--- title: "What are the core nodes in the complete process of export customs declaration? What documents need to be prepared in advance?" description: "Manufacturers new to foreign trade often encounter problems such as incomplete document preparation and poor connection of process nodes due to unfamiliarity with the customs declaration process，leading to port detention of goods and shipment delays. Through full-link operations including pre-document review，refined connection of core nodes，and formulation of abnormal response plans，compliant customs declaration can be implemented，common mistakes can be avoided，risks of port detention and cargo..." url: "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/export-clearance-core-nodes-required-documents-preparation.html" language: "en" type: "Q&A" category: "Freight Forwarding Q&A" datePublished: "2026-08-26" dateModified: "2026-08-26" brand: "Zhongshen Trading China" answerCount: 9 --- # What are the core nodes in the complete process of export customs declaration? What documents need to be prepared in advance? ## Question I am the person in charge of a small electromechanical manufacturing enterprise in Shanghai that has just entered the foreign trade field. Last month, we exported a batch of precision parts to Germany for the first time, and entrusted a freight forwarder to handle customs declaration. However, due to the inconsistency between the commodity code marked on the packing list and that on the customs declaration form, the goods were detained at Yangshan Port for 3 days, which cost nearly 2000 yuan in port detention fees, almost delayed the customer's delivery date, and we were warned by the customer that cooperation would be terminated if similar problems occur again. I still have lingering fear when I think of this experience. This week, we have another batch of similar goods to export to the UK, and I don't want to fall into the same pit again. I want to thoroughly understand how export customs declaration works, from pre-document preparation, core customs clearance nodes, to common mistake avoidance and abnormal emergency response, and hope to get professional guidance to avoid any mistakes again. ## Answers ### Answer 1 — Best Answer First of all，you need to do a good job in pre-document review details，focus on verifying the consistency of the **commodity code** with the packing list，invoice and contract，ensure that the code complies with the 2026 Customs HS Code classification rules，and check that the information of the operating unit，consignor and consignee on the customs declaration form matches the actual qualifications，so as to avoid port detention caused by inconsistent documents. For the connection of core nodes，you need to complete pre-declaration through the "Single Window" of Shanghai Customs 24 hours before the goods enter the warehouse，confirm that the manifest information is completely consistent with the customs declaration form before arranging the goods to enter the port，after the customs document review is passed，follow up the inspection notice in a timely manner. If no inspection is required，the goods will be released directly，if inspection is required，coordinate on-site personnel to cooperate in advance. For abnormal response plans，if the customs raises questions about the commodity code，you need to submit supporting materials such as product manuals and material testing reports immediately to apply for classification review，if there is a risk of port detention，contact the customs broker immediately to apply for the priority document review channel，and communicate with the shipping company to extend the free storage period to reduce port detention costs. After the final compliant implementation，all customs declaration documents (including electronic versions) shall be retained for at least 5 years for subsequent customs verification，to ensure that the entire process fully complies with the 2026 customs clearance supervision requirements of Shanghai Customs. **status:** accepted **Author:** Michael Zhang **Date:** 2026-08-27 ### Answer 2 If there is an error in the declaration content of export customs declaration, you need to judge whether to delete the declaration and resubmit according to the type of error. According to 2026 Shanghai Customs regulations, if the error is only for non-core information (such as contact phone number), it can be modified directly through the Single Window; if the error is for core information such as commodity code and cargo value, you need to submit the "Application Form for Amendment/Cancellation of Customs Declaration Form" and supporting materials to apply for deletion and resubmission of the declaration. Note that enterprises with more than 3 cumulative times of declaration deletion and resubmission will be included in the customs key supervision list, which will affect subsequent customs clearance efficiency. In addition, in case of price review disputes, you need to provide materials such as procurement contracts, payment vouchers and cost accounting tables to prove the authenticity and rationality of the declared price, so as to avoid customs valuation. **status:** suggested **Author:** Andy Guo **Date:** 2026-08-27 ### Answer 3 Export customs declaration shall be synchronized with the logistics path. If you choose a direct route, you need to complete customs declaration and release 48 hours before the ship sails; if it is a transit route, you need to confirm the customs declaration requirements of the transit port, and transit declaration shall be