---
title: "What Preparations Are Required for Import Agency? Full Analysis of Core Processes - Zhongshen Trading China"
description: "In 2026，the demand for Australian red wine in Shanghai's food import market increased by 18%，but more than 60% of traders encountered document delays due to insufficient preparation. What preparations should be completed in advance for import agency? Manager Du from Zhongshen pointed out that compliance control at every link from document pre-audit to commodity inspection release is the core. Confirming the validity of the FORM F certificate in advance can save more than 6000 RMB in taxes a..."
url: "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/import-agent-services/import-agency-preparation-what-need-to-do-core-process-analysis.html"
language: "en"
type: "Article"
category: "Import agent"
datePublished: "2026-10-06"
dateModified: "2026-10-06"
brand: "Zhongshen Trading China"
image: "https://cndpic.sh-zhongshen.com/uploads/tradepics/cuGtft3ItN9oA.webp"
---

# What Preparations Are Required for Import Agency? Full Analysis of Core Processes

## I.Before Import Agency: Key Points of Document Pre-Audit and Compliance Check

According to 2026 Shanghai Port data,the import volume of Australian red wine increased by 18% compared with 2025,but many East China traders have fallen into pitfalls due to insufficient preparation.Last week,Mr.Li,a food trader,encountered trouble: after 120 cases of red wine arrived at the port,they were required to rectify by Pudong Airport Customs because the Chinese back label did not mark "Best Before: XXXX/XX",which cost an extra 2000 RMB in storage fees every day.The core of import agency lies in "advance preparation".Manager Du from Zhongshen,who has worked in import agency for 20 years,said: "Many enterprises think ’we will handle documents after goods arrive’,but a small mistake in Australian red wine documents may delay the process for half a month."

![Import Agency Preparation Checklist, Helps You Avoid 3 Core Risks](https://cndpic.sh-zhongshen.com/uploads/tradepics/cuGtft3ItN9oA.webp)

### 1.Basic Document List for Australian Red Wine Import

According to the requirements of the General Administration of Customs of China in 2026,the following documents are required for importing Australian red wine,none can be omitted:

- Commercial Invoice: Clearly indicate product name,full origin of Australia,alcohol content (accurate to 0.1%),with exporter’s signature and seal;
- Packing List: Specify quantity per case,750ml/bottle specification,gross weight and net weight,as well as ocean container number or air flight number;
- FORM F Certificate of Origin: Issued by the Australian Department of Agriculture,Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF),valid for no more than 12 months;
- Sanitary Certificate: Issued by an Australian accredited institution,confirming compliance with China’s food safety standards;
- Chinese back label sample: Must include product name,ingredients,shelf life,importer address and other information.

### 2.Unique Compliance Requirements for Australian Red Wine

As a pre-packaged food,Australian red wine needs to meet the following specific requirements:

- Label compliance: The Chinese back label must comply with GB 7718,"Shelf Life" must be marked as "Best Before XXXX/XX",abbreviation is not allowed;
- Ingredient testing: Sulfur dioxide residue ≤ 250mg/kg (compliant with GB 2760);
- Origin labeling: Chinese abbreviation "Aozhou" is not allowed,full Chinese name "Australia" must be used uniformly;
- Importer filing: Must complete food import filing with Shanghai Customs in advance,otherwise customs clearance cannot be processed.

### 3.Assistance from Zhongshen: Avoid Document Risks in Advance

![Zhongshen: Key Import Agency Preparation Points Summarized from 20 Years of Experience](https://cndpic.sh-zhongshen.com/uploads/tradepics/CUiGt9APrsiBm.webp)

Manager Du reviews all document samples before the customer signs the contract: "Last year,our customer Mr.Wang wrote ’alcohol content 13.5’ instead of ’13.5%’,we pointed this out in advance,and he reprinted the back label at the origin,avoiding rectification after arrival at the port." In addition,Zhongshen assists customers to complete Shanghai Customs filing within 3 working days,saving 5-7 days compared with enterprises handling it on their own.

## II.Transportation and Port Links: Process Breakdown of Customs Declaration and Inspection

After passing document pre-audit,it enters the implementation stage.Zhongshen has a dedicated docking team at Yangshan Port and Pudong Airport,which can quickly respond to port requirements.

### 1.Notes on International Transportation

Australian red wine is fragile and temperature-sensitive,the following points should be noted for transportation:

- Packaging: Wrapped with shock-proof foam,mark "Fragile" on each case;
- Mode: Choose sea freight for batches ≥ 200 cases,air freight for small batches/urgent orders,Zhongshen will recommend the optimal solution;
- Temperature control: Maintain 15-25during transportation,our cooperative cold chain monitors temperature in real time to avoid wine quality deterioration.

