Export Essentials: Tariffs, Customs Clearance, and Compliance in International Logistics

I. Tariff Issues in International Logistics

1. How are tariffs calculated?
   Tariffs are generally determined by the following factors:

HS Code (Harmonized Standards International Commodity Code)

Declared value of goods (FOB or CIF)

Tariff policy of the country of destination (reductions and exemptions are possible under free trade agreements)

Product Origin (Certificate of Origin required)

Common tariff rate ranges:

Product Category: US Tariffs, EU Tariffs, Southeast Asian Tariffs
Apparel: 10-25%, 8-12%, 5-15%
Electronics: 0-3.5%, 0-4%, 0-10%
Household Goods: 5-10%, 4-8%, 3-7%

2. How can I reduce tariff costs?
   Leverage Free Trade Agreements (such as RCEP and USMCA)

Reasonably declare value (avoid underdeclaration penalties)

Split shipments (single shipment value is lower than the duty-free allowance)

Apply for duty refund (such as US duty drawback)

II. Detailed Explanation of the Customs Clearance Process

1. Basic Customs Clearance Process
   Chart
   Code
2. List of Required Customs Clearance Documents
   Commercial Invoice

Packing List

Bill of Lading/Air Waybill

Certificate of Origin (COO/Certificate of Origin)

Special Certificates (such as CE, FDA)

Import License (required for some products)

3. Common Customs Clearance Issues and Solutions
   Problem Type Solution
   Incomplete Documents: Confirm the destination country’s requirements in advance and use a professional freight forwarder
   HS Code Error: Check the customs database or consult a professional in advance
   Declared Value Disputes: Provide proof of payment or a third-party valuation report
   Insufficient Product Certification: Obtain certifications for the target market in advance
   III. Special Requirements of Key Countries
4. US Market
   FDA Registration: Required for food, cosmetics, and medical devices

FCC Certification: Compulsory certification for wireless devices

DOT Certification: Required for auto parts

Anti-dumping duties: Pay attention to special categories such as steel and aluminum products

2. EU Market
   CE Marking: Mandatory requirement for most products

REACH Testing: Chemical control

WEEE Registration: Electronics recycling registration

New VAT Policy: Goods under €150 are also subject to VAT

3. Japanese Market
   PSE Certification: Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law

JIS Standards: Industrial Product Quality Standards

Food Sanitation Law: Strict food testing system

4. Middle East Market
   SASO Certification: Compulsory certification in Saudi Arabia

Halal Certification: Required for food customs clearance

Labeling Requirements: Arabic labels must be included

IV. Compliance Risk Prevention

1. Intellectual Property Risk
   Ensure that products are free of infringement (especially brand logos and patented designs).

Check trademark registration status in the target country in advance.

OEM orders require verification of customer authorization documents.

2. Sensitive Item Control
   Common Export Prohibited Items:

Drones (license required for some countries)

Battery-Carrying Products (UN38.3 certification required)

Liquids/Powders (Strict Air Transport Restrictions)

Animal and Plant Products (Quarantine Certificate Required)

3. Anti-Money Laundering Compliance
   Avoid transactions with high-risk countries (such as those under sanctions)

Retain complete transaction records for at least 5 years

Be wary of unusual payment methods (such as cryptocurrency payments)

V. Recommended Useful Tools

1. Tariff Lookup Tools
   WTO Tariff Database (tariffdata.wto.org)

China Free Trade Zone Service Website (fta.mofcom.gov.cn)

EU TARIC Database (ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs)

2. Certification Channels
   SGS Group (Global Certification)

TÜV Rheinland (EU CE Certification)

CTI (China Testing International) (a cost-effective domestic certification agency)

3. Logistics Tracking System
   17TRACK (Global Express Tracking)

AfterShip (Professional Logistics Tracking)

Shipping Company Official Websites (e.g., Maersk, COSCO)

VI. Expert Advice
Small-Batch Trial Shipment: Send samples to test the customs clearance process in new markets

Purchase Insurance: All Risks Insurance for Ocean Freight (approximately 0.3% of the cargo value)

Backup Customs Clearance Plan: Invest in two or three local customs clearance agents in advance

Stay tuned for policy changes: Subscribe to General Administration of Customs policy updates

Case Study: The Key to Successful Customs Clearance
Example of a Bluetooth Headset Export to Germany:

Apply for CE Certification in Advance (Cost ¥2,800)

Correctly Declare the HS Code: 8517.62.00 (0% tariff)

Print the WEEE Mark on the Packaging (to avoid detention)

Use DDP Terms (Customs Clearance by the Freight Forwarder Including Duty and Tax)
Result: Goods Cleared Customs in 3 Days, No Additional Fees