--- title: "What core categories of equipment can be imported via foreign trade agency? Are there detailed access standards?" description: "A small auto parts processing plant in the Yangtze River Delta had its self-imported equipment detained by customs due to inconsistent documents，incurring high losses including port demurrage and order compensation. It is eager to import high-precision and heavy-duty equipment through foreign trade agencies but has no idea about accessible categories and compliance requirements. It can avoid customs detention risks by checking equipment categories in advance，classifying HS codes accurately and p..." url: "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/foreign-trade-agent-imported-equipment-categories-access-standards.html" language: "en" type: "Q&A" category: "Import Agency Q&A" datePublished: "2026-06-15" dateModified: "2026-06-15" brand: "Zhongshen Trading China" answerCount: 10 --- # What core categories of equipment can be imported via foreign trade agency? Are there detailed access standards? ## Question I am the procurement manager of a small auto parts processing plant in the Yangtze River Delta with an annual revenue of 50 million RMB. We need to upgrade our production line before Q3 recently, and plan to import a batch of high-precision CNC grinding machines and heavy-duty hydraulic stamping equipment. Last year when we tried to import a batch of testing equipment on our own, the goods were detained by customs for 12 days due to inconsistent documents. We spent 23,000 RMB on port demurrage and storage fees alone, and also paid 8,000 RMB as compensation for delaying customer orders. Now we dare not handle import on our own and want to cooperate with a foreign trade agency, but we have no idea what kinds of equipment are eligible for agency import, including whether the two types we need are covered, and what other agency-imported equipment categories are suitable for auto parts processing. We are also worried that special equipment such as high-precision and heavy-duty ones will have access thresholds for agency services, and whether it will involve mandatory certification or extra costs. I am too anxious to eat these days, for fear that delayed production line upgrade will affect our production capacity in the second half of the year. ## Answers ### Answer 1 — Best Answer First of all，we need to clarify common industry misunderstandings: many enterprises mistakenly believe that all equipment can be imported through foreign trade agencies，but there are actually red lines for prohibited and restricted categories. For example，equipment involving military products or nuclear industry，or civil equipment requiring mandatory certification without valid 3C certification，cannot be imported through formal agencies. Falsely declaring prohibited，restricted or non-compliant equipment will trigger a chain of negative consequences: after customs detention，the goods will be transferred to a supervised warehouse，incurring port demurrage and storage fees of more than 1,000 RMB per day. If the issue is not resolved within 15 days，the goods may be auctioned or returned，and the enterprise will be added to the customs credit warning list，with the inspection rate of subsequent import business increased to over 80%，which directly affects order delivery schedules. Physical risk isolation measures should be implemented in advance: before entrusting an agency，be sure to submit the equipment's nameplate photos，HS code and technical parameters to the agency，so that the professional team can verify whether it falls into the agency's accessible categories，and whether documents such as 3C certification and automatic import license are required. **Exclusive loss mitigation tips**: Zhongshen provides free pre-access verification services，and issues a category compliance report within 72 hours in advance. If the equipment has access defects，we can assist enterprises to adjust the import plan，such as avoiding risks via factory transfer or OEM manufacturing. At the same time，we can coordinate with customs to prioritize processing of declared compliant goods，reducing the risk of port demurrage to less than 0.1%. **status:** accepted **Author:** Evelyn Li **Date:** 2026-06-15 ### Answer 2 For agency-imported equipment categories, special attention should be paid to accurate HS code classification during customs declaration, as different equipment categories correspond to different supervision conditions: for example, high-precision CNC grinding machines correspond to HS code 84601100, which requires an automatic import license; heavy-duty hydraulic stamping equipment corresponds to HS code 84621010, which does not require an automatic import license, but needs to provide equipment technical parameters to prove it is not in the prohibited or restricted category. Incorrect classification will lead to price review disputes, and customs may require resubmission of documents, delay customs clearance time, and even trigger tax repayment or fines. In addition, it is necessary to check in advance whether the equipment is listed in the *Catalogue of Prohibited Imported Goods* and *Catalogue of Restricted Imported