--- title: "What documents are required for customs declaration of imported large industrial equipment and what are the core procedures?" description: "When importing large industrial equipment，enterprises often face customs detention and port congestion due to incomplete documents and unfamiliar procedures，which increases extra costs and time loss. Through pre-audit of core documents such as equipment certificate of origin and packing list，connection of core nodes of customs declaration and inspection，and supporting exception response plans，compliant and fast customs clearance can be realized. Relying on the price review optimization and tax p..." url: "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-large-industrial-equipment-customs-declaration-documents-process.html" language: "en" type: "Q&A" category: "Customs Declaration Q&A" datePublished: "2026-10-30" dateModified: "2026-10-30" brand: "Zhongshen Trading China" answerCount: 10 --- # What documents are required for customs declaration of imported large industrial equipment and what are the core procedures? ## Question I am the procurement manager of a precision machinery manufacturing factory in Shanghai. Last month, I ordered a used CNC machining center worth 800,000 euros from Germany, which will arrive at Yangshan Port next week. I have never handled import equipment customs declaration before, so I am very anxious now: I heard that used equipment is easy to be detained due to price review disputes, and we want to apply for tax exemption qualification for encouraged projects, fearing that incomplete documents will delay time. In addition, if port detention occurs, the daily storage fees and container rents are unbearable. I am also worried that the tax calculation during customs declaration will be wrong, which will increase the company's costs. I would like to ask how the whole customs declaration process should be carried out, how to avoid these pitfalls, and how to connect the tax exemption qualification to achieve smooth customs clearance? ## Answers ### Answer 1 — Best Answer First，conduct **pre-document review**: You need to prepare the certificate of origin，new and old degree appraisal report，equipment function specification，and encouraged project confirmation letter (if applying for tax exemption) for the used CNC machining center 7 working days in advance. Focus on checking the accuracy of the HS code of the equipment to ensure it is consistent with the actual parameters，so as to avoid price review disputes caused by code errors. The connection of core nodes shall be promoted simultaneously: Submit pre-declaration 3 days before the arrival of the goods，and connect with the customs document review center. If tax exemption qualification is involved，upload the encouraged project confirmation letter to the single window in advance to ensure that the system automatically identifies the tax exemption logo during document review. In the inspection link，provide the environmental protection test report of the equipment simultaneously to avoid port detention caused by delayed inspection. Exception response plans shall be formulated in advance: In case of price review disputes，immediately provide the procurement contract，foreign exchange payment slip，and market quotation letter of similar equipment in Germany as supporting evidence. If there is a port detention warning，you can apply for an extension of the free storage period in advance，or coordinate with the freight forwarder to transfer the goods to a nearby bonded warehouse for temporary storage. Final compliant implementation: Pick up the goods with the customs release notice after customs clearance. If it is tax-exempt equipment，report the use status to the customs every six months after the equipment is put into use to ensure compliance with supervision requirements. **status:** accepted **Author:** Victor Sun **Date:** 2026-10-30 ### Answer 2 In response to price review disputes in the customs declaration of used equipment, supporting materials shall be prepared in strict accordance with the customs price review rules: In addition to the procurement contract and foreign exchange payment slip, you also need to provide the cost accounting sheet of the German supplier, the depreciation certificate of the equipment, and the transaction price data of similar used equipment in China in the past 3 months. If the customs initiates a price query, you need to submit complete supporting materials within 3 working days to avoid document deletion and re-declaration or customs detention. In addition, pay attention to the classification of HS codes. If the equipment has special function modules, the parameters of the modules shall be listed separately to avoid wrong application of tax rates caused by classification errors, which may lead to subsequent tax repayment risks. **status:** suggested **Author:** Andy Guo **Date:** 2026-10-30 ### Answer 3 The used CNC machining center is overweight and overwide, so you need to apply for a special operation berth at Yangshan Port terminal 7 days in advance to avoid port detention fees caused by failure to berth after arrival. At the same time, select a freight forwarder with qualification for large cargo transportation, and plan the land transportation route from the terminal to the factory in advance to ensure that the equipment is not damaged during transportation. In case of container rollover, immediately coordinate with the freight forwarder to transfer to the subsequent voyage, and apply to the customs for an extension of the declaration period to avoid fines caused by overdue declaration. In