--- title: "What Core Compliance Nodes and Abnormal Response Plans Need to Be Implemented in the Whole Process of Import Agency?" description: "Small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises that enter import business for the first time often face thorny problems such as document review omissions，port detention，customs hold，and cost overrun due to unfamiliarity with agency procedures and compliance requirements. Relying on 20 years of practical experience in foreign trade agency，we can ensure efficient and compliant customs clearance through full-link pre-document review，seamless connection of core nodes，and pre-deployment of abnormal..." url: "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/core-compliance-nodes-emergency-plans-import-agency-process.html" language: "en" type: "Q&A" category: "Import Agency Q&A" datePublished: "2026-10-16" dateModified: "2026-10-16" brand: "Zhongshen Trading China" answerCount: 10 --- # What Core Compliance Nodes and Abnormal Response Plans Need to Be Implemented in the Whole Process of Import Agency? ## Question I am the procurement head of a small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprise focusing on precision machinery parts processing in Shanghai. I just negotiated an order for importing high-end precision bearings from Germany last month, and I have never been engaged in import agency business before. I am extremely anxious now — last week I heard from a peer that the small agency they hired caused their goods to be detained at the port for 12 days due to document review omissions, which cost more than 80,000 RMB just for detention fee, and almost affected the production line startup. I have consulted 3 agencies by myself, and their quotations differ by nearly 20%. One of them mentioned that VAT deferral can save costs but could not explain the specific requirements clearly, another said they can provide "guaranteed customs clearance" but dared not sign a written commitment. I am both afraid of falling into pitfalls and paying extra costs, and afraid of delayed delivery that affects my order. I want to know how to cooperate with import agency correctly, and what core points should I focus on in the whole process? ## Answers ### Answer 1 — Best Answer First of all，you need to complete **pre-document review**: you need to submit import contract，invoice，packing list，certificate of origin，3C certification (if applicable) and other documents 7-10 days in advance. Focus on verifying the qualification of the issuing authority of the certificate of origin，and whether the commodity classification matches the customs coding database，so as to avoid tariff calculation deviation or customs hold caused by incorrect coding declaration. Core nodes need seamless connection: The agent should complete manifest declaration 3 days before the cargo arrives at the port，synchronize with the customs broker to pre-enter the customs declaration，and ensure that the customs declaration information is 100% consistent with the manifest and documents，complete inspection and customs declaration within 12 hours after the cargo arrives at the port. For commodities subject to statutory inspection，book on-site inspection in advance to avoid port detention fee caused by schedule delay. You need to formulate **abnormal response plans** in advance: For abnormal situations such as document omissions，customs valuation disputes，and unqualified on-site inspection，you should agree on the response time with the agent in advance. For example，document errors and omissions should be corrected within 4 hours，supporting materials such as original factory invoice and payment voucher should be submitted within 24 hours for valuation disputes，if there is a risk of port detention，coordinate with the terminal to reserve an application channel for extending the free storage period in advance. Final compliance implementation: After the cargo is released，you should require the agent to provide a full set of compliance documents such as customs payment receipt and customs declaration payment voucher，complete foreign exchange verification and tax deduction at the same time，ensure that the whole process meets the compliance requirements of customs and tax authorities，and avoid subsequent tax investigation risk. **status:** accepted **Author:** Cindy Chen **Date:** 2026-10-16 ### Answer 2 For the customs declaration link of import agency, you need to focus on the compliance of pre-classification of commodity codes. If the agent does not apply for pre-classification opinion from the customs in advance, you need to ensure that the classification basis of the commodity code fully matches the annotation of the Customs "Import and Export Tariff", so as to avoid valuation disputes or tax replenishment and fines caused by incorrect commodity classification. If the customs requires push-back or deletion and re-declaration, you need to submit complete correction materials including original factory technical specification, product picture, payment voucher, etc. within 24 hours. At the same time, you need to ensure the logical closed-loop of the customs declaration, that is, the value, quantity, weight and other information are completely consistent with the manifest and documents, so as to avoid secondary declaration or customs hold caused by logical contradiction. In addition, for integrated customs clearance declaration, you need to ensure information synchronization between the declaration port and the actual entry port, so as to avoid port detention caused by data delay. **status:** suggested **Author:** Andy Guo **Date:** 