由 caicai8478 When export goods are seized by customs, companies need to respond quickly to avoid further losses. The following are 3-step standardized emergency process and key details to help you solve the problem efficiently:
Step 1: Immediately confirm the reason for the seizure (golden 24 hours)
Get official documents
Request the customs to issue a “Detention Notice” or “Inspection Result Notice” to clarify the reason for the seizure (such as: inconsistent bills and goods, incorrect product name declaration, missing license, suspected infringement, etc.).
Key points: record the name of the customs officer, inspection time, and specific problem description (such as HS code error, quantity deviation, etc.).
Internal emergency verification
Compare the customs declaration, packing list, invoice and actual goods, and focus on the following:
Is the commodity classification (HS Code) accurate?
Is the declared value in line with the market level?
Sensitive product names (such as “lithium battery” requires UN38.3 certification)
Is the origin mark in line with the requirements of the free trade agreement?
Step 2: Targeted remedial measures (processed by scenario)
Scenario 1: Document issues
Supplementary/corrected documents: If the certificate of origin, quality inspection report (such as FDA, CE certification), endangered species certificate (CITES), etc. are missing, you need to contact the testing agency for expedited processing.
Modify the declaration: Submit the “Customs Declaration Modification/Revocation Application Form” to the customs through the customs broker, with supporting materials (such as brand authorization, ingredient description).
Scenario 2: Suspected infringement
Immediately remove similar products from the shelves, prepare intellectual property certificates (trademark registration certificates, patent certificates) or authorization chain documents (complete authorization from the brand to the exporter).
If it is a misjudgment, entrust a professional lawyer to issue a “Non-infringement Legal Opinion”.
Scenario 3: Failure of quarantine
Contact the customs designated treatment agency for fumigation (wooden packaging without IPPC logo), destruction (food microorganisms exceed the standard) or return.
Step 3: Legal remedies and time limit management
Administrative reconsideration
Apply for reconsideration to the next higher level customs within 60 days of receiving the “Penalty Decision”, and submit:
Defense (refute the basis for penalty one by one)
New evidence (such as third-party test reports, transaction records)
Guarantee (equivalent to 50%-100% of the fine amount)
International logistics emergency
If the goods are perishable (such as fresh), apply for customs priority processing or transfer to bonded warehouse for temporary storage.
Calculate the critical point of demurrage: For example, European ports usually incur high fees after 5 days, and it is necessary to decide to return or abandon within 72 hours.
Risk prevention list (subsequent optimization)
Pre-classification: For new products, apply to the customs for the “Commodity Pre-classification Decision” in advance.
AEO certification: Obtain the qualification of customs advanced certification enterprise and enjoy the treatment of reduced inspection rate.
Compliance audit: Check export documents every quarter and use AI tools (such as Panjiva) to compare industry declaration data.
Case reference: In 2023, a photovoltaic company was detained due to an incorrect HS code. After submitting a “Pre-classification Consultation Opinion” and paying the 3% tariff difference, it was released within 3 working days.
It is recommended that companies establish a customs affairs emergency plan, designate a dedicated person to connect to the customs system (such as China’s international trade “single window”), and track the status of goods in real time. For complex cases, it is recommended to entrust a professional customs broker or trade lawyer to intervene.