---
title: "What specific operations does import customs declaration refer to, and what core compliance and process links does it cover?"
description: "Many cross-border trading enterprises lack clarity on the definition，core procedures and compliance requirements of import customs declaration when launching import business for the first time，which can easily lead to port detention，cargo seizure and sharp cost increases due to oversights in document review and errors in node connection. A full-chain breakdown of pre-submission document verification，core node connection and emergency response plans for import customs declaration can help enterpr..."
url: "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-customs-declaration-core-compliance-process.html"
language: "en"
type: "Q&A"
category: "Customs Declaration Q&A"
datePublished: "2026-08-27"
dateModified: "2026-08-27"
brand: "Zhongshen Trading China"
answerCount: 7
---

# What specific operations does import customs declaration refer to, and what core compliance and process links does it cover?

## Question

 I am the procurement manager of a beauty e-commerce company in Shanghai that has just entered the cross-border import sector. Last month, we shipped a batch of cushion foundations and lip glosses from Incheon Port, South Korea. I originally thought that after paying the freight, I could just wait for the goods to arrive at the port and pick up the containers. However, the freight forwarder called me suddenly yesterday saying that import customs declaration is mandatory, and urged me to submit a pile of documents within today. I am completely confused. The goods have already arrived at Yangshan Port for 3 days. I do not know what import customs declaration exactly means, nor whether it is the same as the "customs clearance" I understood before. I am even more afraid that incorrect document submission will lead to cargo detention and high port detention fees and container detention fees. I am really anxious now, for fear of missing the stocking schedule for the June 18 Shopping Festival. Can you explain the specific meaning of import customs declaration in detail and tell me how I should deal with the current situation? 

## Answers
                            
### Answer 1 — Best Answer

Import customs declaration refers to the legally mandatory procedure where，after goods arrive at the customs border of the importing country，the importer or its authorized compliant agent declares detailed information of the goods to the customs，submits statutory documents，accepts customs supervision and review，and finally obtains the permit for customs clearance and cargo pickup. It is the core compliance link in the customs clearance process，which also covers follow-up steps such as inspection，tax payment and release.

For your current emergency where the goods have already arrived at Yangshan Port，you first need to complete **Precise Pre-submission Document Verification**: immediately prepare the bill of lading，packing list，commercial invoice，pre-entry form for entry goods inspection and quarantine for beauty products，as well as the traceability code certificate for cross-border e-commerce imported goods required as a supplement by the customs in 2026，to ensure that the brand，model，quantity and declared value on all documents are fully consistent，so as to avoid review abnormalities caused by information mismatch.

In terms of core node connection，you need to simultaneously entrust an agent with cross-border e-commerce customs declaration qualification to submit electronic declarations. If the customs initiates manual review or on-site inspection，you shall cooperate to provide supplementary documents within 12 hours. For the urgent demand of stocking for the June 18 Shopping Festival，you can apply for the **Customs Priority Inspection Channel** (a proof of stocking for e-commerce promotion is required) to shorten the customs clearance time.

In terms of emergency plan，if the declaration is delayed due to document omissions，immediately apply to the customs for **Port Detention Fee Deferral Filing**，and contact the freight forwarder to apply for a 1-2 day extension of the free storage period. Finally，you need to ensure that the tax payment and inspection links fully comply with the 2026 Shanghai Customs compliance standards for cross-border e-commerce imports，and you can pick up the goods and put them into storage after completing all procedures.

**status:** accepted
**Author:** Jason Wu
**Date:** 2026-08-27

### Answer 2

In 2026, the price valuation rules of Shanghai Customs for import customs declaration have realized full-chain digitalization. The difference between the declared value and the actual sales price on cross-border e-commerce platforms, as well as the customs reference price of similar products, shall be controlled within ±10%.

Any excess will trigger price valuation disputes. Once the account is suspended by the customs due to unreasonable declared value, you need to submit supporting materials such as procurement contracts, payment slips, and platform sales records within 3 working days, otherwise you will be required to pay tax again according to the customs reference price, and even face declaration deletion and re-submission, which will delay the pickup time.

For beauty products, you need to additionally declare the product ingredient details. If endangered plant ingredients are involved, you also need to provide the permit issued by the Endangered Species Import and Export Management Office, otherwise the goods will be directly detained.