made in advance for transit in some regions. In addition, you need to pay attention to the difference between free storage period and container detention charge. The free storage period for general goods at Shanghai Yangshan Port in 2026 is 7 days, and port detention fees will be charged per day after exceeding the period. If customs clearance delay is expected, you need to apply to the shipping company for extension of the free storage period in advance. The bill of lading endorsement shall be consistent with the consignor and consignee information on the customs declaration form to avoid failure to pick up the goods due to inconsistent cargo right subjects. If you need to transfer the bill of lading, ensure that the endorsement process meets the requirements of the letter of credit or contract. **status:** suggested **Author:** Eric Zhou **Date:** 2026-08-27 ### Answer 4 In 2026, eligible enterprises can enjoy the VAT deferral policy for export customs declaration, so they do not need to pay value-added tax at the export link, but conduct deferred tax declaration during the declaration period. To apply for VAT deferral, you need to submit the "VAT Deferral Application Declaration" to the customs during customs declaration, and ensure that the enterprise's tax registration information is consistent with the customs declaration form. Note that VAT deferral only applies to goods exported in compliance. If the goods are returned or transferred to domestic sales, you need to pay the deferred value-added tax in time. In addition, enterprises with cross-border related transactions shall ensure that the declaration price conforms to the arm's length principle, so as to avoid tax adjustment caused by transfer pricing issues and affect the VAT deferral qualification. **status:** suggested **Author:** Cindy Chen **Date:** 2026-08-27 ### Answer 5 After the completion of export customs declaration, you need to complete foreign exchange collection within 90 days after the export of goods, and conduct foreign exchange collection verification through the cross-border financial blockchain service platform of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange. In 2026, enterprises in Shanghai that use CIPS RMB cross-border payment can enjoy faster account arrival speed, and "RMB settlement" shall be marked on the customs declaration form during customs declaration. If there is a delay in foreign exchange collection, you need to submit the "Application for Deferred Foreign Exchange Collection" to the State Administration of Foreign Exchange in advance to explain the reason for the delay, so as to avoid being included in the foreign exchange violation list. Enterprises that use offshore accounts for foreign exchange collection and payment shall ensure that the foreign exchange collection information on the customs declaration form is consistent with the transaction records of the offshore account, so as to avoid compliance risks caused by inconsistency between foreign exchange collection and payment and customs declaration. **status:** suggested **Author:** Lucas Liu **Date:** 2026-08-27 ### Answer 6 If the exported goods involve intellectual property rights (such as patents and trademarks), you need to record them in the Intellectual Property Protection System of the General Administration of Customs in advance, and mark the intellectual property record number on the customs declaration form during customs declaration, so as to avoid the goods being detained due to suspected infringement. In 2026, the customs has intensified the investigation and punishment of intellectual property infringement. If the goods are not recorded and reported by the right holder, the goods will be temporarily detained, and the enterprise shall provide materials such as authorization certificates, otherwise it will face penalties such as confiscation of goods and fines. In addition, enterprises settling by letter of credit shall ensure that the goods description on the customs declaration form is completely consistent with the terms of the letter of credit, so as to avoid payment refusal caused by soft clauses. **status:** suggested **Author:** Linda Gao **Date:** 2026-08-27 ### Answer 7 When encountering customs inspection for export customs declaration, you need to prepare materials such as packing list, invoice and product manual in advance to cooperate with customs personnel for unpacking inspection. In 2026, Shanghai Customs implements priority of machine inspection, and manual unpacking will only be carried out if abnormality is found in machine inspection. Enterprises can apply for the fast machine inspection channel from the customs in advance to shorten the inspection time. Attention shall be paid to the authenticity identification of seals. The number of the customs seal shall be consistent with the seal number on the customs declaration form. If the seal is damaged, contact the customs immediately to re-seal, so as to avoid being identified as change of cargo ownership. If an unqualified conclusion is obtained after inspection, submit the rectification plan in time to apply for re-inspection. **status:** suggested **Author:** Evelyn Li **Date:** 2026-08-26 ### Answer 8 If the exported goods are dangerous goods, a dangerous goods packaging certificate conforming to the 2026 UN standards shall be provided during customs declaration to ensure that the material and strength of the packaging meet the requirements. The MSDS report shall include information such as the dangerous characteristics of the