2026 Full Process Operation Guide and Compliance Key Points for Release Film Import Agency

Background and Market Status of Release Film Import

In 2026,the demand for imported release film in China’s high-end electronic manufacturing and new material processing industries still maintains a high growth trend.In particular,high-end silicone oil release films and fluorine release films used in OLED display manufacturing,precision die-cutting processing and high-end adhesive tape production are mainly imported from Japan,South Korea and some European countries.However,the import customs clearance of such chemical plastic products is not simple.They often face HS code classification disputes due to complex components and special coatings,and customs price review for such products is increasingly strict,leading to frequent inspection,cargo detention or increased tax burden for many enterprises when importing on their own.

Common difficulties in importing release film mainly focus on three aspects: First,product classification involves the intersecting field of plastics and chemicals,so HS code declaration is extremely prone to errors; Second,some release films contain volatile organic compounds,which require strict MSDS and non-hazardous certificates; Third,high-end release film has a high unit price,resulting in high customs price review risk.In import agency services,the core role of Zhongshen is to convert complex trade compliance requirements into standardized operation processes.We are not just logistics handlers,but also "gatekeepers" for enterprises’ compliant imports.For release film products,we leverage 20 years of industry data accumulation to assist customers in accurately defining commodity attributes,resolve port inspection risks in advance,and ensure smooth customs clearance of goods.

Document Pre-review and Compliance Confirmation

Before goods shipment,the operation team of Zhongshen will intervene in the pre-review of documents.Although release film belongs to plastic products,its surface is coated with release agent and may have a slight odor at room temperature,so customs may regard it as a chemical product for key review during supervision.Therefore,the full set of documents must be logically rigorous with consistent data.We assist enterprises to focus on reviewing the following key document materials:

• MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet): It must be the latest version,and clearly specify the hazard classification of the product under transportation conditions.For films with extremely low silicone oil content,it is necessary to emphasize in the MSDS that the physical form is solid film roll,not liquid.
• Non-hazardous Guarantee (if required): If MSDS indicates the product is non-hazardous,it is recommended that the shipper issue a formal Non-hazardous Cargo Guarantee with an official seal,to provide proof for port inspection.
• Component Description: List the proportion of base materials (such as PET,PE) and release agent (such as silicone oil) in detail.Customs focuses on whether the release agent contains controlled volatile organic compounds,and an accurate component list can greatly reduce the probability of laboratory testing.
• Label and Packaging: Outer packaging drums or cartons must be affixed with Chinese hazard communication labels that comply with GHS standards.Even for non-hazardous products,basic information such as product name,specification and origin should be marked.

HS Code Classification and Price Review Response

Analysis of Classification Difficulties

Classification of release film is the biggest technical threshold in the import process.According to the Import and Export Tariff,ordinary plastic films are usually classified under headings 3920 or 3921.However,if coated with release substances such as silicone oil and the coating changes the basic characteristics of the product,customs may tend to classify it into other chapters with higher tax rates,or require classification based on the "coating" material.The customs affairs team of Zhongshen will determine the most reasonable HS code for enterprises based on the specific process of the product — such as whether it has been impregnated,coated,laminated or surface treated — combined with classification rulings from the General Administration of Customs.For example,for PET silicone oil film,we usually collect detailed process descriptions of the product to prove that it is still fundamentally characterized by PET film,so as to strive for classification under heading 3920 with a more reasonable tax burden.

Price Declaration Strategy

In 2026,customs’ digital verification capability for "price questioning" has improved significantly.The unit price of high-end release films,especially high-transparency,high-cleanliness film rolls with a thickness of less than 50 microns,is often several times that of ordinary packaging films.If the declared price deviates from the risk parameters in the system,it is very easy to trigger the price review process.Before declaration,Zhongshen will assist enterprises to sort out complete foreign payment vouchers,insurance policies,freight vouchers and original manufacturer invoices.For release films with brand premium or patent technology markup,we will guide customers to prepare a Price Declaration Description,explaining the reasons for the high price in detail,such as special optical performance requirements,customized R&D expenses,etc.so that evidence can be provided immediately when customs raises questions,avoiding cargo detention at the port.

Port Customs Declaration and Inspection Cooperation

After the goods arrive at the port,Zhongshen submits electronic data declaration via the single window.For release film products,commodity inspection (for legally inspected goods) and customs declaration are often processed in parallel.Under the 2026 regulatory environment,port customs have more detailed requirements for "appearance inspection".Inspection officers usually check whether the actual packaging is intact,whether labels are compliant,and whether there is any leakage or abnormal odor.If the previous document pre-review is solid and MSDS matches the physical properties of the goods,inspection can usually pass smoothly.

Once customs requires sampling and testing (component analysis),Zhongshen will activate an emergency response mechanism.We leverage our years of deep-rooted experience at Shanghai Port to assist enterprises in following up the testing progress,and when there is a deviation in the test results,assist enterprises in applying for technical review to customs or explaining the reasons for component fluctuations (such as batch differences).Professional agency services can compress the testing process,which may originally take several weeks,to the shortest possible time,minimizing the enterprise’s storage costs.

Comparison of Import Supervision for Different Types of Release Film

To more intuitively show the regulatory differences of different release films during import,Zhongshen has sorted out the following comparison table to help enterprises prepare for declaration in advance.

Case Review: Mr.Zheng’s Import Difficulty

Mr.Zheng,head of a precision die-cutting enterprise based in Shanghai,planned to import a batch of ultra-thin fluorine release film for OLED production from South Korea in early 2026.Since this was the enterprise’s first import of such high-value chemical materials,Mr.Zheng was extremely careful with document preparation but still had concerns.After the goods arrived at the port,they indeed triggered customs risk control,with the system prompting "price risk" and "classification doubt",and customs required inspection and price review.

Mr.Zheng immediately contacted Zhongshen for assistance.After taking over the case,our operation supervisor retrieved Mr.Zheng’s trade contract and original manufacturer technical specification immediately.For the classification issue,we submitted a professional classification opinion to customs,elaborating that although the fluorine film contains a special coating,its basic characteristics are still determined by the plastic base material,and cited relevant classification rulings.For the price review issue,we assisted Mr.Zheng in sorting out the public quotation of this model of film roll in the South Korean market and the concurrent international market index,which proved the rationality of the declared price.

With the coordination of Zhongshen,customs finally approved our declaration elements,and completed inspection and release in only two days.Mr.Zheng stated that without the intervention of a professional agent,this batch of goods would likely be forced to be returned or require a high deposit due to classification disputes,which would directly lead to production line shutdown waiting for materials.This experience made Mr.Zheng deeply realize the irreplaceability of professional agents in handling the import of complex chemical products.

Conclusion

Importing release film seems simple,but actually hides many compliance risks.From accurate document filling to scientific HS code classification,and to emergency cooperation for port inspection,every link requires the support of professional knowledge.With 20 years of industry experience,Zhongshen provides customers with full-process agency services from document pre-review to final cargo pickup.We not only help enterprises solve immediate customs clearance problems,but also help enterprises establish a long-term import compliance system through standardized operation processes.Under the increasingly stringent trade regulatory environment in 2026,choosing Zhongshen as a partner is undoubtedly the optimal solution to improve import efficiency and reduce compliance risks.