**status:** suggested
**Author:** Linda Gao
**Date:** 2026-08-27

### Answer 3

The connection between the import customs declaration link and logistics nodes directly affects the risk of cargo detention at the port. In 2026, the free storage period of Shanghai Port has been adjusted to 3 days after the arrival of ordinary goods, and cross-border e-commerce stocking goods can apply for a 2-day extension with promotion proof.

If the customs declaration is delayed and the free storage period expires, container detention fees will be charged at the rate of CNY 120 per TEU per day, and will double from the 5th day. For direct cargo shipped from Incheon Port to Yangshan Port, it is recommended to complete the pre-declaration 72 hours before the arrival of the goods to avoid customs declaration delay caused by early arrival of the ship.

At the same time, the bill of lading endorsement must be fully consistent with the declaration header. If it is a telex release bill of lading, you need to request the telex release letter from the freight forwarder in advance and upload it to the customs declaration system, otherwise the bill of lading information verification of the customs declaration form cannot be completed.

**status:** suggested
**Author:** Eric Zhou
**Date:** 2026-08-27

### Answer 4

The core taxes involved in the import customs declaration link include customs duty, import value-added tax and consumption tax (beauty products belong to consumption tax taxable categories). In 2026, cross-border e-commerce imports can enjoy the VAT deferral policy, that is, there is no need to pay import value-added tax at the time of declaration, but to declare and pay to the tax authority after the goods are sold, which can effectively ease the cash flow pressure of enterprises.

However, three conditions must be met to apply for VAT deferral: first, the enterprise has completed the customs filing for cross-border e-commerce enterprises; second, the goods directly enter the customs-supervised bonded warehouse or e-commerce self-use warehouse; third, submit sales data and tax payment vouchers on time every month. If you apply for VAT deferral without meeting the conditions without authorization, you will be fined 5% of the tax payable, and your eligibility for subsequent policy benefits will be affected.

**status:** suggested
**Author:** Daniel Xu
**Date:** 2026-08-27

### Answer 5

The payment and settlement compliance in the import customs declaration link must be fully matched with the declaration data. In 2026, the CIPS RMB cross-border payment system has realized real-time data linkage with the customs declaration system. If the difference between the payment amount and the declared amount exceeds 5%, it will trigger a compliance inspection by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange.

For imported beauty products, if brand authorization is involved, you need to submit the notarized document of the brand authorization letter at the time of declaration, otherwise the goods will be identified as infringing goods and detained. At the same time, you need to provide documents such as declaration forms, bills of lading, and invoices as payment and settlement vouchers when settling foreign exchange, to ensure that the capital flow, cargo flow and document flow are consistent, so as to avoid account freezing caused by compliance issues.

**status:** suggested
**Author:** Kevin Lin
**Date:** 2026-08-27

### Answer 6

If on-site customs inspection is triggered after import customs declaration, the main inspection contents for beauty products include brand authenticity, product ingredients, quantity and packaging integrity. During the inspection, you need to cooperate with the customs staff to check whether the brand logo of the goods is consistent with the declared information.

For cross-border e-commerce stocking, you need to provide a printed copy of the product traceability code for the customs to scan and verify. If damaged packaging of goods is found on site, you need to immediately submit the damage certificate issued by the freight forwarder and the restocking plan, otherwise you will be required to return or destroy the goods.

For suspected prohibited ingredients found by machine inspection, you need to cooperate with the customs to send samples to the designated inspection agency for testing. The testing cycle is 3-5 working days, during which the goods will be temporarily stored in the customs supervision warehouse, and the storage fee incurred shall be borne by the importer.

**status:** suggested
**Author:** Cindy Chen
**Date:** 2026-08-27

### Answer 7

The efficiency of import customs declaration directly affects the inventory turnover of the supply chain. In 2026, cross-border e-commerce enterprises can reduce stocking risks through full-chain linkage planning of "customs declaration - warehousing - sales". It is recommended to connect the import customs declaration link with the enterprise's inventory management system to synchronize the declaration progress and inventory warning in real time.

If the customs declaration is delayed, you can activate the local standby inventory to meet the stocking demand for the June 18 Shopping Festival. At the same time, according to the off-peak and peak season demand for beauty products, sign a priority declaration agreement with the customs broker in advance to ensure the customs clearance efficiency in the peak season. In addition, you can adjust the trade terms from FOB to CIF, and the freight forwarder will be responsible for the operation of the customs declaration link, reducing the operation cost and compliance risk of the enterprise.

**status:** suggested
**Author:** Grace Wang
**Date:** 2026-08-27

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