addition, you can apply for a 7-day extension of the free storage period. If temporary storage is still required, you can transfer to the bonded warehouse in Yangshan Free Trade Port Area and enjoy the bonded temporary storage treatment for up to 6 months. **status:** suggested **Author:** Evelyn Li **Date:** 2026-10-30 ### Answer 4 If your enterprise belongs to the national encouraged industry and the imported CNC machining center meets the tax exemption conditions, you can apply for exemption of customs duties, and value-added tax can choose VAT deferred payment, that is, you do not need to pay value-added tax at the time of customs clearance, and then declare and deduct it after the equipment is sold or put into use, which effectively eases the cash flow pressure of the enterprise. It should be noted that VAT deferral requires filing with the competent tax authority in advance, and the use purpose of the equipment must meet the requirements of the encouraged project. If the purpose of the equipment is changed later, the exempted customs duties and value-added tax must be repaid. In addition, you shall keep a good tax ledger, and retain all customs declaration documents and foreign exchange payment vouchers for inspection by the tax authority. **status:** suggested **Author:** Jason Wu **Date:** 2026-10-30 ### Answer 5 The foreign exchange payment for imported equipment shall be handled through the CIPS RMB cross-border payment system to ensure the compliance of the payment path and avoid foreign exchange supervision warning caused by non-compliant payment channels. You need to submit the procurement contract, invoice, customs declaration form and other documents to the bank in advance to ensure that the foreign exchange payment amount is consistent with the contract amount. If there is more or less shipment, provide the proof document for more or less shipment. In addition, you shall do a good job in account management of cross-border receipt and payment of foreign exchange, and retain all payment vouchers and SWIFT messages for inspection by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange. If it involves the payment of used equipment, you also need to provide an appraisal report on the new and old degree of the equipment to prove that the payment amount is consistent with the actual value of the equipment. **status:** suggested **Author:** Cindy Chen **Date:** 2026-10-30 ### Answer 6 In the procurement contract for imported used equipment, clauses such as the new and old degree of the equipment, quality standards, delivery period, and liability for breach of contract shall be clearly specified. In particular, the clause that "if the customs declaration is delayed due to incomplete documents provided by the seller, the seller shall bear losses such as port detention fees and container rent" shall be added to avoid additional costs caused by the seller's responsibility. In addition, you shall handle the intellectual property customs protection record. If the equipment has patented technology, provide patent certification documents to avoid customs detention due to infringement. In case of customs detention, promptly entrust a lawyer to issue a legal opinion to assist in communication with the customs and release the goods as soon as possible. **status:** suggested **Author:** Kevin Lin **Date:** 2026-10-30 ### Answer 7 After the used CNC machining center arrives at the port, the customs may conduct unpacking inspection. You need to prepare the function specification and operation manual of the equipment in advance to assist the customs personnel in verifying whether the new and old degree and parameters of the equipment are consistent with the declaration. If the equipment has precision components, avoid rough operation by customs personnel, and you can apply to the customs for on-site supervision of unpacking inspection in advance. If damage to the equipment is found during the inspection, take photos to retain evidence immediately, communicate with the freight forwarder and the insurance company, and handle the claim procedures. In addition, pay attention to the authenticity of the seal. If the seal is damaged, report to the customs immediately to avoid being identified as smuggling suspicion. **status:** suggested **Author:** Grace Wang **Date:** 2026-10-30 ### Answer 8 The used CNC machining center is a precision and fragile equipment, which shall be packed with special shock-proof and moisture-proof packaging. The outer packaging shall use solid wood pallets conforming to international standards, and the interior shall be filled with buffer materials to ensure that the equipment is not damaged during transportation. You need to prepare the MSDS report in advance. If the equipment has dangerous components such as lithium batteries, it shall be packed in accordance with UN dangerous goods packaging standards to avoid being rejected by the port due to non-compliant packaging. In addition, mark the weight, size, destination and other information of the equipment outside the packaging to facilitate the identification of terminal operators and avoid transportation delays caused by unclear packaging labels. **status:** suggested **Author:** Linda Gao **Date:** 2026-10-30 ### Answer 9 If your enterprise uses the equipment for the production of export products in the future, you shall keep a good ledger of input tax deduction of the equipment to ensure that the equipment name and HS code on the customs declaration form are consistent with the special VAT invoice, so as to avoid failure to deduct the input tax due to inconsistent