Goods*. If it belongs to restricted categories, relevant approval documents must be obtained first, otherwise the goods will be directly detained by customs. **status:** suggested **Author:** Michael Zhang **Date:** 2026-06-15 ### Answer 3 Different categories of agency-imported equipment need to be matched with different logistics plans: high-precision CNC grinding machines are fragile and easily damaged, so they need to be transported by air cushion vehicles with constant temperature and humidity throughout the journey, and full cargo insurance should be purchased with the insured amount covering 110% of the equipment value; heavy-duty hydraulic stamping equipment is over-width and over-weight, so you need to apply for over-limit cargo loading and unloading permit at the port in advance, and choose a port with lifting capacity for heavy equipment, such as the Phase IV Terminal of Shanghai Yangshan Port. At the same time, flat rack containers should be used for transportation to avoid cargo displacement during transit. In addition, cargo ownership should be controlled through bill of lading endorsement to avoid the risk of goods being released without a bill of lading. If telex release bill of lading is adopted, it is necessary to ensure that the agency has received full payment. **status:** suggested **Author:** Victor Sun **Date:** 2026-06-15 ### Answer 4 Different categories of agency-imported equipment correspond to different tariff rates: the tariff rate for high-precision CNC grinding machines is 5%, and the value-added tax rate is 13%; the tariff rate for heavy-duty hydraulic stamping equipment is 3%, and the value-added tax rate is 13%. If the enterprise is a high-tech enterprise, it can apply for tariff reduction and exemption policies, with the maximum reduction rate reaching 100%. In addition, eligible imported equipment can apply for VAT deferment, so there is no need to pay value-added tax at the time of import, but declare and deduct it in the value-added tax declaration period of the next month, which effectively eases the enterprise's cash flow pressure. It should be noted that if the equipment is used for production of export products, its input tax can be directly deducted from export tax rebates, and documents such as the equipment's import declaration form and special value-added tax invoice should be retained in advance. **status:** suggested **Author:** Cindy Chen **Date:** 2026-06-15 ### Answer 5 Foreign exchange receipt and payment for agency-imported equipment must comply with the compliance requirements of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange: if the equipment value exceeds 50,000 US dollars, payment must be made through the CIPS RMB cross-border payment system to avoid exchange rate fluctuation risks; if the equipment value is less than 50,000 US dollars, payment can be made through an ordinary foreign exchange account, but documents such as the equipment procurement contract and invoice should be retained for inspection by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange. In addition, it is necessary to ensure that the amount of foreign exchange received and paid is consistent with the goods value on the customs declaration form. If there is a difference, a difference explanation should be provided, such as the apportionment certificate of transportation fees and insurance premiums, otherwise the enterprise will be added to the foreign exchange early warning list, affecting subsequent foreign exchange receipt and payment business. **status:** suggested **Author:** Lucas Liu **Date:** 2026-06-15 ### Answer 6 The agency import equipment contract must specify the following core clauses: equipment category, technical parameters, delivery date, acceptance standard, liability for breach of contract, etc. If high-precision equipment is involved, intellectual property protection clauses should be added to avoid equipment infringement risks, such as whether the equipment's software has a legal authorization certificate. In addition, if the equipment delivery period is long, the supplier should be required to issue a performance guarantee, with the guarantee amount covering 10% of the equipment value. If the supplier delays delivery, losses can be claimed through the guarantee. It should be noted that the contract must be in bilingual Chinese and English versions to avoid clause ambiguity. If disputes arise, it shall be agreed that Chinese law applies, and arbitration shall be conducted by the Shanghai International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission. **status:** suggested **Author:** Grace Wang **Date:** 2026-06-15 ### Answer 7 On-site inspection points vary for different categories of agency-imported equipment: for high-precision CNC grinding machines, it is necessary to focus on checking the equipment's nameplate, technical parameters and software authorization certificate to avoid inconsistency between the equipment and the customs declaration form; for heavy-duty hydraulic stamping equipment, it is necessary to focus on checking the equipment's weight and size to avoid unreported over-width and over-weight conditions. If machine inspection is adopted, the