The company plans to engage in re-export trade and is unfamiliar with the customs declaration process. They are inquiring about the differences between customs declaration for re-export trade and ordinary trade, the specific process, and any special documents required. The best answer points out that re-export trade customs declaration, in addition to general documents, may require special documents such as re-export trade contracts. The process involves first declaring the goods as imported and storing them in a bonded warehouse, then declaring them for export. Attention should also be paid to the compliance of the origin of the goods to avoid trade risks.
How to Handle Hong Kong Re-export Trade Documentation, Are There Detailed Steps?
Resolved
I am planning to engage in Hong Kong re-export trade business recently and am not very familiar with the documentation aspect. I would like to know what documents are required during the Hong Kong re-export trade process? How should these documents be prepared and operated? I hope to get a detailed explanation from professionals, preferably combining actual operational procedures. Thank you!
Trade Expert Insights Answers
In Hong Kong re-export trade, common documents include commercial invoices, bills of lading, and packing lists.
Commercial invoices must clearly state details such as the description, quantity, and value of the goods. They are an important basis for settlement, customs declaration, and other procedures between buyers and sellers. When preparing them, ensure that the information is consistent with the contract and that the header is clear and accurate.
A bill of lading is proof of ownership of the goods, issued by the shipping company or freight forwarder. It is necessary to accurately fill in the shipper, consignee, notify party, and cargo-related information. Note that you can choose the appropriate type of bill of lading according to trade terms, such as sea waybill, multimodal transport bill of lading, etc.
Packing lists should indicate the details of the cargo packaging, including carton numbers, dimensions, gross weight, net weight, etc., to facilitate inspection by the consignee and customs. In actual operations, first determine the basic information of the documents according to the trade contract, then fill them out in a standardized manner according to the requirements of each document, pay attention to the consistency of information between documents, and communicate with freight forwarders and customs brokers in a timely manner to ensure smooth document flow.
Certificates of origin are also crucial in Hong Kong re-export trade. If preferential tariffs are involved, specific certificates of origin may be required. When preparing them, fill them out truthfully based on the actual place of production of the goods and submit relevant supporting materials.
Insurance policies should also be prepared if the goods require insurance. Determine the insurance amount and coverage based on the value of the goods, mode of transport, etc., and apply for them from the insurance company to ensure the goods are protected during transportation.
Shipping notices should not be overlooked. They should be sent to the buyer in a timely manner after the goods are loaded onto the ship, including information such as the ship's name, voyage number, loading date, and cargo details, to facilitate the buyer's preparations for receiving the goods.
Customs declaration forms are documents for declaring the import and export situation of goods to customs. It is necessary to accurately fill in the commodity code, declaration elements, etc. Professional customs brokers can be entrusted to assist in filling them out to ensure compliance with declarations.
Weight lists can supplement information about the weight of the goods. When preparing them, the weight information should be consistent with that in other documents such as packing lists, which helps in cargo handover and verification.
For some special goods, it may also be necessary to prepare certificates of hygiene, quality inspection certificates, etc., and handle them according to the requirements of relevant departments.
Bills of exchange are used in trade settlement. They should be filled out according to payment timing and other requirements, clearly stating the information of the drawer, drawee, and payee.
In the operation of Hong Kong re-export trade documentation, it is important to keep copies of all types of documents for future reference and verification, so that there is a basis to rely on in case of problems.
Electronic documents are also common nowadays. Familiarity with relevant electronic system operations is required to ensure accurate transmission and storage of electronic data.