The three major operational challenges in importing red wine

The latest customs data for 2025 shows that the average customs clearance time for whole-container wine imports has been shortened by 18% compared with 2023, but the rate of goods being returned remains high at 7.2%. Through analyzing more than 3,000 practical cases, we found that the core risk points are concentrated in the following areas:

• The misplacement of document management: ChileOrigin CertificateThis is logically inconsistent with the invoice date.
• Qualification review blind spots: The importer's food business license has expired and not been renewed
• Tax rate calculation error: Not including the second-round tariff reduction provisions of the China-Chile Free Trade Agreement

Key control points in the customs clearance process

Taking the whole container transportation from the Bordeaux region of France as an example (25 tons/40HQ), the standard operating cycle requires attention to the following key points:

• Pre-declaration stage (D-15)
  • Obtain the certificate issued by the winery.production process description
  • Confirm that the Chinese back label complies with the new regulations of GB 7718-2025
• Port inspection (D+3)
  • PrepareProof of oak barrel soakingVerifying the additives
  • ProvideMaritime transportthe model of the temperature recorderData copy

Analysis of Typical Risk Cases

An importer declared a Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon in December 2024, but the shipment was detained at the port due to various reasons.

• The declared unit price of USD 18 per bottle is lower than the 30% threshold in the customs database.
• MissingVineyard planting registration number
• Chinese labels not annotatedThe specific content of sulfur dioxide
• The resulting demurrage charges amount to USD 2,800 plus a quality inspection fee of CNY 15,000.

Elements for selecting an agent model

Comparing the actual operational performance of the three types of service providers:

• Basic agency: Only completed the basic customs declaration procedures
• Professional agent: Configure a Hong Kong-based inspection officer and a fast customs clearance channel.
• Full-chain service provider: Provide bonded warehouse temporary storage and label correction services.

It is recommended to focus on evaluating the agent'sSpecial Qualifications for Imported Wine,The main port clearance networkandEmergency response capacity in the event of sudden incidentsEspecially, we need to confirm whether we have the capability to handle it.The residual heavy metals exceed the standardA technical team specializing in professional issues.