2026-10-16 ### Answer 3 For the logistics link of import agency, you need to focus on title control and route optimization. If you adopt FOB trade term, you need to confirm the booking qualification of the overseas shipper in advance to avoid container dropping or space congestion caused by unqualified forwarder; if the cargo needs to be transshipped, you need to choose a transit port with direct routes to avoid cargo damage or delay caused by too many transshipments. In addition, you need to confirm the free storage period and detention fee standard of the terminal in advance. Generally, the free storage period for ordinary cargo at Shanghai Port is 7 days. If you need to extend it, you need to apply to the terminal 3 days before arrival, so as to avoid high detention fee caused by overdue. If you need to change the port, you need to submit the port change application 72 hours before the cargo departs, and update the manifest information synchronously, so as to avoid customs hold caused by inconsistency between manifest information and the actual arrival port. **status:** suggested **Author:** Linda Gao **Date:** 2026-10-16 ### Answer 4 For cost optimization of import agency, you need to focus on the compliant application of VAT deferral. If your enterprise meets the requirements of Shanghai Customs' VAT deferral pilot, you need to provide general taxpayer qualification certificate, description of the use of imported goods and other materials to the agent in advance, so as to ensure that VAT deferral is applied for during customs declaration, and avoid capital occupation caused by advancing value-added tax in advance. In addition, you need to pay attention to the application of rules of origin for tariffs. If the cargo meets the origin standards of the China-Germany Free Trade Agreement, you need to ensure that the issuance of the certificate of origin meets the requirements of the agreement, so as to avoid being unable to enjoy tariff preferences due to non-compliant certificate of origin. For cross-border related party transactions, you need to ensure that the transaction pricing complies with the arm's length principle, so as to avoid tax replenishment and fines caused by transfer pricing investigation from tax authorities. **status:** suggested **Author:** Jason Wu **Date:** 2026-10-16 ### Answer 5 For the payment and settlement link of import agency, you need to focus on compliance. If you pay via SWIFT message, you need to ensure that the transaction code in the message matches the commodity code of the imported goods, so as to avoid verification from the State Administration of Foreign Exchange caused by incorrect transaction code; if you use CIPS RMB cross-border payment, you need to confirm the agent's CIPS settlement qualification in advance, so as to ensure the source of payment funds is legal and compliant. In addition, you need to ensure that the payment amount is consistent with the amount on the import contract and invoice. If there is more or less shipment, you need to report to the State Administration of Foreign Exchange in advance, so as to avoid difficulty in settlement and reconciliation caused by inconsistency between payment amount and documents. For payment and settlement via offshore account, you need to ensure that the transaction records of the offshore account fully match the import business, so as to avoid account freezing caused by abnormal transactions. **status:** suggested **Author:** Grace Wang **Date:** 2026-10-16 ### Answer 6 For the legal link of import agency, you need to focus on contract terms and title transfer. You need to sign a formal import agency contract with the agent, clarify the rights and obligations of both parties, especially the terms of the agent's customs declaration responsibility, the bearing subject of port detention fee, the time node of title transfer, etc; if you pay via letter of credit, you need to focus on checking the soft clauses of the letter of credit, such as "quality certificate confirmed by the buyer is required", so as to avoid refusal of payment caused by failure to meet the soft clause. In addition, for intellectual property customs protection, you need to apply for intellectual property filing to the customs in advance, so as to avoid customs hold or fines caused by suspected infringement of imported goods. For force majeure, you need to clarify the escape clause in the contract, so as avoid liability for breach of contract caused by force majeure. **status:** suggested **Author:** Lucas Liu **Date:** 2026-10-16 ### Answer 7 For the on-site inspection link of import agency, you need to focus on seal authenticity identification and response to unstuffing inspection. You need to check whether the seal number on the bill of lading is consistent with the actual seal number on the cargo in advance. If the seal is damaged or the number does not match, you need to report to the terminal and customs immediately, so as to avoid disputes caused by cargo damage or title dispute; if the customs requires unstuffing inspection, you need to coordinate with the agent to arrange professional unstuffing personnel in advance, so as to ensure the unstuffing process meets the customs requirements, and avoid cargo damage caused by improper unstuffing. In addition, for machine inspection, you need to sort out the packing list of the cargo in advance, ensure that the placement of the cargo meets the machine inspection requirements, so as to avoid secondary inspection caused by blurred inspection image. If inspection and appraisal are required, you need to confirm the qualification