Detailed interpretation of cross-border e-commerce declaration and two-step declaration model

The rapid development of cross-border e-commerce makes the relevant customs declaration process increasingly important. This article will comprehensively review relevant regulations and procedures and introduce in detail the key points of cross-border e-commerce declaration and the two-step declaration model.

Cross-border e-commerce import regulations

1. Customs management of audio and video products
   When importing printed matter and audio-visual products through express channels, the customs conducts supervision in accordance with Order No. 161 of the General Administration of Customs, “Regulations of the Customs of the People’s Republic of China on the Supervision of Entry and Exit Printed Materials and Audio-visual Products”. Audio and video products that meet the requirements for personal items can be declared as Class B express items for entry; audio and video products that exceed the requirements for personal items need to be processed in accordance with the relevant legal procedures for imported goods.

2. Requirements for declaration of regulatory documents and inspection and quarantine goods
   According to the General Administration of Customs Announcement No. 19 of 2016, Class C express shipments are applicable to goods worth RMB 5,000 and below. However, if it involves goods controlled by license certificates, they cannot be declared through Class C express.

3. Check cross-border e-commerce quota
   Consumers can inquire about cross-border e-commerce personal quotas, personal customs clearance data and other information through the China International Trade “Single Window” website. Users need to complete personal registration and login before they can obtain relevant data.

4. Return time limit
   For goods that need to be returned, an application must be made within 30 days from the date of customs release, and the returned goods must be returned to the original customs supervision location within 45 days.

Two-step customs declaration mode

Declaration steps

1. Summary declaration
   Enter the “Single Window”, select the “Two-Step Declaration” module, fill in information such as whether it involves certificates, inspections, taxes, etc., and enter relevant data.

2. Complete declaration
   After completing the summary declaration, log in to the “single window”, find the customs declaration form that can be used for complete declaration, and enter the corresponding information as required. Completely declared items include product number, quantity, unit and total price and other details, which must be filled in in accordance with the relevant announcements of the General Administration of Customs.

Declaration status query

Through the “Two-Step Declaration Data Query” module of the “Single Window”, enterprises can enter the customs declaration number to check the declaration status, which facilitates timely tracking of declaration progress.

Declaration in advance

Declaring in advance allows companies to declare to the customs in a timely manner after obtaining the bill of lading or manifest data. This measure will help improve customs declaration efficiency, shorten the time for goods to be in port, and reduce customs clearance fees. In addition, enterprises can make declarations after the imported goods are shipped, before arriving at the port, or within 3 days after the export goods enter the customs supervision site.

Advantages of the two-level declaration model

The “two-step declaration” allows enterprises to complete the declaration in two steps, with the first step being a summary declaration and the subsequent step being a complete declaration. This model not only speeds up the pickup of goods, but also reduces the detention time of goods at the terminal and the import costs of enterprises. In addition, enterprises can supplement their declarations within the specified time and fully prepare relevant materials, thus reducing the risk of incorrect or omitted declarations.

This declaration mode provides enterprises with flexibility. They can choose “two-step declaration” or operate according to the traditional declaration mode, providing diversified choices to adapt to the needs of different enterprises.

Through an in-depth analysis of the cross-border e-commerce declaration process and the two-step declaration model, the dual optimization of enterprise costs and efficiency can be achieved.