由 caicai8478 Importing goods from Southeast Asia to China involves multiple steps and complex regulations. An efficient one-stop logistics service provider can integrate all these steps, allowing you to simply provide basic information and requirements, and then reap the rewards. Here’s a breakdown of the entire process:
Phase 1: Pre-Import Preparation and Planning
This is the cornerstone of successful imports and should never be overlooked.
Product Eligibility Verification
China Access Restrictions: Confirm whether your product (especially food, cosmetics, animal and plant products, medical devices, etc.) is permitted for import into China. You can refer to documents such as the “Catalogue of Agricultural Products Permitted for Import” from the General Administration of Customs of China (GAC).
Export Country Restrictions: Confirm whether your product is permitted for export in the exporting country (e.g., Thailand or Vietnam) and whether there are any special regulatory requirements.
Supplier Qualification Review
Ensure your overseas supplier has legal business qualifications and can provide key documents such as Certificate of Origin, Sanitary/Health Certificate, and Phytosanitary Certificate that meet Chinese requirements.
Determining Incoterms
Clearly define the transaction method with your supplier, which determines the division of responsibilities and costs. Common terms:
EXW (Ex Works): The logistics provider must pick up the goods at the factory and bear all shipping and costs.
FOB (Free on Board): You are responsible for ocean/air freight and destination charges after departure.
CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight): The supplier is responsible for freight and insurance to the Chinese port of destination.
Recommendation: Communicate with your one-stop logistics provider; they can provide accurate quotes and services based on your terms and conditions, starting at the appropriate point.
Importer Qualifications
Business License: The business scope must include the relevant product categories.
Import and Export Rights: Enterprises must register with the customs and obtain a customs registration receipt (10-digit customs code).
Importer Registration: For food products, importer registration is required with the General Administration of Customs.
Quarantine Approval: For certain animal and plant products, an “Entry Animal and Plant Quarantine Permit” must be applied for in advance.
Phase Two: International Transportation Execution
This is where the core value of a “one-stop” logistics provider is realized.
Pickup & Domestic Transport
The logistics provider arranges a vehicle to pick up the goods at the designated factory or warehouse under EXW or FOB terms.
The logistics provider conducts loading inspections, measures and weighs the goods, and arranges inland transportation in the exporting country.
Export Customs Declaration
The logistics provider’s overseas agent or partner assists the supplier in preparing relevant documents (such as packing lists, invoices, contracts, certificates of origin, etc.) and declares them to the local customs before the goods depart.
Main Transportation
Sea Freight: The most economical method, suitable for bulk cargo. Major shipping routes: Laem Chabang Port in Thailand, Ho Chi Minh Port/Haiphong Port in Vietnam → Yantian/Shekou Port in Shenzhen, Shanghai Port, and Ningbo Port in China.
Full Container Load (FCL): The cargo volume is sufficient to fill a container.
Less Than Container Load (LCL): The cargo volume is less than a container, and the container is shared with other shippers.
Air Freight: The fastest method, suitable for high-value, time-sensitive cargo. Major airports: Bangkok (BKK), Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) → Shanghai (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN), Shenzhen (SZX), etc.
Land Transport: Mainly suitable for countries bordering China (such as Vietnam and Laos).
Road Transport: Enters and exits through ports such as Youyiguan, Dongxing, and Mohan.
Rail Transport: The China-Laos Railway (connecting Vientiane, Laos to Kunming, China) has become a highly efficient new route.
International Documentation
The logistics provider is responsible for the confirmation, issuance, and circulation of the bill of lading (B/L) or air waybill (AWB).
Stage 3: China Import Customs Clearance
This is the most critical and professional step in the process.
Document Exchange
Upon arrival at the Chinese port of destination, the original bill of lading (or telex release guarantee) is exchanged for a delivery order (D/O) from the shipping company or airline.
Import Declaration & Clearance
The professional customs brokerage firm of your “one-stop” logistics provider will handle the following for you:
Prepare and submit a full set of customs clearance documents: contract, invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, health/quarantine certificate, etc.
Declare with China Customs and pay the corresponding duties and VAT (advance payment).
Customs will conduct document review, price verification, and inspection (if necessary).
CIQ Inspection
For goods subject to legal inspection (such as food and cosmetics), after customs declaration, you must simultaneously submit a quarantine declaration to the customs (formerly the inspection and quarantine department). Customs may issue instructions requiring inspection and sampling testing at a supervised warehouse. Only qualified goods will be released.
Tax Payment
Logistics providers typically advance customs duties and VAT and then settle with you. You can also pay them yourself.
Stage 4: Destination Delivery
Customs Release & Pick-up
After obtaining the customs release, we arrange for a vehicle to pick up the goods from the supervised warehouse at the port/airport.
Final Domestic Delivery
According to your instructions, the goods will be delivered by truck to your designated final warehouse or destination.
Final Settlement
A one-stop logistics provider will provide a complete cost breakdown (either lump-sum or actual reimbursement) for final settlement.
Core Advantages of One-Stop Logistics Services
Single Point of Contact: You only need to work with one project manager, eliminating the confusion of multiple communication channels.
End-to-End Visibility: Through a single system or platform, you can track the entire shipment process from pickup to delivery in real time.
Cost Control: A lump-sum quote is provided upfront to avoid hidden costs and facilitate financial planning.
Expertise & Efficiency: Leveraging their expertise and network of resources, they efficiently handle all steps, mitigate risks, and expedite customs clearance.
Risk Mitigation: Potential risks related to commodity classification, customs valuation, and quarantine requirements are identified and addressed in advance.
Summary Flowchart:
Pick up goods at the Southeast Asian factory → Customs declaration in the exporting country → Sea/Air/Land Transport → Bill of Lading at the Chinese port → Import declaration/tax payment → Inspection and quarantine → Customs clearance → Domestic delivery → Signature and payment
Advice for importers:
Choose a reliable partner: Opt for a one-stop logistics service provider with a strong network and practical experience in both Southeast Asia and China.
Communicate in advance: Communicate with the logistics provider before purchasing to obtain professional advice to avoid purchasing goods that cannot be imported.
Complete documents: Ensure the authenticity, accuracy, and completeness of all documents; this is crucial for smooth customs clearance.
Compliance first: Strictly abide by the laws and regulations of both countries and declare goods in good faith; this is the foundation for long-term business success.