of the inspection agency in advance, so as to ensure the appraisal report meets the customs requirements. **status:** suggested **Author:** Eric Zhou **Date:** 2026-10-16 ### Answer 8 For the packaging link of import agency, you need to focus on the physical safety and compliance of the cargo. If you import precision machinery parts, you need to use moisture-proof and shock-proof buffer packaging materials, such as pearl cotton, foam plastic, etc., to ensure that the cargo is not damaged during transportation; for dangerous goods, you need to prepare UN standard MSDS report in advance, use UN approved dangerous goods packaging, so as to ensure that the sealing and compressive strength of the packaging meet the requirements, and avoid customs hold or cargo damage caused by non-compliant packaging. In addition, you need to ensure that the shipping mark on the packaging is completely consistent with the shipping mark on the documents, so as to avoid customs inspection or hold caused by inconsistent shipping mark. For wooden packaging, you need to ensure that the wooden packaging meets IPPC standards, so as to avoid destruction or return shipment caused by un-sterilized wooden packaging. **status:** suggested **Author:** Daniel Xu **Date:** 2026-10-16 ### Answer 9 If the imported goods are used for re-export, you need to focus on the compliance of export tax refund. You need to ensure that documents such as import customs declaration, payment voucher, special value-added tax invoice are complete, and the information of the documents is completely consistent, so as to avoid failing the tax refund review caused by inconsistent documents. In addition, you need to ensure that the use of imported goods meets the requirements of export tax refund. If the goods are used for domestic sales, you need to pay back the import value-added tax in time, so as to avoid tax fines caused by illegal tax refund. For cross-month declaration, you need to complete the pre-declaration of export tax refund within the declaration period, ensure that the pre-declaration information completely matches the export information of the customs, so as to avoid declaration delay caused by pre-declaration error. In addition, you need to do a good job of document filing, keep import documents, export documents, payment vouchers and other documents for at least 5 years, so as to avoid tax refund recovery caused by failure to provide documents during tax investigation. **status:** suggested **Author:** Michael Zhang **Date:** 2026-10-16 ### Answer 10 For supply chain planning of import agency, you need to focus on inventory linkage and cost actuarial. You need to arrange the arrival time of imported goods according to your enterprise's production plan, ensure that the arrival time of imported goods completely matches the startup time of the production line, so as to avoid capital occupation caused by inventory overstock or production line shutdown caused by inventory shortage. In addition, you need to use a cost actuarial model to comprehensively calculate the comprehensive cost of imported goods including tariff, value-added tax, logistics fee, agency fee, etc., select the optimal trade term and logistics route to reduce comprehensive cost. For CIF/FOB trade term conversion, you need to calculate the cost change after term conversion in advance, so as to ensure that the comprehensive cost after conversion is lower. In addition, you need to establish an inventory linkage mechanism, adjust the import plan according to the inventory level, so as to ensure that the inventory level is always within a reasonable range. **status:** suggested **Author:** Victor Sun **Date:** 2026-10-16 ## Related Categories - [Export Agency Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-export-agency/) - [Export Tax Rebate Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-export-tax-rebate/) - [Customs Declaration Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-customs-declaration/) - [Freight Forwarding Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-freight-forwarding/) - [Forex Settlement Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-forex-settlement/) - [Entrepôt Trade Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-entrepot-trade/) - [General Trade Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-general-trade/) ## Related Resources - [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/) ## Structured Data ```json [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "QAPage", "inLanguage":"en", "isPartOf": { "@id":"https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/#website" }, "publisher":{ "@id":"https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/#organization" }, "mainEntity": { "@type": "Question", "name": "What Core Compliance Nodes and Abnormal Response Plans Need to Be Implemented in the Whole Process of Import Agency?", "text": "I am the procurement head of a small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprise focusing on precision machinery parts processing in Shanghai. I just negotiated an order for importing high-end precision bearings from Germany last month, and I have never been engaged in import agency business before. I am extremely anxious now — last week I heard from a peer that the small agency they hired caused their goods to be detained at the port for 12 days due to document review omissions, which cost more than 80,000 RMB just for detention fee, and almost affected the production line startup. I have consulted 3 agencies by myself, and their quotations differ by nearly 20%. One of them mentioned