equipment's material should be informed to customs in advance. For example, high-precision equipment is made of cast iron, which shows high density in machine inspection images, so as to avoid being misjudged as prohibited or restricted goods. In addition, if the equipment needs to be unpacked for inspection, lifting equipment should be prepared in advance to avoid equipment damage. After the inspection is completed, customs should be required to issue an inspection record for subsequent tax refund or claim purposes. **status:** suggested **Author:** Jason Wu **Date:** 2026-06-15 ### Answer 8 Different categories of agency-imported equipment need to adopt different packaging schemes: high-precision CNC grinding machines need moisture-proof and shock-proof packaging, with pearl cotton and foam cushioning materials inside, and solid wood fumigated wooden boxes outside. The wooden boxes should be marked with IPPC logo to avoid unqualified fumigation; heavy-duty hydraulic stamping equipment needs reinforced packaging, with I-beam reinforcement at the bottom and steel band binding outside to avoid packaging damage. If the equipment is dangerous goods, for example, it contains hydraulic oil, an MSDS report should be prepared, UN dangerous goods packaging should be used, and dangerous goods labels should be marked on the packaging, otherwise the goods will be detained by customs. In addition, the equipment's packaging size and weight should be informed to the logistics agency in advance to match appropriate transportation tools. **status:** suggested **Author:** Daniel Xu **Date:** 2026-06-15 ### Answer 9 If the agency-imported equipment is used for production of export products, its input tax can be directly deducted from export tax rebates, which must meet the following conditions: the "purpose" column on the equipment's import declaration form should be marked "for production", the special value-added tax invoice for the equipment should indicate "for export product production", and documents such as the equipment procurement contract, import declaration form, special value-added tax invoice and equipment use record should be retained for inspection by tax authorities. If the equipment is used for production of both domestic and export products, the input tax should be apportioned according to the proportion of export product sales in total sales, to avoid illegal input tax deduction. In addition, export tax rebate declaration should be completed within 180 days after the equipment is imported, and the tax rebate policy will not be available after the deadline. **status:** suggested **Author:** Andy Guo **Date:** 2026-06-15 ### Answer 10 Agency-imported equipment should be included in the enterprise's supply chain planning, and different equipment categories correspond to different inventory strategies: high-precision CNC grinding machines are core production equipment, so a zero-inventory strategy should be adopted, that is, the equipment is directly transported to the production line for installation after arriving at the port to avoid occupying warehouse space; heavy-duty hydraulic stamping equipment is large-scale production equipment, so a safety inventory strategy should be adopted, and 30 days of installation and commissioning time should be reserved in advance to avoid production line interruption. In addition, cost actuarial calculation should be carried out to compare the cost difference between CIF and FOB trade terms. If FOB terms are adopted, the enterprise shall bear extra costs such as ocean freight and insurance premiums; if CIF terms are adopted, the supplier shall bear ocean freight and insurance premiums, which effectively reduces import costs. It should be noted that the supply chain rhythm should be adjusted according to the equipment's delivery date to avoid the situation that the equipment cannot be installed in time after arriving at the port. **status:** suggested **Author:** Eric Zhou **Date:** 2026-06-15 ## 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 categories of equipment can be imported via foreign trade agency? Are there detailed access standards?", "text": "I am the procurement manager of a small auto parts processing plant in the Yangtze River Delta with an annual revenue of 50 million RMB. We need to upgrade our production line before Q3 recently, and plan to import a batch of high-precision CNC grinding machines and heavy-duty hydraulic stamping equipment. Last year when we tried to import a batch of testing equipment on our own, the goods were detained by customs for 12 days due to inconsistent documents. We spent 23,000 RMB on port demurrage and storage fees alone, and also paid 8,000 RMB as compensation for delaying customer orders. Now we dare not handle import on our own and want to cooperate with a foreign trade agency, but we have no idea what kinds of equipment are eligible for agency import, including whether the two types we need are covered, and what other agency-imported equipment categories are suitable for auto parts processing. We are also worried that special equipment such as high-precision and heavy-duty ones will have access thresholds for agency services, and