---
title: "What are the core nodes of the complete import customs declaration process and the details that require key control?"
description: "Many foreign trade enterprises often fall into predicaments such as port detention，customs detention and overspending due to inadequate process control and misunderstanding of policies when handling import customs declaration. Through careful pre-review of documents，seamless connection of core nodes and advance formulation of emergency plans，full-link compliance implementation can be achieved，meanwhile，by leveraging optimization measures such as VAT deferral，the comprehensive cost can be effecti..."
url: "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/key-nodes-and-details-in-complete-import-customs-declaration-process.html"
language: "en"
type: "Q&A"
category: "Customs Declaration Q&A"
datePublished: "2026-10-27"
dateModified: "2026-10-27"
brand: "Zhongshen Trading China"
answerCount: 8
---

# What are the core nodes of the complete import customs declaration process and the details that require key control?

## Question

 I am the purchasing manager of a beauty trading company in Shanghai that has just ventured into cross-border imports. Recently, I imported a batch of high-end makeup sets for the first time from Incheon Port, South Korea, with a total value of nearly 800,000 yuan. The goods have been at sea for 12 days and will berth at Yangshan Port the day after tomorrow. I have no prior experience with import customs declaration procedures. Last week, the freight forwarder reminded me to prepare documents, but I cannot distinguish which core documents must be reviewed in advance, and I am afraid of making incorrect information or missing documents, which may lead to customs detention and port detention. This will not only delay the offline launch of new products next month, but also incur high detention and storage fees. I am so anxious that I can't even eat, and I want to ask how to complete the customs declaration and import step by step in compliance and avoid those easy-to-fall traps? 

## Answers
                            
### Answer 1 — Best Answer

First is the pre-document review details: Sort out the full set of documents 3-5 working days in advance，and focus on checking **the consistency of the product name，quantity and bill of lading on the packing list**，as well as the signature and seal specifications of the certificate of origin and the accurate classification of HS code. This is the core basis for customs document review，and any mistake will directly trigger customs detention.

Core node connection: Entrust the customs broker to conduct pre-declaration one day before the goods arrive at the port，and confirm the receipt feedback from the China International Trade Single Window at the same time，immediately connect with the terminal to exchange the delivery order after the goods arrive at the port，to ensure that the customs declaration data completely matches the manifest information，so as to avoid port detention caused by inconsistent manifest.

Emergency plan preparation: Agree on an emergency response mechanism with the customs broker in advance. If you encounter customs valuation questions or inspection notices，provide supporting materials such as purchase contracts and foreign exchange payment vouchers within 24 hours，if documents are missing，immediately contact the overseas supplier to reissue electronic documents and synchronize with the customs.

Final compliance implementation: After customs declaration and release，pay tariffs and value-added tax (VAT) in a timely manner，pick up the goods with the release slip，and keep the full set of documents for more than 5 years for subsequent customs audits.

**status:** accepted
**Author:** Jason Wu
**Date:** 2026-10-27

### Answer 2

In import customs declaration, incorrect HS code classification is the most common cause of valuation disputes. If classification deviation leads to incorrect dutiable value calculation, the customs will initiate a re-valuation process, which can delay customs clearance for up to 7-10 days. Pre-classification should be conducted in advance through the customs commodity classification database.

For ambiguous categories, you can entrust a third-party institution to issue a classification opinion letter to avoid deleting and re-declaring due to classification issues. In addition, the "trade mode" on the customs declaration form must fully match the actual transaction mode. For example, cross-border e-commerce imports need to check "9610" or "1210", while general trade should select "0110". A mismatch will directly lead to account suspension or order rejection.

**status:** suggested
**Author:** Michael Zhang
**Date:** 2026-10-27

### Answer 3

Before import customs declaration, confirm the estimated arrival time of the vessel and arrange for document exchange 1-2 days in advance to avoid being unable to declare after the goods arrive at the port due to delayed document exchange. If you encounter container offloading, immediately communicate with the shipping company to change the manifest information and notify the customs broker to adjust the pre-declaration time to prevent detention fees caused by inconsistent manifest information and actual arrival time.