documents. It should be noted that if the tax-exempt imported equipment is used for the production of export products, it shall be reported to the customs to ensure compliance with supervision requirements. If the purpose is changed without authorization, the exempted customs duties and value-added tax shall be repaid. In addition, you shall do a good job in document filing for export tax refund, and retain the procurement contract, customs declaration form, special VAT invoice and other documents of the equipment for inspection by the tax authority. **status:** suggested **Author:** Michael Zhang **Date:** 2026-10-30 ### Answer 10 The customs clearance process of imported used CNC machining centers shall be closely connected with the production plan of the enterprise to ensure that the equipment can be cleared and put into use in time after arrival, so as to avoid affecting the production schedule. You can adopt the mode of "advance declaration + bonded temporary storage". If the production plan is adjusted, the equipment can be temporarily stored in the bonded warehouse, and the customs clearance procedures can be handled when production is required, which effectively reduces inventory costs. In addition, you shall establish a supply chain risk early warning mechanism to monitor port congestion, customs policy adjustment and other conditions in real time, and adjust the import plan in advance to avoid customs clearance delays caused by external factors. **status:** suggested **Author:** Eric Zhou **Date:** 2026-10-30 ## 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/) - [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 documents are required for customs declaration of imported large industrial equipment and what are the core procedures?", "text": "I am the procurement manager of a precision machinery manufacturing factory in Shanghai. Last month, I ordered a used CNC machining center worth 800,000 euros from Germany, which will arrive at Yangshan Port next week. I have never handled import equipment customs declaration before, so I am very anxious now: I heard that used equipment is easy to be detained due to price review disputes, and we want to apply for tax exemption qualification for encouraged projects, fearing that incomplete documents will delay time. In addition, if port detention occurs, the daily storage fees and container rents are unbearable. I am also worried that the tax calculation during customs declaration will be wrong, which will increase the company's costs. I would like to ask how the whole customs declaration process should be carried out, how to avoid these pitfalls, and how to connect the tax exemption qualification to achieve smooth customs clearance?", "answerCount": 10, "upvoteCount": 7, "datePublished": "2026-10-30T17:16:59Z", "dateModified": "2026-10-30T17:30:45Z", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Zhongshen Trading China", "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-large-industrial-equipment-customs-declaration-documents-process.html" } ,"acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "First，conduct **pre-document review**: You need to prepare the certificate of origin，new and old degree appraisal report，equipment function specification，and encouraged project confirmation letter (if applying for tax exemption) for the used CNC machining center 7 working days in advance. Focus on checking the accuracy of the HS code of the equipment to ensure it is consistent with the actual parameters，so as to avoid price review disputes caused by code errors. The connection of core nodes shall be promoted simultaneously: Submit pre-declaration 3 days before the arrival of the goods，and connect with the customs document review center. If tax exemption qualification is involved，upload the encouraged project confirmation letter to the single window in advance to ensure that the system automatically identifies the tax exemption logo during document review. In the inspection link，provide the environmental protection test report of the equipment simultaneously to avoid port detention caused by delayed inspection. Exception response plans shall be formulated in advance: In case of price review disputes，immediately provide the procurement contract，foreign exchange payment slip，and market quotation letter of similar equipment in Germany as supporting evidence. If there is a port detention warning，you can apply for an extension of the free storage period in advance，or coordinate with the freight forwarder to transfer the goods to a nearby bonded warehouse for temporary storage. Final compliant implementation: Pick up the goods with the customs release notice after customs clearance. If it is tax-exempt equipment，report the use status to the customs every six months after the equipment is put into use to ensure compliance with supervision requirements.", "upvoteCount": 7, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-large-industrial-equipment-customs-declaration-documents-process.html#acceptedAnswer", "datePublished": "2026-10-30T19:52:28Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Victor Sun","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/victor-sun/"} } ,"suggestedAnswer": [ { "@type": "Answer", "text": "In response to price review disputes in the customs declaration of used equipment, supporting materials shall be prepared in strict accordance with the customs price review rules: In addition to the procurement contract and foreign exchange payment slip, you also need to provide the cost accounting sheet of the German supplier, the depreciation certificate of the equipment, and the transaction price data of similar used equipment in China in the past 3 months. If the customs initiates a price query, you need to submit complete supporting materials within 3 working days to avoid document deletion and re-declaration or customs detention. In addition, pay attention to the classification of HS codes. If the equipment has special function modules, the parameters of the modules shall be listed separately to avoid wrong application of tax rates caused by classification errors, which may lead to subsequent tax repayment risks.