goods and emergency treatment measures, and shall match the commodity code on the customs declaration form. The packaging of general goods shall be moisture-proof and reinforced to avoid cargo damage caused by damaged packaging and affect customs declaration and inspection. If the goods are fragile, obvious fragile marks shall be marked on the packaging, and noted in the remarks column during customs declaration, so that the customs can handle them with care during inspection. **status:** suggested **Author:** Jason Wu **Date:** 2026-08-26 ### Answer 9 After the completion of export customs declaration, you need to obtain the tax refund copy of the customs declaration form in time to ensure that the export date, commodity code, cargo value and other information on the customs declaration form are consistent with the value-added tax invoice. In 2026, "paperless" declaration is implemented for export tax refund. Enterprises shall upload documents such as customs declaration forms and value-added tax invoices to the tax refund system within 30 days after export for pre-declaration. If there is inconsistency of the four streams (contract, invoice, customs declaration form, logistics document), the tax refund review will not be passed, and supporting materials shall be supplemented in time to prove the authenticity of the transaction. In addition, during tax correspondence and investigation, cooperate with the tax authorities to provide materials such as procurement contracts and payment vouchers to ensure the smooth arrival of tax refunds. **status:** suggested **Author:** Victor Sun **Date:** 2026-08-26 ## Related Categories - [Import Agency Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-import-agency/) - [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/) - [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 are the core nodes in the complete process of export customs declaration? What documents need to be prepared in advance?", "text": "I am the person in charge of a small electromechanical manufacturing enterprise in Shanghai that has just entered the foreign trade field. Last month, we exported a batch of precision parts to Germany for the first time, and entrusted a freight forwarder to handle customs declaration. However, due to the inconsistency between the commodity code marked on the packing list and that on the customs declaration form, the goods were detained at Yangshan Port for 3 days, which cost nearly 2000 yuan in port detention fees, almost delayed the customer's delivery date, and we were warned by the customer that cooperation would be terminated if similar problems occur again. I still have lingering fear when I think of this experience. This week, we have another batch of similar goods to export to the UK, and I don't want to fall into the same pit again. I want to thoroughly understand how export customs declaration works, from pre-document preparation, core customs clearance nodes, to common mistake avoidance and abnormal emergency response, and hope to get professional guidance to avoid any mistakes again.", "answerCount": 9, "upvoteCount": 2, "datePublished": "2026-08-26T23:44:27Z", "dateModified": "2026-08-26T23:53:15Z", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Zhongshen Trading China", "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/export-clearance-core-nodes-required-documents-preparation.html" } ,"acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "First of all，you need to do a good job in pre-document review details，focus on verifying the consistency of the commodity code with the packing list，invoice and contract，ensure that the code complies with the 2026 Customs HS Code classification rules，and check that the information of the operating unit，consignor and consignee on the customs declaration form matches the actual qualifications，so as to avoid port detention caused by inconsistent documents. For the connection of core nodes，you need to complete pre-declaration through the "Single Window" of Shanghai Customs 24 hours before the goods enter the warehouse，confirm that the manifest information is completely consistent with the customs declaration form before arranging the goods to enter the port，after the customs document review is passed，follow up the inspection notice in a timely manner. If no inspection is required，the goods will be released directly，if inspection is required，coordinate on-site personnel to cooperate in advance. For abnormal response plans，if the customs raises questions about the commodity code，you need to submit supporting materials such as product manuals and material testing reports immediately to apply for classification review，if there is a risk of port detention，contact the customs broker immediately to apply for the priority document review channel，and communicate with the shipping company to extend the free storage period to reduce port detention costs. After the final compliant implementation，all customs declaration documents (including electronic versions) shall be retained for at least 5 years for subsequent customs verification，to ensure that the entire process fully complies with the 2026 customs clearance supervision requirements of Shanghai Customs.", "upvoteCount": 2, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/export-clearance-core-nodes-required-documents-preparation.html#acceptedAnswer", "datePublished": "2026-08-27T01:12:52Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Michael Zhang","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/michael-zhang/"} } ,"suggestedAnswer": [ { "@type": "Answer", "text": "If there is an error in the declaration content of export customs declaration, you need to judge whether to delete the declaration and resubmit according to the type of error. According to 2026 Shanghai Customs regulations, if the error is only for non-core information (such as contact phone number), it can be modified directly through the Single Window; if the error is for core information such as commodity code and cargo value, you need to submit the "Application Form for Amendment/Cancellation of Customs Declaration Form" and supporting materials to apply for deletion and resubmission of the declaration. Note that enterprises with more than 3 cumulative times of declaration deletion and resubmission will be included in the customs key supervision list, which will affect subsequent customs clearance efficiency. In addition, in case of price review disputes, you need to provide materials such as procurement contracts, payment vouchers and cost accounting tables to prove the authenticity and rationality of the declared price, so as to avoid customs valuation.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/export-clearance-core-nodes-required-documents-preparation.html#suggestedAnswer-2", "datePublished": "2026-08-27T01:11:43Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Andy Guo","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/andy-guo/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Export customs declaration shall be synchronized with the logistics path. If you choose a direct route, you need to complete customs declaration and release 48 hours before the ship sails; if it is a transit route, you need to confirm the customs declaration requirements of the transit port, and transit declaration shall be made in advance for transit in some regions. In addition, you need to pay attention to the difference between free storage period and container detention charge. The free storage period for general goods at Shanghai Yangshan Port in 2026 is 7 days, and port detention fees will be charged per day after exceeding the period. If customs clearance delay is expected, you need to apply to the shipping company for extension of the free storage period in advance. The bill of lading endorsement shall be consistent with the consignor and consignee information on the customs declaration form to avoid failure to pick up the goods due to inconsistent cargo right subjects. If you need to transfer the bill of lading, ensure that the endorsement process meets the requirements of the letter of credit or contract.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/export-clearance-core-nodes-required-documents-preparation.html#suggestedAnswer-3", "datePublished": "2026-08-27T01:02:47Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Eric Zhou","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/eric-zhou/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "In 2026, eligible enterprises can enjoy the VAT deferral policy for export customs declaration, so they do not need to pay value-added tax at the export link, but conduct deferred tax declaration during the declaration period. To apply for VAT deferral, you need to submit the "VAT Deferral Application Declaration" to the customs during customs declaration, and ensure that the enterprise's tax registration information is consistent with the customs declaration form. Note that VAT deferral only applies to goods exported in compliance. If the goods are returned or transferred to domestic sales, you need to pay the deferred value-added tax in time. In addition, enterprises with cross-border related transactions shall ensure that the declaration price conforms to the arm's length principle, so as to avoid tax adjustment caused by transfer pricing issues and affect the VAT deferral qualification.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/export-clearance-core-nodes-required-documents-preparation.html#suggestedAnswer-4", "datePublished": "2026-08-27T00:22:33Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Cindy Chen","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/cindy-chen/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "After the completion of export customs declaration, you need to complete foreign exchange collection within 90 days after the export of goods, and conduct foreign exchange collection verification through the cross-border financial blockchain service platform of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange. In 2026, enterprises in Shanghai that use CIPS RMB cross-border payment can enjoy faster account arrival speed, and "RMB settlement" shall be marked on the customs declaration form during customs declaration. If there is a delay in foreign exchange collection, you need to submit the "Application for Deferred Foreign Exchange Collection" to the State Administration of Foreign Exchange in advance to explain the reason for the delay, so as to avoid being included in the foreign exchange violation list. Enterprises that use offshore accounts for foreign exchange collection and payment shall ensure that the foreign exchange collection information on the customs declaration form is consistent with the transaction records of the offshore account, so as to avoid compliance risks caused by inconsistency between foreign exchange collection and payment and customs declaration.