(I) Overseas warehouse direct mail becomes the main logistics model
Currently, there are three main cross-border online shopping logistics models: overseas direct mail, overseas combined mail, and bonded import, as shown in Figure 3-6. Consumers mainly purchase goods overseas through three methods: domestic cross-border import e-commerce platforms and overseas e-commerce platforms. Since the new policy was introduced on April 8, 2016, the bonded model has suddenly suffered a setback. After the news that the new policy will be postponed for one year came out, cross-border import e-commerce companies have switched to overseas direct mail or domestic bonded combined mail models.
Platform-based cross-border import e-commerce companies, such as Vipshop, Suning Overseas Shopping, Meitunmama, and MiYa, generally adopt the overseas direct mail model. This model ships goods overseas and delivers them to the destination through a one-time express delivery. Generally, the purchase channels of the goods are attached, and the goods are relatively reliable.
Platform + self-operated cross-border import e-commerce platforms, such as NetEase Kaola, JD Global Shopping, Amazon Overseas Shopping, and Gome Overseas Shopping, mostly adopt the bonded import model. In this model, goods are stocked in advance in domestic bonded warehouses, with fast delivery and high product authenticity. NetEase Kaola has the largest bonded warehousing scale in China and has overseas warehouses in many overseas regions.
Individual sellers and overseas e-commerce platforms generally adopt the overseas combined mail model, where goods from multiple different buyers are shipped overseas in the same package, and then the packages are split and shipped separately after arriving in China. This model has low freight costs, but long logistics time. After the goods are split, they may face problems such as goods being replaced or damaged, and the safety is the worst.
(II) Customs declaration and tax payment for various logistics models
(1) Customs declaration and tax payment for overseas direct mail
Overseas direct mail is mainly divided into EMS direct mail, personal express and BC direct mail (bonded direct mail).
Models. The advantages of EMS direct mail are that it is fast and relatively stable. The key point for cross-border e-commerce is that, except for spot checks, it is basically tax-free; the disadvantage of EMS direct mail is that it is expensive.
Personal express mail is, in principle, items sent by individuals overseas to individuals in China for their own use. Therefore, these items do not need to be registered and are not subject to the positive list. However, the tax rate is very high. There are three tax rates of 15%, 30% and 60% according to the type of goods. Although there is a 50 yuan exemption, it is still much higher than the comprehensive tax of cross-border e-commerce.
BC direct mail is a method promoted by the country. It is relatively fast and stable, and is legal and compliant. However, each order must pay taxes, needs to be registered, and is subject to the positive list.
(2) Customs declaration and tax payment in bonded import mode
In this mode, goods are in bonded status after entering the bonded area. When shipped, they are treated as personal items and are not subject to customs duties or value-added tax because there are order payment slips, logistics waybills and consumer real-name authentication information. The basic process is: the goods arrive at the port – customs declaration and inspection – entering the customs supervision warehouse – merchants sell products – data is reported to the customs through the pilot platform – customs review – shipment – consumers receive the goods.