whether it will involve mandatory certification or extra costs. I am too anxious to eat these days, for fear that delayed production line upgrade will affect our production capacity in the second half of the year.", "answerCount": 10, "upvoteCount": 6, "datePublished": "2026-06-15T09:46:09Z", "dateModified": "2026-06-15T09:48:43Z", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Zhongshen Trading China", "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/foreign-trade-agent-imported-equipment-categories-access-standards.html" } ,"acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "First of all，we need to clarify common industry misunderstandings: many enterprises mistakenly believe that all equipment can be imported through foreign trade agencies，but there are actually red lines for prohibited and restricted categories. For example，equipment involving military products or nuclear industry，or civil equipment requiring mandatory certification without valid 3C certification，cannot be imported through formal agencies. Falsely declaring prohibited，restricted or non-compliant equipment will trigger a chain of negative consequences: after customs detention，the goods will be transferred to a supervised warehouse，incurring port demurrage and storage fees of more than 1,000 RMB per day. If the issue is not resolved within 15 days，the goods may be auctioned or returned，and the enterprise will be added to the customs credit warning list，with the inspection rate of subsequent import business increased to over 80%，which directly affects order delivery schedules. Physical risk isolation measures should be implemented in advance: before entrusting an agency，be sure to submit the equipment's nameplate photos，HS code and technical parameters to the agency，so that the professional team can verify whether it falls into the agency's accessible categories，and whether documents such as 3C certification and automatic import license are required. Exclusive loss mitigation tips : Zhongshen provides free pre-access verification services，and issues a category compliance report within 72 hours in advance. If the equipment has access defects，we can assist enterprises to adjust the import plan，such as avoiding risks via factory transfer or OEM manufacturing. At the same time，we can coordinate with customs to prioritize processing of declared compliant goods，reducing the risk of port demurrage to less than 0.1%.", "upvoteCount": 6, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/foreign-trade-agent-imported-equipment-categories-access-standards.html#acceptedAnswer", "datePublished": "2026-06-15T10:59:00Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Evelyn Li","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/evelyn-li/"} } ,"suggestedAnswer": [ { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For agency-imported equipment categories, special attention should be paid to accurate HS code classification during customs declaration, as different equipment categories correspond to different supervision conditions: for example, high-precision CNC grinding machines correspond to HS code 84601100, which requires an automatic import license; heavy-duty hydraulic stamping equipment corresponds to HS code 84621010, which does not require an automatic import license, but needs to provide equipment technical parameters to prove it is not in the prohibited or restricted category. Incorrect classification will lead to price review disputes, and customs may require resubmission of documents, delay customs clearance time, and even trigger tax repayment or fines. In addition, it is necessary to check in advance whether the equipment is listed in the *Catalogue of Prohibited Imported Goods* and *Catalogue of Restricted Imported Goods*. If it belongs to restricted categories, relevant approval documents must be obtained first, otherwise the goods will be directly detained by customs.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/foreign-trade-agent-imported-equipment-categories-access-standards.html#suggestedAnswer-2", "datePublished": "2026-06-15T10:51:10Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Michael Zhang","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/michael-zhang/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Different categories of agency-imported equipment need to be matched with different logistics plans: high-precision CNC grinding machines are fragile and easily damaged, so they need to be transported by air cushion vehicles with constant temperature and humidity throughout the journey, and full cargo insurance should be purchased with the insured amount covering 110% of the equipment value; heavy-duty hydraulic stamping equipment is over-width and over-weight, so you need to apply for over-limit cargo loading and unloading permit at the port in advance, and choose a port with lifting capacity for heavy equipment, such as the Phase IV Terminal of Shanghai Yangshan Port. At the same time, flat rack containers should be used for transportation to avoid cargo displacement during transit. In addition, cargo ownership should be controlled through bill of lading endorsement to avoid the risk of goods being released without a bill of lading. If telex release bill of lading is adopted, it is necessary to ensure that the agency has received full payment.