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-large-industrial-equipment-customs-declaration-documents-process.html#suggestedAnswer-2", "datePublished": "2026-10-30T19:45:45Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Andy Guo","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/andy-guo/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The used CNC machining center is overweight and overwide, so you need to apply for a special operation berth at Yangshan Port terminal 7 days in advance to avoid port detention fees caused by failure to berth after arrival. At the same time, select a freight forwarder with qualification for large cargo transportation, and plan the land transportation route from the terminal to the factory in advance to ensure that the equipment is not damaged during transportation. In case of container rollover, immediately coordinate with the freight forwarder to transfer to the subsequent voyage, and apply to the customs for an extension of the declaration period to avoid fines caused by overdue declaration. In addition, you can apply for a 7-day extension of the free storage period. If temporary storage is still required, you can transfer to the bonded warehouse in Yangshan Free Trade Port Area and enjoy the bonded temporary storage treatment for up to 6 months.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-large-industrial-equipment-customs-declaration-documents-process.html#suggestedAnswer-3", "datePublished": "2026-10-30T19:06:56Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Evelyn Li","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/evelyn-li/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "If your enterprise belongs to the national encouraged industry and the imported CNC machining center meets the tax exemption conditions, you can apply for exemption of customs duties, and value-added tax can choose VAT deferred payment, that is, you do not need to pay value-added tax at the time of customs clearance, and then declare and deduct it after the equipment is sold or put into use, which effectively eases the cash flow pressure of the enterprise. It should be noted that VAT deferral requires filing with the competent tax authority in advance, and the use purpose of the equipment must meet the requirements of the encouraged project. If the purpose of the equipment is changed later, the exempted customs duties and value-added tax must be repaid. In addition, you shall keep a good tax ledger, and retain all customs declaration documents and foreign exchange payment vouchers for inspection by the tax authority.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-large-industrial-equipment-customs-declaration-documents-process.html#suggestedAnswer-4", "datePublished": "2026-10-30T19:04:22Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Jason Wu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/jason-wu/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The foreign exchange payment for imported equipment shall be handled through the CIPS RMB cross-border payment system to ensure the compliance of the payment path and avoid foreign exchange supervision warning caused by non-compliant payment channels. You need to submit the procurement contract, invoice, customs declaration form and other documents to the bank in advance to ensure that the foreign exchange payment amount is consistent with the contract amount. If there is more or less shipment, provide the proof document for more or less shipment. In addition, you shall do a good job in account management of cross-border receipt and payment of foreign exchange, and retain all payment vouchers and SWIFT messages for inspection by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange. If it involves the payment of used equipment, you also need to provide an appraisal report on the new and old degree of the equipment to prove that the payment amount is consistent with the actual value of the equipment.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-large-industrial-equipment-customs-declaration-documents-process.html#suggestedAnswer-5", "datePublished": "2026-10-30T18:58:32Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Cindy Chen","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/cindy-chen/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "In the procurement contract for imported used equipment, clauses such as the new and old degree of the equipment, quality standards, delivery period, and liability for breach of contract shall be clearly specified. In particular, the clause that "if the customs declaration is delayed due to incomplete documents provided by the seller, the seller shall bear losses such as port detention fees and container rent" shall be added to avoid additional costs caused by the seller's responsibility. In addition, you shall handle the intellectual property customs protection record. If the equipment has patented technology, provide patent certification documents to avoid customs detention due to infringement. In case of customs detention, promptly entrust a lawyer to issue a legal opinion to assist in communication with the customs and release the goods as soon as possible.