Introduction
Catalytic combustion units are high-efficiency industrial exhaust-gas treatment devices; under the action of a catalyst, they convert volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other hazardous gases into carbon dioxide and water at relatively low temperatures, and are widely used in chemicals, printing, coating and other industries. As the gateway to the Mediterranean, the Port of Marseille-Fos is France’s largest port and a key logistics hub in southern Europe—especially suitable for renewable-energy equipment and environmental protection treatment systems.Import and exportTrade.
In terms of customs classification, catalytic combustion devices are usually categorized under HS 8417.80 as “non-electric industrial or laboratory furnaces and ovens.” However, the classification of environmental-protection equipment is often complex: certain components may fall under Chapter 84 (machinery), Chapter 85 (electrical equipment), or even Chapter 90 (optical, measuring or analytical instruments), creating considerable challenges for exporters.
In international trade processes, companies often face multiple challenges such as missing qualifications, poor capital flow, and complicated customs declarations.Zhong Shen International Trade Co., Ltd.As a professional import and export trade service provider, we are committed to solving these core issues and offering enterprises a one-stop solution—from qualification support to fund processing.
Market Status and Trends
As a key gateway for Europe’s environmental technologies, the Port of Marseille-Fos displays the following demand characteristics:
- Stricter environmental regulations: As EU environmental standards continue to rise, demand for industrial exhaust-gas treatment equipment keeps growing.
- Technology upgrade needs: European companies are actively replacing aging equipment and seeking more efficient and energy-saving catalytic combustion technologies.
- Green Transition Support: The French government offers subsidies for the purchase of environmental-protection equipment, stimulating market demand.
Common pain points and considerations for companies entering this market:
- Product compliance: EU CE certification, RoHS Directive, and other technical-barrier requirements are stringent.
- Complexity of customs classification: As mentioned earlier, the classification of environmental-protection equipment spans multiple chapters, making misclassification likely.
- Cumbersome document preparation: commercial invoice, packing list,Origin CertificateThe requirements for documents such as the Ming are strict.
- Tax handling is complex: the calculation and payment procedures for value-added tax (VAT) and customs duties are intricate.
- Cultural Differences: Variations in business practices and communication styles can create barriers to transactions.
Main Process/Steps
The main process for exporting catalytic combustion units to the Port of Marseille-Fos includes:
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Supplier Qualification Review and Contract Signing
- Evaluate the supplier's production capacity and quality management system.
- Confirm that the product complies with EU technical standards.
- Sign an international trade contract that clearly specifies the delivery terms and quality requirements.
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Quality Control and Certification Processing
- Conduct pre-shipment QC inspections to ensure equipment performance meets standards.
- Assist in handling CE certification and other necessary technical documents
- Prepare multilingual versions of documents such as product manuals and technical specification sheets.
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Export ClearanceCustoms Clearance and Logistics Arrangement
- Prepare export customs declaration documents to ensure accurate customs classification.
- Arrange appropriate transportation methods and routes
- Arrange cargo transportation insurance to reduce transit risks
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Tax RebatesApply for exemption from certification (meeting the conditions of the Implementation Rules for Exemption from Compulsory Product Certification)
- Confirm the product’s export tax rebate rate and prepare the documents required for the rebate.
- Complete the export declaration through Zhongshen International Trade's qualifications.
- We specialize in handling export tax rebate procedures to ensure that the rebate is promptly returned to our clients.
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Import Customs ClearancePort Operations
- Prepare import clearance documents, including commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, etc.
- Handle import procedures and tariff payment at the Port of Marseille-Fos.
- Coordinate the unloading of goods at the port, storage, and final delivery
Cost breakdown
The main cost items for exporting catalytic combustion units to the Port of Marseille-Fos are as follows:
| Cost items | description | Optimization Plan for Zhongshen International Trade |
|---|---|---|
| Product Cost (FOB) | Including the value of the equipment itself and domestic transportation costs | Integrate the supplier network to secure the most favorable procurement prices. |
| Certification/Testing Fees | CE certification, third-party testing, and other related expenses | Leverage the resources of cooperative certification bodies to reduce certification costs |
| International Freight & Insurance | Maritime transportCost and transportation insurance | Partner with multiple shipping lines to secure preferential freight rates |
| Tariffs and Taxes | EU Import Duties and VAT | By obtaining a 100% compliant FORM A certificate, you can enjoy the preferential tariff treatment under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) |
| Port charges | Handling, storage and other charges at the Port of Marseille-Fos | Optimize port operation procedures to reduce unnecessary demurrage charges. |
| Agent service fee | InExport Agent ServicesService Fees | Offer transparent pricing and reduce overall costs through one-stop services. |
Risks/Difficulties and Sinosure International Trade's Solutions
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Customs Classification Risks
Potential cause: Environmental-protection equipment has complex components, which can easily lead to misclassification and trigger customs questioning or penalties.
Zhongshen International Trade Solution: A professional HS-code classification team confirms product classifications in advance, prepares comprehensive technical descriptions and classification justifications, and minimizes classification risks.
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Certification Compliance Risk
Potential cause: The EU has stringent technical requirements for environmental-protection equipment; lacking the necessary certification may result in the goods being detained or returned.
Zhongshen International Trade Solution: Provide pre-assessment of certification, guide clients through the necessary technical improvements, assist in obtaining CE certification and other required documents, and ensure product compliance.
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Payment risks
Potential cause: In international trade, disputes often arise between buyers and sellers over payment methods and exchange-rate fluctuations.
Zhongshen International Trade Solution: As a licensed agent, we securely handle cross-border capital flows, offer flexible payment solutions, hedge against exchange-rate risk, and ensure transaction safety.
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Logistics delay risks
Potential causes: port congestion, incomplete documentation, weather-related factors, etc., may lead to delivery delays.
Zhongshen International Trade Solution: Track cargo status in real time, issue early warnings of potential delays, provide alternative options, and reduce delay risks through diversified logistics channels.
Suitable types of enterprises
The catalytic combustion unit export service of Zhongshen International Trade is especially suitable for the following types of enterprises:
- Environmental-equipment manufacturer: a catalytic-combustion-device producer with high-quality products but lacking export experience and qualifications.
- Trading company: traders who have overseas customer resources but are unable to handle complex export procedures.
- Start-ups: Eco-tech start-ups that hope to expand into international markets but have limited resources.
- Engineering enterprises: companies that need to export supporting environmental-protection equipment but focus on engineering services.
- Individuals or teams without import-export qualifications: individuals or small teams that possess products or market resources but lack the necessary qualifications.
Conclusion
As global environmental awareness rises and regulations tighten, eco-friendly equipment such as catalytic combustion units enjoy vast growth potential in international markets. The Marseille-Fos Port, a key gateway to southern Europe, offers an ideal conduit for Chinese environmental equipment to enter the European market. Yet complex trade procedures, stringent compliance requirements, and capital-flow issues make professional guidance indispensable.
With deep industry experience and comprehensive licensing, Zhongshen International Trade helps companies solve core issues in trading qualifications and cross-border capital flows, while providing one-stop services from supplier management to logistics and delivery. We don’t just execute processes—we create real value: through professional export-tax-rebate services, we deliver tangible profit growth for our clients.
Contact us now for a free initial consultation and quotation for your catalytic combustion equipment export business. Let Zhongshen International Trade be your trusted partner in expanding into global markets and together build a greener future.