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/foreign-trade-agent-imported-equipment-categories-access-standards.html#suggestedAnswer-3", "datePublished": "2026-06-15T10:47:00Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Victor Sun","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/victor-sun/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Different categories of agency-imported equipment correspond to different tariff rates: the tariff rate for high-precision CNC grinding machines is 5%, and the value-added tax rate is 13%; the tariff rate for heavy-duty hydraulic stamping equipment is 3%, and the value-added tax rate is 13%. If the enterprise is a high-tech enterprise, it can apply for tariff reduction and exemption policies, with the maximum reduction rate reaching 100%. In addition, eligible imported equipment can apply for VAT deferment, so there is no need to pay value-added tax at the time of import, but declare and deduct it in the value-added tax declaration period of the next month, which effectively eases the enterprise's cash flow pressure. It should be noted that if the equipment is used for production of export products, its input tax can be directly deducted from export tax rebates, and documents such as the equipment's import declaration form and special value-added tax invoice should be retained in advance.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/foreign-trade-agent-imported-equipment-categories-access-standards.html#suggestedAnswer-4", "datePublished": "2026-06-15T10:42:03Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Cindy Chen","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/cindy-chen/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Foreign exchange receipt and payment for agency-imported equipment must comply with the compliance requirements of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange: if the equipment value exceeds 50,000 US dollars, payment must be made through the CIPS RMB cross-border payment system to avoid exchange rate fluctuation risks; if the equipment value is less than 50,000 US dollars, payment can be made through an ordinary foreign exchange account, but documents such as the equipment procurement contract and invoice should be retained for inspection by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange. In addition, it is necessary to ensure that the amount of foreign exchange received and paid is consistent with the goods value on the customs declaration form. If there is a difference, a difference explanation should be provided, such as the apportionment certificate of transportation fees and insurance premiums, otherwise the enterprise will be added to the foreign exchange early warning list, affecting subsequent foreign exchange receipt and payment business.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/foreign-trade-agent-imported-equipment-categories-access-standards.html#suggestedAnswer-5", "datePublished": "2026-06-15T10:41:59Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Lucas Liu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/lucas-liu/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The agency import equipment contract must specify the following core clauses: equipment category, technical parameters, delivery date, acceptance standard, liability for breach of contract, etc. If high-precision equipment is involved, intellectual property protection clauses should be added to avoid equipment infringement risks, such as whether the equipment's software has a legal authorization certificate. In addition, if the equipment delivery period is long, the supplier should be required to issue a performance guarantee, with the guarantee amount covering 10% of the equipment value. If the supplier delays delivery, losses can be claimed through the guarantee. It should be noted that the contract must be in bilingual Chinese and English versions to avoid clause ambiguity. If disputes arise, it shall be agreed that Chinese law applies, and arbitration shall be conducted by the Shanghai International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/foreign-trade-agent-imported-equipment-categories-access-standards.html#suggestedAnswer-6", "datePublished": "2026-06-15T10:35:20Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Grace Wang","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/grace-wang/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "On-site inspection points vary for different categories of agency-imported equipment: for high-precision CNC grinding machines, it is necessary to focus on checking the equipment's nameplate, technical parameters and software authorization certificate to avoid inconsistency between the equipment and the customs declaration form; for heavy-duty hydraulic stamping equipment, it is necessary to focus on checking the equipment's weight and size to avoid unreported over-width and over-weight conditions. If machine inspection is adopted, the equipment's material should be informed to customs in advance. For example, high-precision equipment is made of cast iron, which shows high density in machine inspection images, so as to avoid being misjudged as prohibited or restricted goods. In addition, if the equipment needs to be unpacked for inspection, lifting equipment should be prepared in advance to avoid equipment damage. After the inspection is completed, customs should be required to issue an inspection record for subsequent tax refund or claim purposes.