由 caicai8478 When customs clearance of small parcels from China to Southeast Asian countries is carried out, delays, returns or even destruction are often caused by policy differences between countries, incomplete documents or improper logistics selection. The following are common problems and targeted solutions to help you clear customs efficiently:
I. Common problems and root cause analysis
Tariff and tax disputes
Problem: The recipient refused to pay the tariff (such as VAT in Indonesia and high consumption tax in Thailand) due to failure to prepay the tariff.
Root cause: Some countries in Southeast Asia (such as Indonesia and the Philippines) also impose taxes on low-value goods, and the tax rate is not transparent.
Missing or incorrect documents
Problem: The value of the goods is omitted in the pro forma invoice (Commercial Invoice), and the HS code is incorrect (such as misreporting “clothing” as “gift”), which triggers customs unpacking inspection.
Typical case: Malaysian Customs has strict requirements for HS codes, and incorrect declarations may result in fines.
Certification and restrictions
Problem: Electrical products (such as Bluetooth headsets) are detained without certification (such as Singapore’s PSB certification), counterfeit brands or sensitive products (such as medicines).
High-risk countries: Thailand has strict regulations on electronic products and Vietnam has strict regulations on cosmetics.
Improper selection of logistics channels
Problem: Use postal parcels to send high-value goods to Vietnam (easy to lose items), or choose a dedicated line without pre-clearance (such as the Philippines “door-to-door” requires advance declaration).
Address and contact information error
Problem: The address in remote areas of Indonesia/Philippines is not detailed, and customs cannot contact the recipient to pay the tax.
- Targeted solutions
- Tariff optimization
Predicted taxes:
Indonesia: VAT (10%) + income tax will be levied if the value of the goods is ≥ US$3 (the declared value can be negotiated, but it must be reasonable).
Thailand: The tariff on luxury goods/electronic products is as high as 30%-60%. It is recommended to split the package to reduce the value of each piece.
Solution:
Choose a DDP (delivery duty paid) channel (such as DHL Express, some dedicated lines) to pay the tariff in advance.
Indicate the recipient’s tax number (such as Indonesia’s NPWP) on the waybill to speed up customs clearance.
- Document standardization
List of necessary documents:
Proforma invoice: Chinese and English translation, indicating material, quantity, unit price (such as “100% cotton T-shirt, unit price $5”).
Proof of origin: ASEAN Free Trade Area Form E (applicable to China-ASEAN tariff-free products).
Tool recommendation:
Use customs HS code query tools (such as the “ASEAN HS Code Manual”) to accurately classify.
- Certification and compliance
Requirements of key countries:
Vietnam: Electrical products must provide COC certification, and counterfeit brands require authorization.
Philippines: Food and drugs require FDA pre-approval.
Countermeasures:
Sensitive goods go through the “double clearance and tax package” special line (such as the Singapore special line usually includes customs clearance).
Counterfeit brands can try “grey customs clearance” (at their own risk), or obtain brand authorization in advance.
- Logistics channel selection
Recommended solution: National low value (<$50) High value/sensitive goods Thailand Post EMS Thailand special line (pre-clearance) Indonesia special line Small package DDP special line Malaysia Post or Lazada official logistics commercial express (FedEx)
- Recipient management
Key actions:
Verify the recipient’s phone number (such as the Philippines requires a +63 prefix) and address (Indonesia must include the zip code and province) before shipment.
Send customs clearance guidelines in advance (such as Vietnam requires the recipient to provide a copy of the ID card).
III. Emergency handling
When the package is stranded:
Contact the local customs: Philippines (BOC) and Indonesia (Bea Cukai) official websites can be checked with the waybill number.
Supplementary materials: If Malaysia requires a tax payment SMS (to be processed within 3 working days).
Return: Vietnam allows return, but the return freight must be paid (it is recommended to abandon the goods if the cost is too high).
IV. Agent Recommendation
Customs clearance agent:
Indonesia: PT. Jasa Customs Clearance (Jakarta fast customs clearance).
Thailand: Siam Customs Broker (Bangkok tax package service).
Logistics provider:
4PX (Southeast Asia dedicated line), Ninja Van (Singapore/Malaysia end-to-end delivery).
Summary: The core of customs clearance in Southeast Asia is “advance compliance” – accurately declare the value, match the HS code, predict the tax, and choose the appropriate channel. For sensitive goods, it is recommended to consult a professional agent to avoid trial and error costs.