In addition, confirm the free storage period of the port in advance. Generally, the free storage period of Yangshan Port is 7 days. If the goods cannot be picked up in time, you can apply for an extension of the free storage period in advance, up to 14 days, to reduce storage costs.

**status:** suggested
**Author:** Grace Wang
**Date:** 2026-10-27

### Answer 4

For general trade imports, you can apply for the **VAT deferral** policy, which does not require paying VAT at the time of customs declaration, but deducts it during the VAT declaration period of the following month, effectively easing the cash flow pressure of the enterprise. Two conditions must be met: first, the enterprise has the qualification of general taxpayer; second, the goods are non-consumption-taxable items. In addition, if the imported goods comply with the rules of origin, you can enjoy the most-favored-nation tariff rate or free trade agreement tariff rate. Prepare valid certificates of origin in advance to ensure the optimal tariff cost. At the same time, note that the import link VAT can be used as input tax deduction, and keep the customs payment documents for tax audit.

**status:** suggested
**Author:** Linda Gao
**Date:** 2026-10-27

### Answer 5

The receipt and payment of foreign exchange for import customs declaration must comply with cross-border payment compliance requirements. If RMB settlement is adopted, payment can be made through the CIPS system to ensure that the capital path is clear and traceable. Check the consistency between the value of the goods on the customs declaration form and the payment amount in advance.

If there is a price difference, provide reasonable supporting materials such as freight invoices and insurance policies to avoid foreign exchange bureau inspection caused by mismatched capital flow and goods flow. In addition, if offshore accounts are involved in receipt and payment, ensure that the account transaction records are complete and keep relevant contracts, documents and other materials for subsequent foreign exchange bureau inspection.

**status:** suggested
**Author:** Evelyn Li
**Date:** 2026-10-27

### Answer 6

Before import customs declaration, ensure that the purchase contract contains clear ownership transfer clauses to avoid customs clearance disputes caused by unclear ownership of goods. If letter of credit (L/C) settlement is adopted, carefully review the L/C terms to avoid soft clauses such as "the seller shall provide the inspection certificate designated by the buyer" to prevent payment refusal due to failure to meet the terms.

In addition, if the imported goods involve intellectual property rights, file for intellectual property rights with the customs in advance to avoid customs detention due to suspected infringement. At the same time, include force majeure clauses in the contract, which can reasonably delay the pickup time and reduce the risk of liability for breach of contract in case of unforeseen circumstances such as port congestion and customs inspection.

**status:** suggested
**Author:** Lucas Liu
**Date:** 2026-10-27

### Answer 7

If you receive a customs inspection notice, arrange personnel to cooperate on-site as soon as possible and prepare documents such as packing lists and purchase contracts in advance for the customs to check. If you encounter container stripping inspection, ensure that the placement of goods is consistent with the packing list to avoid customs detention due to inconsistent product names and quantities.

In addition, pay attention to the integrity of the seal. If the seal is damaged, take photos immediately and contact the shipping company to issue a certificate to avoid being identified as cargo damage or diversion. If the customs requires inspection, cooperate with the inspection process, track the inspection report in time, and go through the release procedures immediately if the result is qualified.

**status:** suggested
**Author:** Kevin Lin
**Date:** 2026-10-27

### Answer 8

The import customs declaration process needs to be linked with the overall supply chain planning. If the just-in-time (JIT) mode is adopted, arrange customs pre-declaration 10-15 days in advance to ensure that the goods are cleared and picked up within 24 hours after arrival at the port.

In addition, choosing direct shipping vessels or near-shore transit routes can shorten the transportation time of goods and reduce the risk of port detention. At the same time, establish a customs declaration cost actuarial model, comprehensively consider factors such as tariffs, VAT and logistics fees, and select the optimal trade terms.

For example, adopting CIF terms allows the seller to be responsible for transportation and insurance, reducing the buyer's customs declaration and logistics coordination costs. In addition, establish a long-term cooperative relationship with the customs broker to enjoy more efficient customs clearance services and preferential rates.

**status:** suggested
**Author:** Cindy Chen
**Date:** 2026-10-27

## Related Categories
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