由 caicai8478 For cross-border e-commerce sellers, customs clearance is one of the biggest pain points. Today, mainstream e-commerce platforms all offer built-in online customs clearance services, greatly simplifying the seller process. Understanding and effectively utilizing these services is key to improving operational efficiency and optimizing the buyer experience.
- Why do platforms provide online customs clearance services?
The platform’s proactive approach to addressing customs clearance issues stems from a simple business logic: smoother customs clearance leads to higher order fulfillment rates, a better buyer experience, and a more prosperous platform ecosystem.
Improving the consumer experience: Avoiding unexpected taxes, fees, or cumbersome customs clearance procedures upon delivery reduces order cancellations and disputes.
Simplifying seller operations: Standardizing and digitizing complex customs clearance processes eliminates the need for sellers to delve into the customs policies of various countries, lowering the barrier to entry for international expansion.
Guaranteeing platform logistics timeliness: A unified customs clearance process helps improve overall logistics fulfillment efficiency and stabilizes the platform’s logistics rating.
Tax Compliance: Especially in regions like the EU, the platform is responsible for ensuring VAT compliance (e.g., through IOSS).
II. Core Services: How Does the Platform Help You with Customs Clearance?
The platform primarily integrates customs clearance services through two methods:
- Worry-Free Logistics/Official Logistics Solutions (The Core of the Core)
This is the platform’s most mainstream customs clearance assistance method. When you use the platform’s official logistics channels, customs clearance services are included.
AliExpress: Worry-Free Logistics
How It Works:
Sellers ship goods to AliExpress’s domestic collection warehouse (or have Cainiao pick them up).
AliExpress/Cainiao acts as the official agent, centrally handling all export customs clearance procedures.
Once the goods arrive at the destination country, the platform’s partnered local logistics provider will handle import customs clearance and final delivery.
Seller’s Role: You simply need to accurately and truthfully enter product information (product name, quantity, declared value, HS code, etc.) in the backend to generate the required documents. All other customs clearance procedures, including paying duties, are handled by the platform and its logistics partners.
Advantages: Hassle-free. Sellers don’t need to contact foreign customs or the recipient; the platform handles all customs clearance issues. If a package is returned due to customs clearance issues, the platform typically provides compensation.
Shopee: SLS (Shopee Logistics Service)
How it works: Very similar to AliExpress.
Sellers send their packages to Shopee’s domestic transshipment warehouse.
Shopee SLS handles international shipping and customs clearance in the destination country.
Seller’s Role: Similarly, simply enter the product information accurately in the Seller Center. Shopee will estimate taxes and fees based on the data you provide and collect them from the buyer (if applicable), ensuring transparent pricing.
- Tax Collection and Remittance Services (such as IOSS)
This is a specialized service for specific markets, such as the EU.
How it works:
As a “one-stop tax intermediary,” the platform has registered its IOSS ID for all sellers.
In the region where the sale takes place (such as the EU), the platform will collect the VAT due directly from the buyer.
Sellers must use the platform-provided IOSS number on their packages when shipping.
Seller’s Role:
AliExpress: When shipping using Cainiao 51 Logistics, the system will automatically print the AliExpress IOSS number on the shipping label. You simply need to ensure the declared value is accurate.
Shopee: Similarly, when using SLS, the system automatically handles IOSS-related issues.
Key Action: You must clearly display the platform-collected VAT amount and IOSS number on the commercial invoice you provide.
III. Practical Guide: How to Use These Services Correctly?
To ensure smooth customs clearance, you must complete the following steps, which are crucial to the effectiveness of the platform’s services:
Step 1: Select the Right Logistics Channel
On the order fulfillment page, prioritize options recommended by the platform, such as “51 Logistics,” “Standard Logistics,” or “SLS.” Avoid choosing untracked parcel post or unofficial channels to save a small amount on shipping costs.
Step 2: Accurately Complete the Product List
This is the seller’s most important responsibility. Incorrect information is the primary reason for customs clearance failures.
Declared value: Follow the principle of “reasonable declaration.” It should neither be too high (increasing costs for buyers) nor too low (which customs would consider fraudulent). A recommended value is 70%-80% of the product’s selling price.
English product name: Must be detailed and accurate. For example, don’t write “Men’s Shoes”; write “Men’s Running Shoes, Mesh Upper, Rubber Sole.”
Product material: For example, “100% Cotton” or “Polyester.”
Quantity: Fill in the information accurately.
HS Code: Fill in the first six digits of the HS Code as accurately as possible. This greatly helps customs quickly identify the product.
Step 3: Prepare accompanying documents. Although the platform logistics service will handle this, you will also need to prepare the following:
Commercial Invoice: This is usually automatically generated and printed by the platform. Ensure that the information on it matches the information you provided online.
Packing List: For packages containing multiple items, providing a clear packing list will facilitate customs clearance.
Step 4: Handle Exceptions Properly
Maintain Communication: Although the platform handles customs clearance, if customs requires further information, they may contact you through your logistics provider. Make sure to keep your contact information open.
Proactively Inform Buyers: If you learn of customs clearance delays, proactively notify buyers to manage their expectations and avoid negative reviews.
Summary: Advantages and Your Responsibilities of Online Customs Clearance Using a Platform
Advantages Your Responsibilities
Simplified Process: No need to find a customs broker yourself
Provide Information: Accurately fill in product data
Effortless and Effortless: The platform handles most of the procedures
Choose a Channel: Use officially recommended logistics services
Optimized Experience: Buyers prepay taxes, no hidden fees
Compliant Shipping: No infringing or prohibited items shipped
Risk Reduction: The platform provides support for customs clearance issues
Cooperation: Respond promptly to additional requests
In short, the online customs clearance service provided by the platform is like “autonomous driving.” However, for a smooth journey, you, the “driver,” still need to provide accurate “navigation information” (product data) and follow “traffic rules” (platform guidelines). By effectively utilizing these services, you can focus more on product selection and marketing, leaving the complex customs clearance work to the platform.