I. Case Background: The Particularity of Industrial Computer Imports
In June 2022, we were commissioned by a French industrial automation equipment manufacturer to urgently import a batch of industrial control computers into China. These products have three distinctive features:
HS code classification is complex (usually classified under 8471.49).
The goods are of high value and have special requirements for transportation conditions.
Through preliminary communication, we have learned that the customer's primary concern is?Clearance time efficiency?And?Compliance risk control?Industrial computers, as critical components of production equipment, may cause production line shutdowns if delivery is delayed, while improper handling of CCC certification issues could lead to the risk of return shipment.
We have formed a dedicated team including a customs clearance manager, a documentation specialist, and a 3C certification consultant, focusing on completing the following tasks:
Work content
Technical points
Time Consumption
Declaration elements confirmation
Verify the CPU model/frequency and other technical parameters.
1 working day
3C Certificate Audit
Confirm that the certificate covers the model consistent with the physical product.
0.5 working day
Review of Trade Contracts
The price terms are subject to CIF Shanghai.
0.5 working day
2. Airport Customs Clearance Practical Operations
Upon the arrival of the goods at Pudong International Airport, we initiated the "pre-declaration + advance document review" mechanism:
Complete the electronic declaration 12 hours before the aircraft lands.
Utilize the AEO Advanced Certification Enterprise channel for priority document review.
Synchronously prepare the original paper documents (including those certified by the French Chamber of Commerce).Origin CertificateTrade dispute settlement mechanisms
Special Reminder: Industrial computer's?Customs valuation?It often becomes a point of contention. We have prepared transaction records of comparable products from the same period as price evidence to avoid delays in price review.
Strategies for dealing with inspections
Although this case did not ultimately trigger an inspection, we always maintain the "Inspection Emergency Kit" in a ready state:
Product feature descriptions in both Chinese and English
Technical specification of key components
3C Certification Scope Compliance Statement
Pre-installed spare prototype with testing software
III. Experience in 3C Certification Processing
As an information technology device, industrial computers typically need to comply with the CNCA-C16-01:2020 certification requirements. In this case, we have adopted two key measures:
Certificate Scope Verification: Verify that the 3C certificates provided by the customer cover all imported models, with special attention to changes in key components such as motherboards and power supplies.
Exemption Scenario Assessment
:For some prototype samples used in research and development, we assisted the client in applying for the "Exemption Certificate for Compulsory Product Certification."
Importers of similar products are advised to pay special attention: Starting from 2023, the certification requirements for certain industrial computers have been adjusted. Please refer to the latest announcement from the General Administration of Customs.
IV. Value-added Services of Professional Agency
Through this case, we have achieved the following for our client:
Consolidate multiple shipments for combined transportation
Save 23% on shipping costs
Value-added tax (VAT) capital occupation
Application for Summary Taxation Qualification
Tax payment deferred for 35 days
Management of Subsequent Batches
Establish a product classification database
The efficiency of subsequent declarations has increased by 40%.
V. Industry Trend Observation
Based on recent operational experience, we have found that industrialEquipment importThree new trends are emerging:
Pre-shipment inspection: An increasing number of European manufacturers are opting to complete China Standard Compliance Verification before export.
Tariff planning: ThroughChina-Europe Railway ExpressTransportation can enjoy tariff preferences along the route.
Digital customs clearance: The pilot "Blockchain + Customs" model will significantly reduce document processing time.
Final advice for peers: Pay special attention to the import of industrial equipment.?Declaration consistency?Issue: The actual specifications and parameters of the arrived goods must completely match the declared information. It is recommended to establish a comprehensive Quality Assurance (QA) process for goods arrival inspection to avoid customs clearance delays caused by minor discrepancies.