Guide
Customs clearance for goods from China
Goods leave China through export customs and enter your country through import customs. We prepare the export side for every shipment. On the import side, we clear the goods and pay the duty on DDP shipments, and you or your broker do it on other terms.
By Noel Murphy, Co-founder · Updated
Export clearance in China
Each shipment needs an export declaration before it leaves China. The declaration states what the goods are, how many there are, what they are worth and where they go. We file it as part of every shipment.
Some goods need more: a safety data sheet for batteries, liquids and powders, or an export licence for controlled goods.
The documents
| Document | What it does | Who prepares it |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | States the goods, the value, the seller and the buyer | Your supplier, or we do |
| Packing list | States the cartons, the weights and the sizes | Your supplier, or we do |
| Air waybill or bill of lading | The carrier’s receipt and contract | The carrier, through us |
| Certificate of origin | Proves where the goods were made | On request, when your country asks for it |
| Safety data sheet | Describes a battery, a liquid or a powder | Your supplier |
HS codes
Customs in every country sorts goods by HS code. The first six digits are international. Each country adds digits for its own tariff. The full code sets the duty rate and shows which rules apply.
A wrong code leads to the wrong duty and can lead to a fine. We check the code before the goods ship.
Import clearance
Customs in your country checks the papers, charges duty and tax, and releases the goods. Most countries charge two things: customs duty, which depends on the HS code, and a tax on imports such as VAT or GST.
Many countries ask a business importer for a number. The European Union and Great Britain use an EORI number. Find the rule for your country in our shipping guides by country.
DDP or DAP
| Question | DDP | DAP |
|---|---|---|
| Who pays duty and tax | We do, inside one price | The importer, on arrival |
| Who clears import customs | We arrange it | You or your broker |
| Suits | Sellers who ship to their own customers. Buyers with no broker. | Companies with their own broker and tax number |
We offer DDP on express, special lines, air freight and sea freight. Postal packets go without it.
Why customs holds a shipment
- The description is vague, such as “parts” or “gift”.
- The declared value looks too low for the goods.
- A licence, a certificate or a safety data sheet is missing.
- The goods are restricted. See what you can and cannot ship from China.
- Customs picked the shipment for a random check.
What we need from you
Send us the product name, what it is made of, what it does, the quantity and the price paid. Tell us the destination country and whether you have a broker there. We do the rest of the customs paperwork.
We classify goods and tell you the duty rate. For tax planning on goods of high value, ask a customs broker in your country.
Questions
Who is the importer of record?
The person or company that customs holds responsible for the goods and the duty. On DDP shipments we arrange the import clearance. On other terms it is you or your company.
What is the difference between DDP and DAP?
On DDP, the sender pays duty and tax, and the price covers delivery to the door. On DAP, the goods arrive at the door and the importer pays duty and tax before release.
How do I find the HS code for my product?
Tell us what the product is, what it is made of and what it does. We classify it and tell you the rate that applies. Your country's customs tariff lists the full code.
Why did customs hold my shipment?
The usual causes are a vague description, a value that does not match the goods, a missing licence or certificate, or a random check. Ask the carrier what customs needs and send it at once.