Where is import agent customs declaration generally carried out?
Resolved
Our company needs to import a batch of goods recently and plans to find an agent for customs declaration services. However, we are not sure where import agent customs declaration is generally handled. Is it in the port city where the goods enter, or is our company's location sufficient? Also, will the choice of handling location affect the customs declaration process and fees? We hope to get a detailed answer.
Trade Expert Insights Answers
The choice of location for import agent customs declaration mainly depends on the port of entry for the goods. Typically, it is more common to handle customs declaration in the city where the goods actually enter. This is because the customs authorities at the port of entry are more familiar with the policies, procedures, and cargo inspection aspects of that specific port, enabling more efficient handling of customs declaration matters.
For example, if goods are imported through the Port of Shanghai, choosing a professional import agent customs declaration company like Zhongmaoda in Shanghai can help expedite the relevant procedures.
Of course, if the company's location is different from the port of entry for the goods, you can also find a customs declaration agent in your company's location. However, this agent may need to have a branch or a cooperative team at the port to handle customs declaration matters on-site. The choice of different locations will not significantly affect the customs declaration process, but the fees may differ due to regional variations and whether cross-regional operations are involved. Generally, competition in port cities is relatively ample, and fees may be more transparent and reasonable.
Generally, import agent customs declaration is handled at the port of entry for the goods, which facilitates cargo inspection, release, and other procedures, thereby improving customs declaration efficiency.
If the company has import and export rights, it can also find a customs declaration agent at its registered location, but this may incur additional communication and coordination costs.
Bonded zones can also be places for import agent customs declaration. The customs declaration policies here have certain specificities, and local relevant authorities can be consulted for details.
Certain specific regulatory areas, such as comprehensive bonded zones, have specialized customs declaration procedures and locations. Import agent customs declaration must comply with their regulations.
When choosing a customs declaration location, consider the busyness of the port. Overly busy ports may lead to long customs declaration queues, affecting efficiency.
In some cases, preliminary customs declaration procedures can be handled at institutions like Chinese consulates in the country of origin of the imported goods, but the final customs declaration must be completed at a domestic port.
You can also check the service coverage of customs declaration companies. Some customs declaration companies have service points in multiple ports, allowing for flexible choices.
If the goods are imported via express mail, the express mail supervision center is also one of the customs declaration locations, and the process is relatively simpler.
In certain situations, there are also dedicated customs declaration areas at places of cargo entry such as airports and train stations, which facilitate customs declaration.