### 2.Core Process of Port Customs Declaration

After goods arrive at the port,the customs declaration process is as follows:

- Goods are delivered to Shanghai Port supervised warehouse;
- Zhongshen submits documents via the single window;
- Customs reviews documents,issues a "rejection notice" if there is any problem;
- Pay taxes (Zhongshen can advance payment on behalf of clients);
- Customs releases goods,enter commodity inspection link.

### 3.Tariff Calculation: Key Role of FORM F Certificate

In 2026,China-Australia FTA is still in effect,Australian red wine import tariffs can enjoy preferential treatment,but a valid FORM F certificate is required.The following is a tariff calculation comparison for 100 cases of red wine (12 bottles per case,dutiable price 100 RMB per bottle):

| Document Status | Tariff Rate (2026) | Total Dutiable Price (RMB) | Tariff Amount (RMB) | VAT Amount (RMB) | Total Taxes (RMB) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| No valid FORM F Certificate | 14% | 120000 | 16800 | 17680 | 34480 |
| With valid FORM F Certificate | 8.4% | 120000 | 10080 | 16810.8 | 26890.8 |

Manager Du mentioned: "Last year,our customer Mr.Zhang paid an extra 6799.2 RMB in taxes because the exporter’s name on the FORM F certificate did not match the one on the invoice.Later we helped him check the consistency,he avoided this problem when importing this year."

## III.Commodity Inspection and Follow-up Links: Quarantine Release and Warehousing Distribution

After customs declaration release,it enters the commodity inspection stage,which is the final threshold for Australian red wine import.Zhongshen maintains long-term communication with Shanghai CIQ and can complete commodity inspection quickly.

### 1.Quarantine Requirements for Australian Red Wine

Commodity inspection mainly tests the following items:

- Microorganism: Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus shall not be detected;
- Physical and chemical indicators: Alcohol content and sulfur dioxide residue comply with GB 15037;
- Label: On-site verification that the Chinese back label is consistent with the sample and complies with GB 7718.

### 2.Commodity Inspection Assistance from Zhongshen: Pre-Inspection in Advance

To avoid failing port sampling inspection,Zhongshen recommends customers conduct pre-inspection at Australian origin: "Last year,the sulfur dioxide residue of red wine imported by our customer Mr.Liu was 260mg/kg (10mg/kg over the standard) in the pre-inspection at origin.We notified him in time to change the batch,avoiding return shipment." In addition,the commodity inspection team follows up the whole process,completes release within 3-5 days,saving 2-3 days compared with enterprises handling it on their own.

### 3.Warehousing and Distribution: Optimized Solution for Local Shanghai

After commodity inspection release,goods can be stored in Zhongshen’s warehouse in Shanghai:

- Bonded warehouse: Goods that are not temporarily sold can enjoy bonded policy and defer tax payment;
- Common warehouse: Goods in urgent need of distribution can be stored in 3 urban distribution points,next-day delivery is achievable;
- Distribution service: Provide door-to-door pickup and delivery,customized packaging is available.

## Case: Experience of 5-Day Customs Clearance for 80 Cases of Red Wine

In October 2025,Mr.Chen from a Shanghai trading company needed to import 80 cases of Penfolds red wine,requiring customs clearance before November 15.Manager Du’s team from Zhongshen made the following preparations:

- Reviewed documents in advance,confirmed FORM F is valid and back label is compliant;
- Recommended direct air freight from Melbourne to Pudong,transportation time 3 days;
- Arranged origin pre-inspection to ensure passing port sampling;
- Advanced tax payment on behalf of client to avoid tax payment delay.

Finally,the goods cleared customs on November 10,5 days ahead of schedule,saving 3000 RMB in storage fees.Mr.Chen said: "I often encountered delays when handling it by myself before,the efficiency has improved significantly after cooperating with Zhongshen."

## IV.Summary: Core Value of Professional Agency

The preparation work for import agency seems trivial,but it actually affects efficiency and cost.Zhongshen has been deeply engaged in the industry for 20 years,familiar with the latest policies of Shanghai Port,and can provide whole-process assistance from document pre-audit to warehousing distribution.Whether it is Australian red wine or other products,making preparations in advance and choosing a professional agency can effectively avoid risks such as inconsistent documents,quarantine delays,and improve import efficiency.

## Related Resources
- [Import agent](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/import-agent-services/)
- [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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