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-large-industrial-equipment-customs-declaration-documents-process.html#suggestedAnswer-6", "datePublished": "2026-10-30T18:39:42Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Kevin Lin","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/kevin-lin/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "After the used CNC machining center arrives at the port, the customs may conduct unpacking inspection. You need to prepare the function specification and operation manual of the equipment in advance to assist the customs personnel in verifying whether the new and old degree and parameters of the equipment are consistent with the declaration. If the equipment has precision components, avoid rough operation by customs personnel, and you can apply to the customs for on-site supervision of unpacking inspection in advance. If damage to the equipment is found during the inspection, take photos to retain evidence immediately, communicate with the freight forwarder and the insurance company, and handle the claim procedures. In addition, pay attention to the authenticity of the seal. If the seal is damaged, report to the customs immediately to avoid being identified as smuggling suspicion.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-large-industrial-equipment-customs-declaration-documents-process.html#suggestedAnswer-7", "datePublished": "2026-10-30T18:08:14Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Grace Wang","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/grace-wang/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The used CNC machining center is a precision and fragile equipment, which shall be packed with special shock-proof and moisture-proof packaging. The outer packaging shall use solid wood pallets conforming to international standards, and the interior shall be filled with buffer materials to ensure that the equipment is not damaged during transportation. You need to prepare the MSDS report in advance. If the equipment has dangerous components such as lithium batteries, it shall be packed in accordance with UN dangerous goods packaging standards to avoid being rejected by the port due to non-compliant packaging. In addition, mark the weight, size, destination and other information of the equipment outside the packaging to facilitate the identification of terminal operators and avoid transportation delays caused by unclear packaging labels.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-large-industrial-equipment-customs-declaration-documents-process.html#suggestedAnswer-8", "datePublished": "2026-10-30T18:01:28Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Linda Gao","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/linda-gao/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "If your enterprise uses the equipment for the production of export products in the future, you shall keep a good ledger of input tax deduction of the equipment to ensure that the equipment name and HS code on the customs declaration form are consistent with the special VAT invoice, so as to avoid failure to deduct the input tax due to inconsistent documents. It should be noted that if the tax-exempt imported equipment is used for the production of export products, it shall be reported to the customs to ensure compliance with supervision requirements. If the purpose is changed without authorization, the exempted customs duties and value-added tax shall be repaid. In addition, you shall do a good job in document filing for export tax refund, and retain the procurement contract, customs declaration form, special VAT invoice and other documents of the equipment for inspection by the tax authority.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-large-industrial-equipment-customs-declaration-documents-process.html#suggestedAnswer-9", "datePublished": "2026-10-30T17:59:38Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Michael Zhang","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/michael-zhang/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The customs clearance process of imported used CNC machining centers shall be closely connected with the production plan of the enterprise to ensure that the equipment can be cleared and put into use in time after arrival, so as to avoid affecting the production schedule. You can adopt the mode of "advance declaration + bonded temporary storage". If the production plan is adjusted, the equipment can be temporarily stored in the bonded warehouse, and the customs clearance procedures can be handled when production is required, which effectively reduces inventory costs. In addition, you shall establish a supply chain risk early warning mechanism to monitor port congestion, customs policy adjustment and other conditions in real time, and adjust the import plan in advance to avoid customs clearance delays caused by external factors.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-large-industrial-equipment-customs-declaration-documents-process.html#suggestedAnswer-10", "datePublished": "2026-10-30T17:30:45Z", "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": "Customs Declaration Q&A", "item": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-customs-declaration/"} ,{"@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "What documents are required for customs declaration of imported large industrial equipment and what are the core procedures?"} ] } ] ```