Qingdao Export Agent Customs Declaration Process, Do You Really Understand It?

In the wave of globalization, Qingdao, as an important coastal port city in China, has a very large volume of export business. For many people engaged in foreign trade, the export agent customs declaration process is both a key link and a potential source of many questions. Today, let’s take a detailed look at the specific process of customs declaration for Qingdao export agents, making your foreign trade journey smoother.

I. Preparation of Customs Declaration Documents

This is the foundation of export agent customs declaration. If the documents are prepared completely and accurately, the subsequent process can proceed smoothly. Firstly, you need to provide the commercial invoice for the export goods, clearly stating the name, specifications, quantity, unit price, total price, etc. of the goods. This is an important basis for customs to determine the value of the goods and levy taxes. Secondly, the packing list is also essential, which details the packaging of each box of goods, the box number, the net weight, the gross weight, etc., facilitating customs to verify the actual situation of the goods. Thirdly, a power of attorney is also required to entrust a professional customs broker to handle the customs declaration procedures, clarifying the rights and obligations of both parties. In addition, depending on the nature of different goods, certificates of origin, quality inspection certificates, and other relevant documents may also be required.

II. Cargo Declaration

Once the customs broker receives all the complete documents, they will proceed with the cargo declaration. They will use the customs’ electronic declaration system to input the relevant information of the goods and submit it to the customs. During this process, the customs broker must carefully check each piece of information to ensure its accuracy, because if an error is found after submission, it may be troublesome to modify and may also delay the customs declaration time. After receiving the declaration information, the customs will conduct a risk assessment of the goods and decide whether to inspect the goods based on the assessment results.

III. Customs Inspection (If necessary)

If the customs believe that the batch of goods poses a certain risk, or if further verification is necessary, they will issue an inspection notice. At this time, the customs broker must cooperate with the customs to arrange the inspection of the goods. Generally speaking, the inspection will take place in warehouses or terminals within the customs supervision area. Customs officials will carefully compare the actual situation of the goods with the declared documents, checking whether the quantity, specifications, packaging, etc. of the goods are consistent. If the inspection is passed, the process can continue; if any discrepancies are found, it will need to be handled according to the customs’ requirements, which may involve (tax) or (document revision).

IV. Tax Payment

After the customs determines the taxes and fees to be paid, the export enterprise or its customs broker must pay the relevant taxes and fees on time. Common taxes and fees include customs duties, value-added tax, etc. Only after paying the taxes and fees can the goods be released smoothly. It should be reminded here that payment must be made according to the prescribed time and method to avoid unnecessary late fees and other additional expenses.

V. Cargo Release

When all procedures are completed and taxes and fees are paid, the customs will release the goods. This means that the batch of goods can be smoothly loaded onto the ship and transported to all parts of the world. The customs broker will also promptly inform the export enterprise of the release, allowing the enterprise to arrange subsequent transportation and other matters with peace of mind.

After understanding the Qingdao export agent customs declaration process, doesn’t this important link in foreign trade seem less mysterious? In actual operations, each step needs to be taken seriously, otherwise there may be various minor issues affecting the export progress of the goods. If you have more questions about export agent customs declaration, you are welcome to communicate with Zhongmaoda at any time. We will do our best to answer your questions and make your foreign trade journey smoother!