Imported goods declaration process and precautions

When declaring imported goods, whether it is food, meat or other types of goods, certain procedures and regulations need to be followed to ensure that they pass customs inspection smoothly. This article will provide readers with a comprehensive guide to the import goods declaration process by combining the import goods declaration guide, the Ministry of Commerce’s corporate electronic key application, and electronic customs declaration entrustment.

Basic steps for import goods declaration

Provide registration number

For imported food and meat, the importer needs to provide the following registration number to the direct customs:

• Registration number of overseas production enterprise;
• If the manufacturer and exporter are inconsistent, the latter’s registration number must also be provided;
• Domestic importer enterprise registration number.

Pre-declaration and cargo inspection

Marine cargo can be declared before arriving at the port. After the goods arrive, they need to exchange orders, pick up the goods, and transport the containers to the warehouse designated by the customs. Subsequently, the customs animal and plant quarantine department will conduct unpacking, sampling and testing. Generally, test results are available in about two weeks. If the goods meet the requirements, an “Inbound Goods Inspection and Quarantine Certificate” will be obtained.

Technical processing and unqualified processing

For products that fail to pass the inspection, different processing decisions will be made based on the specific circumstances:

• Goods that fail to meet the requirements for personal safety, health and environmental protection will be returned or destroyed;
• Those that are unqualified in other aspects can undergo technical processing under supervision, and can only enter the market after passing the standard.

Ministry of Commerce electronic key application

In order to apply for the “Automatic Import License” and record bulk agricultural product import information, companies need to bind the Ministry of Commerce electronic key at the “single window”. When applying for the first time, you should follow these steps:

1. Register as a user and verify via email;
2. Log in to the system and fill in the “Enterprise CA Electronic Key Application Form”;
3. Download and print the application form and stamp it with the official seal;
4. Scan and upload the required materials;
5. Waiting for pre-examination by the provincial commerce department and review by the electronic key service provider;
6. After the electronic key is produced, the provincial commerce department will notify the enterprise to collect it.

Electronic customs declaration agency

When an import enterprise needs to entrust customs declaration, it can do so through the electronic customs declaration entrustment system. The system is managed by the China Customs Brokers Association and authorizes local customs brokers associations to assist. The specific process includes:

• Log in to the China Electronic Port homepage with the electronic port IC card/U-shield;
• Select the “Customs Declaration Agency Entrustment” module in the “China Electronic Port Law Enforcement System Security Technical Service User List”;
• Select a customs declaration company through the system and initiate an entrustment application;
• Both parties confirm the electronic customs declaration power of attorney, and the customs declaration enterprise will send it as an accompanying document to the customs clearance system when declaring.

Notes on cross-border e-commerce in Japan

For cross-border e-commerce in the Japanese market, correct declaration of goods is crucial. While some try to avoid tariffs by under-declaring, this may lead to Japanese customs becoming suspicious and requiring a reassessment or the imposition of punitive tariffs. The correct approach should be:

• Follow the formal reporting conditions;
• If you really need to adjust the declaration amount, you can choose the lowest price of similar products on the market or 60% to 70%;
• Consider using the Japanese double tax clearance line, and the freight forwarding company will be responsible for customs declaration and tax matters;
• Choose a professional logistics company that is reliable and capable of completing customs clearance.

Through the above steps, the customs clearance efficiency of imported goods can be effectively improved and unnecessary risks can be reduced.

The above content integrates knowledge points on the import declaration process, Ministry of Commerce electronic key application and electronic customs declaration entrustment, etc., aiming to help readers better understand and master the basic processes and skills of import goods declaration.