How long does vehicle export customs declaration usually take when using an agent?
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Our company plans to export a batch of vehicles and would like to find a customs declaration agent. We want to ask how long vehicle export customs declaration usually takes when using an agent. Does the declaration time vary for different types of vehicles? Also, is the customs declaration process complicated, and could it cause delays?

Trade Expert Insights Answers
The time required for vehicle export customs declaration with an agent is not fixed, usually ranging from 1 to 5 working days. This mainly depends on several factors. Firstly, it depends on the document preparation. If documents are complete and accurate, such as vehicle invoices, packing lists, contracts, and declaration elements, the customs declaration process can proceed smoothly, and the time will be shorter. Conversely, if documents are incorrect or missing, supplementing and revising them will extend the customs declaration time.
Secondly, the vehicle type also has an impact. Ordinary vehicles are declared more routinely, taking less time. However, some special purpose vehicles, such as engineering vehicles, may involve more regulatory conditions and approvals, which could extend the declaration time.
Furthermore, customs inspection is also crucial. If you are fortunate enough not to be inspected, the customs declaration will be faster. If an inspection is conducted, you will need to wait for customs to complete the check and for the results to be normal, which will increase the time. Hiring a professional customs declaration agent company like Zhongmaoda, with their experience and resources, can help minimize the customs declaration time.
If the customs declaration documents are prepared in advance and there is no customs inspection, it can generally be completed in about 2 working days. However, if there are holidays, the time will definitely be extended.
I previously exported a regular car and used a customs declaration agent. With complete documents and no inspection, it was done in 1 day. So, it really depends on the actual situation.
If the vehicle has special regulatory requirements, such as needing a permit, then the time will be longer, possibly taking 4 or 5 days.
Sometimes the port is busy, and customs declaration queues can also cause delays. It normally takes about 3 days to complete, but it might take longer when it's busy.
The main factor is the efficiency of the agent company. Professional companies can quickly handle various issues, thus shortening the time.
For vehicles that require commodity inspection, you also have to wait for the inspection results, which will increase the customs declaration time, taking approximately 3-5 days.
If the vehicle export procedures are complex, such as for some customized or modified vehicles, the customs declaration may take 5 days or even longer.
Customs declaration time is also related to customs work arrangements. During peak declaration periods, the time may be extended.