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/foreign-trade-agent-imported-equipment-categories-access-standards.html#suggestedAnswer-7", "datePublished": "2026-06-15T10:34:42Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Jason Wu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/jason-wu/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Different categories of agency-imported equipment need to adopt different packaging schemes: high-precision CNC grinding machines need moisture-proof and shock-proof packaging, with pearl cotton and foam cushioning materials inside, and solid wood fumigated wooden boxes outside. The wooden boxes should be marked with IPPC logo to avoid unqualified fumigation; heavy-duty hydraulic stamping equipment needs reinforced packaging, with I-beam reinforcement at the bottom and steel band binding outside to avoid packaging damage. If the equipment is dangerous goods, for example, it contains hydraulic oil, an MSDS report should be prepared, UN dangerous goods packaging should be used, and dangerous goods labels should be marked on the packaging, otherwise the goods will be detained by customs. In addition, the equipment's packaging size and weight should be informed to the logistics agency in advance to match appropriate transportation tools.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/foreign-trade-agent-imported-equipment-categories-access-standards.html#suggestedAnswer-8", "datePublished": "2026-06-15T10:08:58Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Daniel Xu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/daniel-xu/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "If the agency-imported equipment is used for production of export products, its input tax can be directly deducted from export tax rebates, which must meet the following conditions: the "purpose" column on the equipment's import declaration form should be marked "for production", the special value-added tax invoice for the equipment should indicate "for export product production", and documents such as the equipment procurement contract, import declaration form, special value-added tax invoice and equipment use record should be retained for inspection by tax authorities. If the equipment is used for production of both domestic and export products, the input tax should be apportioned according to the proportion of export product sales in total sales, to avoid illegal input tax deduction. In addition, export tax rebate declaration should be completed within 180 days after the equipment is imported, and the tax rebate policy will not be available after the deadline.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/foreign-trade-agent-imported-equipment-categories-access-standards.html#suggestedAnswer-9", "datePublished": "2026-06-15T10:04:52Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Andy Guo","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/andy-guo/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Agency-imported equipment should be included in the enterprise's supply chain planning, and different equipment categories correspond to different inventory strategies: high-precision CNC grinding machines are core production equipment, so a zero-inventory strategy should be adopted, that is, the equipment is directly transported to the production line for installation after arriving at the port to avoid occupying warehouse space; heavy-duty hydraulic stamping equipment is large-scale production equipment, so a safety inventory strategy should be adopted, and 30 days of installation and commissioning time should be reserved in advance to avoid production line interruption. In addition, cost actuarial calculation should be carried out to compare the cost difference between CIF and FOB trade terms. If FOB terms are adopted, the enterprise shall bear extra costs such as ocean freight and insurance premiums; if CIF terms are adopted, the supplier shall bear ocean freight and insurance premiums, which effectively reduces import costs. It should be noted that the supply chain rhythm should be adjusted according to the equipment's delivery date to avoid the situation that the equipment cannot be installed in time after arriving at the port.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/foreign-trade-agent-imported-equipment-categories-access-standards.html#suggestedAnswer-10", "datePublished": "2026-06-15T09:48:43Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Eric Zhou","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/eric-zhou/"} } ] } }, { "@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 categories of equipment can be imported via foreign trade agency? Are there detailed access standards?"} ] } ] ```