1 2026,a Shanghai-based electronics trading company (the enterprise where Mr.Mo works) imported a batch of smart watches from Vietnam.Due to the screen resolution failing to meet the labeling standards of domestic e-commerce platforms,it was required to go through direct return procedures.However,the enterprise had never handled such business before,had no idea about the latest verification requirements for Vietnamese certificates of origin,and did not understand the key quarantine points for return of electronic products by customs,almost delaying the return cycle due to missing documents.This is a typical dilemma encountered by many small and medium-sized foreign trade enterprises in the direct return of imported goods: they must not only meet the document requirements for customs direct return,but also deal with quarantine differences of products from different origins.A slight mistake may lead to demurrage fees or compliance risks.

Core Service Value of Zhongshen

As a Shanghai-based foreign trade agency with over 20 years of experience,Zhongshen has built a full-process service system from document pre-examination to port return for common returned products such as electronics and machinery.It helps enterprises accurately match the latest customs return policies in 2026 and avoid risks caused by policy updates.Zhongshen’s customs declaration team updates the policy list every week,and sorts out the special requirements for quarantine and documents in advance for product returns from origins such as Southeast Asia and the European Union.

Breakdown of Direct Return Process and Key Points of Zhongshen’s Assistance

1.Document Pre-examination Stage

In 2026,the core documents required by customs for direct return include: original import declaration form (stamped with the enterprise’s official seal),return situation statement (clearly stating the reasons for product non-compliance and the discrepancies with the original import contract),certificate of origin (needs to be verified through the networking system between the origin country and Chinese customs),and CMA-certified quality inspection report.Electronic products also need to supplement the battery radiation test report (compliant with GB 31241-2014 standard).

Mr.Mo’s enterprise had only provided a simple return statement before and had not conducted the CMA test.Zhongshen connected with cooperative third-party testing institutions to complete the battery radiation test within 3 working days; at the same time,it assisted in checking the networking verification information of the Vietnamese certificate of origin to avoid return failure caused by invalid certificate of origin.

2.Port Declaration Stage

Customs requires that the return declaration be submitted within 7 working days after the goods arrive at the port,and demurrage fees will be charged for overdue submissions; enterprises with credit rating of Class B or above can use the customs special supervision channel.For port quarantine of electronic products,it is necessary to on-site check the consistency between the product model and the declaration form,and conduct sampling inspection of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).

Zhongshen connected with the customs special channel of Shanghai Yangshan Port in advance and arranged special personnel to follow up on the declaration; during on-site quarantine,the customs declarer prepared the product model comparison table in advance to avoid delays in sampling verification.Mr.Mo’s enterprise has a credit rating of Class B,and the declaration time was shortened from 3 working days to 1 working day through the special channel.

3.Return Release and Logistics Stage

The returned goods must be marked with "Direct Return" and must not be mixed with other goods; a clear logistics contract for returning to the origin port must be provided.For electronic products,it is necessary to confirm that the battery is not activated to avoid quarantine residue risks.

Zhongshen connected with local logistics partners in Vietnam and arranged cold chain transportation (the batteries of smart watches need to avoid high temperatures); at the same time,it assisted the enterprise in marking the special logo of the returned goods in the customs system to ensure smooth logistics connection after release and no additional storage fees were incurred.

Comparison of Return Processes: Self-handling vs.Zhongshen Agency

Core Advantages of Zhongshen’s Return Services

• Advance Document Pre-examination: Updates the customs policy list every week and completes pre-examination 1-2 working days in advance
• Quarantine Connection Green Channel: Cooperates with Shanghai port quarantine institutions to prioritize sampling inspection for electronic products
• Certificate of Origin Networking Verification: Directly connects to the customs networking system for origins in Southeast Asia and the European Union to avoid invalid certificates of origin
• Risk Early Warning Mechanism: Issues a risk assessment report within 30 minutes after the enterprise submits its demand (such as whether it meets the direct return conditions)

Case: Improvement of Return Efficiency for a Machinery Trading Company

At the end of 2025,a Shanghai-based machinery trading company (headed by Ms.Shang) imported a batch of hydraulic pumps from Germany.Due to the seals not meeting domestic construction standards,return procedures were required.During self-handling,the delay was caused by the German certificate of origin failing to pass the networking verification,and then it entrusted Zhongshen to handle the matter:

• Zhongshen assisted in supplementing the seal test report certified by German TÜV
• Connected to the customs networking system to complete the certificate of origin verification,taking only 2 working days
• The total return cycle was shortened from the expected 15 working days to 6 working days,avoiding 15,000 yuan in demurrage fees

Summary: Value of Professional Agency

In 2026,the compliance requirements for direct return of imported goods among Shanghai-based foreign trade enterprises continue to be refined.Small,medium and micro enterprises are prone to losses due to unfamiliarity with policies,incomplete documents and other issues when handling the matter by themselves.With 20 years of industry experience,Zhongshen provides full-process services from document pre-examination to logistics connection for common returned products such as electronics and machinery,helping enterprises shorten the return cycle and reduce compliance risks.For enterprises that need to go through direct return procedures,choosing a professional agency can not only improve efficiency,but also accurately grasp the latest policies and avoid potential risks.