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/export-clearance-core-nodes-required-documents-preparation.html#suggestedAnswer-5", "datePublished": "2026-08-27T00:17:17Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Lucas Liu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/lucas-liu/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "If the exported goods involve intellectual property rights (such as patents and trademarks), you need to record them in the Intellectual Property Protection System of the General Administration of Customs in advance, and mark the intellectual property record number on the customs declaration form during customs declaration, so as to avoid the goods being detained due to suspected infringement. In 2026, the customs has intensified the investigation and punishment of intellectual property infringement. If the goods are not recorded and reported by the right holder, the goods will be temporarily detained, and the enterprise shall provide materials such as authorization certificates, otherwise it will face penalties such as confiscation of goods and fines. In addition, enterprises settling by letter of credit shall ensure that the goods description on the customs declaration form is completely consistent with the terms of the letter of credit, so as to avoid payment refusal caused by soft clauses.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/export-clearance-core-nodes-required-documents-preparation.html#suggestedAnswer-6", "datePublished": "2026-08-27T00:13:25Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Linda Gao","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/linda-gao/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "When encountering customs inspection for export customs declaration, you need to prepare materials such as packing list, invoice and product manual in advance to cooperate with customs personnel for unpacking inspection. In 2026, Shanghai Customs implements priority of machine inspection, and manual unpacking will only be carried out if abnormality is found in machine inspection. Enterprises can apply for the fast machine inspection channel from the customs in advance to shorten the inspection time. Attention shall be paid to the authenticity identification of seals. The number of the customs seal shall be consistent with the seal number on the customs declaration form. If the seal is damaged, contact the customs immediately to re-seal, so as to avoid being identified as change of cargo ownership. If an unqualified conclusion is obtained after inspection, submit the rectification plan in time to apply for re-inspection.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/export-clearance-core-nodes-required-documents-preparation.html#suggestedAnswer-7", "datePublished": "2026-08-26T23:58:18Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Evelyn Li","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/evelyn-li/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "If the exported goods are dangerous goods, a dangerous goods packaging certificate conforming to the 2026 UN standards shall be provided during customs declaration to ensure that the material and strength of the packaging meet the requirements. The MSDS report shall include information such as the dangerous characteristics of the goods and emergency treatment measures, and shall match the commodity code on the customs declaration form. The packaging of general goods shall be moisture-proof and reinforced to avoid cargo damage caused by damaged packaging and affect customs declaration and inspection. If the goods are fragile, obvious fragile marks shall be marked on the packaging, and noted in the remarks column during customs declaration, so that the customs can handle them with care during inspection.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/export-clearance-core-nodes-required-documents-preparation.html#suggestedAnswer-8", "datePublished": "2026-08-26T23:56:40Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Jason Wu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/jason-wu/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "After the completion of export customs declaration, you need to obtain the tax refund copy of the customs declaration form in time to ensure that the export date, commodity code, cargo value and other information on the customs declaration form are consistent with the value-added tax invoice. In 2026, "paperless" declaration is implemented for export tax refund. Enterprises shall upload documents such as customs declaration forms and value-added tax invoices to the tax refund system within 30 days after export for pre-declaration. If there is inconsistency of the four streams (contract, invoice, customs declaration form, logistics document), the tax refund review will not be passed, and supporting materials shall be supplemented in time to prove the authenticity of the transaction. In addition, during tax correspondence and investigation, cooperate with the tax authorities to provide materials such as procurement contracts and payment vouchers to ensure the smooth arrival of tax refunds.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/export-clearance-core-nodes-required-documents-preparation.html#suggestedAnswer-9", "datePublished": "2026-08-26T23:53:15Z", "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": "Freight Forwarding Q&A", "item": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-freight-forwarding/"} ,{"@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "What are the core nodes in the complete process of export customs declaration? 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