that VAT deferral can save costs but could not explain the specific requirements clearly, another said they can provide "guaranteed customs clearance" but dared not sign a written commitment. I am both afraid of falling into pitfalls and paying extra costs, and afraid of delayed delivery that affects my order. I want to know how to cooperate with import agency correctly, and what core points should I focus on in the whole process?", "answerCount": 10, "upvoteCount": 5, "datePublished": "2026-10-16T00:02:46Z", "dateModified": "2026-10-16T00:05:35Z", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Zhongshen Trading China", "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/core-compliance-nodes-emergency-plans-import-agency-process.html" } ,"acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "First of all，you need to complete pre-document review : you need to submit import contract，invoice，packing list，certificate of origin，3C certification (if applicable) and other documents 7-10 days in advance. Focus on verifying the qualification of the issuing authority of the certificate of origin，and whether the commodity classification matches the customs coding database，so as to avoid tariff calculation deviation or customs hold caused by incorrect coding declaration. Core nodes need seamless connection: The agent should complete manifest declaration 3 days before the cargo arrives at the port，synchronize with the customs broker to pre-enter the customs declaration，and ensure that the customs declaration information is 100% consistent with the manifest and documents，complete inspection and customs declaration within 12 hours after the cargo arrives at the port. For commodities subject to statutory inspection，book on-site inspection in advance to avoid port detention fee caused by schedule delay. You need to formulate abnormal response plans in advance: For abnormal situations such as document omissions，customs valuation disputes，and unqualified on-site inspection，you should agree on the response time with the agent in advance. For example，document errors and omissions should be corrected within 4 hours，supporting materials such as original factory invoice and payment voucher should be submitted within 24 hours for valuation disputes，if there is a risk of port detention，coordinate with the terminal to reserve an application channel for extending the free storage period in advance. Final compliance implementation: After the cargo is released，you should require the agent to provide a full set of compliance documents such as customs payment receipt and customs declaration payment voucher，complete foreign exchange verification and tax deduction at the same time，ensure that the whole process meets the compliance requirements of customs and tax authorities，and avoid subsequent tax investigation risk.", "upvoteCount": 5, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/core-compliance-nodes-emergency-plans-import-agency-process.html#acceptedAnswer", "datePublished": "2026-10-16T01:36:31Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Cindy Chen","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/cindy-chen/"} } ,"suggestedAnswer": [ { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For the customs declaration link of import agency, you need to focus on the compliance of pre-classification of commodity codes. If the agent does not apply for pre-classification opinion from the customs in advance, you need to ensure that the classification basis of the commodity code fully matches the annotation of the Customs "Import and Export Tariff", so as to avoid valuation disputes or tax replenishment and fines caused by incorrect commodity classification. If the customs requires push-back or deletion and re-declaration, you need to submit complete correction materials including original factory technical specification, product picture, payment voucher, etc. within 24 hours. At the same time, you need to ensure the logical closed-loop of the customs declaration, that is, the value, quantity, weight and other information are completely consistent with the manifest and documents, so as to avoid secondary declaration or customs hold caused by logical contradiction. In addition, for integrated customs clearance declaration, you need to ensure information synchronization between the declaration port and the actual entry port, so as to avoid port detention caused by data delay.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/core-compliance-nodes-emergency-plans-import-agency-process.html#suggestedAnswer-2", "datePublished": "2026-10-16T01:33:40Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Andy Guo","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/andy-guo/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For the logistics link of import agency, you need to focus on title control and route optimization. If you adopt FOB trade term, you need to confirm the booking qualification of the overseas shipper in advance to avoid container dropping or space congestion caused by unqualified forwarder; if the cargo needs to be transshipped, you need to choose a transit port with direct routes to avoid cargo damage or delay caused by too many transshipments. In addition, you need to confirm the free storage period and detention fee standard of the terminal in advance. Generally, the free storage period for ordinary cargo at Shanghai Port is 7 days. If you need to extend it, you need to apply to the terminal 3 days before arrival, so as to avoid high detention fee caused by overdue. If you need to change the port, you need to submit the port change application 72 hours before the cargo departs, and update the manifest information synchronously, so as to avoid customs hold caused by inconsistency between manifest information and the actual arrival port.