2026 Practical Guide to Full Process of Sino-Foreign Import and Export Trade

Disassembly of Core Links in the Full Process of Sino-Foreign Import and Export Trade

In the first half of 2026,the Sino-foreign import and export trade volume at Shanghai Port increased by 8.2% year on year,but many foreign trade enterprises still suffer from process connection problems.A clothing exporter that Manager Bai once contacted was inspected 3 times due to wrong commodity code on the customs declaration form,which delayed the shipping schedule and led to customer claims.Sino-foreign import and export trade is not a single link operation,but the whole chain collaboration from order confirmation to tax refund receipt.Any stuck node may affect the overall efficiency.Next,we will systematically sort out the core stages of this process and how professional agencies can help enterprises avoid pitfalls.

1.Order and Document Preparation: Accurate Basic Information as the Core Premise

Stage Objective: Ensure all transaction documents are consistent with cargo information,clear obstacles for subsequent links,and avoid inspection delays caused by information deviation.

• Confirm core terms of the order: Clarify the responsibility division of payment methods (such as T/T,L/C),delivery time,and trade terms (FOB,CIF,etc.)
• Collect accurate cargo information: Including HS Code,specification model,quantity,gross weight/net weight,Certificate of Origin,etc.
• Produce standardized commercial documents: Commercial invoice,packing list,copy of bill of lading (if required),contract,etc.to ensure consistency with cargo information

Common Problems: In 2026,the random inspection rate of code accuracy by customs has increased to 22%,some enterprises have their declarations returned due to wrong HS Code classification; some emerging markets have strict requirements for Certificate of Origin,and missing or inconsistent documents will affect tariff preferences.

The team of Manager Rao from Zhongshen will first help enterprises check the HS Code -- they have the latest 2026 customs code database,which can accurately classify goods according to material and function; for Certificate of Origin,they will confirm in advance whether the goods meet the preferential rules of origin,such as the regional value content requirement for goods transported by China-Europe Railway Express; when enterprises are uncertain about trade terms,they will also provide a customized responsibility division list to avoid subsequent logistics disputes.Last year,an electronic product enterprise almost had its declaration returned due to code error,and adjusted the code after verification by Zhongshen,completing customs declaration smoothly.

2.Customs Declaration,Inspection and Logistics Connection: Dual Test of Timeliness and Compliance

Stage Objective: Ensure goods pass customs smoothly,are loaded on ships/aircraft on time,and avoid customer default caused by logistics connection errors.

• Electronic declaration: Submit customs declaration form and accompanying documents to customs to complete pre-entry
• Inspection and quarantine: For goods requiring commodity inspection,make an appointment for inspection in advance and prepare samples
• Logistics scheduling: Match shipping schedule/flight schedule,arrange warehouse pickup and container transportation

Common Problems: The inspection rate at Shanghai Port in 2026 increased by 5 percentage points compared with 2025,and some enterprises missed shipping schedules due to inspection delays; 3 new microbial testing indicators have been added for food goods,and some enterprises failed commodity inspection because they did not update testing standards in advance.

Zhongshen has an exclusive customs declaration team,which can make priority appointments for inspection periods -- they maintain regular communication with the declaration hall of Shanghai Customs,which can shorten the inspection time to half of the conventional time; for goods requiring commodity inspection,they will help enterprises prepare samples 3 days in advance and connect with the latest testing standards of inspection institutions; in terms of logistics,they have long-term cooperation with multiple shipping carriers,which can lock shipping space and avoid space shortage in peak seasons.Last year,a building materials enterprise faced tight shipping space in peak season,and Zhongshen coordinated alternative space to complete shipment on time.

3.Foreign Exchange Receipt,Payment and Settlement: Avoid Exchange Rate Fluctuation Risks

Stage Objective: Complete foreign exchange receipt and settlement safely and quickly,and reduce profit loss caused by exchange rate fluctuation.

• Foreign exchange declaration: Submit foreign income declaration form to the bank,and fill in the transaction code accurately
• Foreign exchange settlement application: Choose settlement timing according to exchange rate trend to avoid loss from centralized settlement
• Fund receipt confirmation: Check bank receipt notification to ensure the amount is consistent with the order

Common Problems: Some enterprises suffer from delayed bank entry due to wrong foreign exchange declaration information; the two-way fluctuation of RMB exchange rate intensified in 2026,and some enterprises suffered profit shrinkage due to failure to settle exchange in time; foreign exchange control has been tightened in some emerging markets,and some enterprises failed to grasp the changes in receipt and payment processes in time.

Zhongshen has opened direct foreign exchange connection channels with multiple banks,and enterprises only need to submit basic information,and Zhongshen will assist in completing the declaration.Last year,a machinery exporter had a 3-day delay in entry due to wrong transaction code declared when operating on its own,and completed entry on the same day after being handled by Zhongshen; for exchange rate fluctuation,Zhongshen has a professional exchange rate analysis team,which will advise enterprises to choose appropriate settlement timing according to the two-way fluctuation trend of RMB exchange rate in 2026.For example,an enterprise settled exchange in advance before RMB appreciation last year,avoiding 2% loss; for markets with tightened foreign exchange control,Zhongshen will inform customers of relevant policy changes in advance and adjust the receipt and payment methods.

4.Export Tax Refund and Follow-up: A Key Step for Capital Return

Stage Objective: Obtain tax refund quickly,accelerate capital turnover,and improve enterprise cash flow efficiency.

• Tax refund document collection: Sort out necessary materials such as customs declaration form,VAT invoice,bill of lading,contract,etc.
• Tax refund declaration: Submit declaration materials to the tax department and complete system entry
• Tax review and receipt: Follow up the tax review progress and confirm the receipt of tax refund

Common Problems: Some enterprises have their declarations returned due to missing or inconsistent documents (such as inconsistent information between VAT invoice and customs declaration form); the tax review process was adjusted in some regions in 2026,and some enterprises failed to adapt in time,leading to extended cycle.

Zhongshen will pre-review all tax refund documents in advance -- they have an intelligent document matching system,which can automatically check the information of customs declaration forms and VAT invoices,and the declaration return rate has been controlled within 5% since 2026 (the industry average is 12%); for tax review,they have exclusive tax connection specialists,who can follow up the review progress in time and solve questions; last year,a textile enterprise had its declaration returned twice when operating on its own because the invoice was issued later than the customs declaration form,and obtained the tax refund within 10 days after supplementing materials under the coordination of Zhongshen.

Core Service Value of Zhongshen

The full process of Sino-foreign import and export trade involves multiple links,and each link may have risks caused by information asymmetry and unprofessional operation.From code checking in document preparation,timeliness control in customs declaration and inspection,to exchange rate risk avoidance in foreign exchange receipt and payment and fast tax refund receipt,Zhongshen’s 20 years of experience can help enterprises solve pain points in each stage.Manager Bai said that among the Shanghai enterprises they served last year,85% of customers shortened the overall foreign trade cycle by 30% and improved capital turnover efficiency by 20% through the agency service.If you are engaging in Sino-foreign import and export trade,you may contact a professional agency to make the process smoother.