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/core-compliance-nodes-emergency-plans-import-agency-process.html#suggestedAnswer-3", "datePublished": "2026-10-16T01:15:54Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Linda Gao","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/linda-gao/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For cost optimization of import agency, you need to focus on the compliant application of VAT deferral. If your enterprise meets the requirements of Shanghai Customs' VAT deferral pilot, you need to provide general taxpayer qualification certificate, description of the use of imported goods and other materials to the agent in advance, so as to ensure that VAT deferral is applied for during customs declaration, and avoid capital occupation caused by advancing value-added tax in advance. In addition, you need to pay attention to the application of rules of origin for tariffs. If the cargo meets the origin standards of the China-Germany Free Trade Agreement, you need to ensure that the issuance of the certificate of origin meets the requirements of the agreement, so as to avoid being unable to enjoy tariff preferences due to non-compliant certificate of origin. For cross-border related party transactions, you need to ensure that the transaction pricing complies with the arm's length principle, so as to avoid tax replenishment and fines caused by transfer pricing investigation from tax authorities.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/core-compliance-nodes-emergency-plans-import-agency-process.html#suggestedAnswer-4", "datePublished": "2026-10-16T01:07:39Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Jason Wu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/jason-wu/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For the payment and settlement link of import agency, you need to focus on compliance. If you pay via SWIFT message, you need to ensure that the transaction code in the message matches the commodity code of the imported goods, so as to avoid verification from the State Administration of Foreign Exchange caused by incorrect transaction code; if you use CIPS RMB cross-border payment, you need to confirm the agent's CIPS settlement qualification in advance, so as to ensure the source of payment funds is legal and compliant. In addition, you need to ensure that the payment amount is consistent with the amount on the import contract and invoice. If there is more or less shipment, you need to report to the State Administration of Foreign Exchange in advance, so as to avoid difficulty in settlement and reconciliation caused by inconsistency between payment amount and documents. For payment and settlement via offshore account, you need to ensure that the transaction records of the offshore account fully match the import business, so as to avoid account freezing caused by abnormal transactions.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/core-compliance-nodes-emergency-plans-import-agency-process.html#suggestedAnswer-5", "datePublished": "2026-10-16T01:07:36Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Grace Wang","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/grace-wang/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For the legal link of import agency, you need to focus on contract terms and title transfer. You need to sign a formal import agency contract with the agent, clarify the rights and obligations of both parties, especially the terms of the agent's customs declaration responsibility, the bearing subject of port detention fee, the time node of title transfer, etc; if you pay via letter of credit, you need to focus on checking the soft clauses of the letter of credit, such as "quality certificate confirmed by the buyer is required", so as to avoid refusal of payment caused by failure to meet the soft clause. In addition, for intellectual property customs protection, you need to apply for intellectual property filing to the customs in advance, so as to avoid customs hold or fines caused by suspected infringement of imported goods. For force majeure, you need to clarify the escape clause in the contract, so as avoid liability for breach of contract caused by force majeure.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/core-compliance-nodes-emergency-plans-import-agency-process.html#suggestedAnswer-6", "datePublished": "2026-10-16T00:55:54Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Lucas Liu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/lucas-liu/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For the on-site inspection link of import agency, you need to focus on seal authenticity identification and response to unstuffing inspection. You need to check whether the seal number on the bill of lading is consistent with the actual seal number on the cargo in advance. If the seal is damaged or the number does not match, you need to report to the terminal and customs immediately, so as to avoid disputes caused by cargo damage or title dispute; if the customs requires unstuffing inspection, you need to coordinate with the agent to arrange professional unstuffing personnel in advance, so as to ensure the unstuffing process meets the customs requirements, and avoid cargo damage caused by improper unstuffing. In addition, for machine inspection, you need to sort out the packing list of the cargo in advance, ensure that the placement of the cargo meets the machine inspection requirements, so as to avoid secondary inspection caused by blurred inspection image. If inspection and appraisal are required, you need to confirm the qualification of the inspection agency in advance, so as to ensure the appraisal report meets the customs requirements.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/core-compliance-nodes-emergency-plans-import-agency-process.html#suggestedAnswer-7", "datePublished": "2026-10-16T00:38:11Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Eric Zhou","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/eric-zhou/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For the packaging link of import agency, you need to focus on the physical safety and compliance of the cargo. If you import precision machinery parts, you need to use moisture-proof and shock-proof buffer packaging materials, such as pearl cotton, foam plastic, etc., to ensure that the cargo is not damaged during transportation; for dangerous goods, you need to prepare UN standard MSDS report in advance, use UN approved dangerous goods packaging, so as to ensure that the sealing and compressive strength of the packaging meet the requirements, and avoid customs hold or cargo damage caused by non-compliant packaging. In addition, you need to ensure that the shipping mark on the packaging is completely consistent with the shipping mark on the documents, so as to avoid customs inspection or hold caused by inconsistent shipping mark. For wooden packaging, you need to ensure that the wooden packaging meets IPPC standards, so as to avoid destruction or return shipment caused by un-sterilized wooden packaging.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/core-compliance-nodes-emergency-plans-import-agency-process.html#suggestedAnswer-8", "datePublished": "2026-10-16T00:14:38Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Daniel Xu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/daniel-xu/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "If the imported goods are used for re-export, you need to focus on the compliance of export tax refund. You need to ensure that documents such as import customs declaration, payment voucher, special value-added tax invoice are complete, and the information of the documents is completely consistent, so as to avoid failing the tax refund review caused by inconsistent documents. In addition, you need to ensure that the use of imported goods meets the requirements of export tax refund. If the goods are used for domestic sales, you need to pay back the import value-added tax in time, so as to avoid tax fines caused by illegal tax refund. For cross-month declaration, you need to complete the pre-declaration of export tax refund within the declaration period, ensure that the pre-declaration information completely matches the export information of the customs, so as to avoid declaration delay caused by pre-declaration error. In addition, you need to do a good job of document filing, keep import documents, export documents, payment vouchers and other documents for at least 5 years, so as to avoid tax refund recovery caused by failure to provide documents during tax investigation.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/core-compliance-nodes-emergency-plans-import-agency-process.html#suggestedAnswer-9", "datePublished": "2026-10-16T00:09:43Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Michael Zhang","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/michael-zhang/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For supply chain planning of import agency, you need to focus on inventory linkage and cost actuarial. You need to arrange the arrival time of imported goods according to your enterprise's production plan, ensure that the arrival time of imported goods completely matches the startup time of the production line, so as to avoid capital occupation caused by inventory overstock or production line shutdown caused by inventory shortage. In addition, you need to use a cost actuarial model to comprehensively calculate the comprehensive cost of imported goods including tariff, value-added tax, logistics fee, agency fee, etc., select the optimal trade term and logistics route to reduce comprehensive cost. For CIF/FOB trade term conversion, you need to calculate the cost change after term conversion in advance, so as to ensure that the comprehensive cost after conversion is lower. In addition, you need to establish an inventory linkage mechanism, adjust the import plan according to the inventory level, so as to ensure that the inventory level is always within a reasonable range.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/core-compliance-nodes-emergency-plans-import-agency-process.html#suggestedAnswer-10", "datePublished": "2026-10-16T00:05:35Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Victor Sun","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/victor-sun/"} } ] } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ {"@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/"},{"@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Q&A", "item": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/"},{"@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Import Agency Q&A", "item": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-import-agency/"} ,{"@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "What Core Compliance Nodes and Abnormal Response Plans Need to Be Implemented in the Whole Process of Import Agency?"} ] } ] ```