由 caicai8478 I. Basic Concepts
Personal Items Export (Class B Express)
Definition: Delivery of items for personal use and within a reasonable quantity
Features: Non-trade nature, no commercial purpose
Common Uses: Study Abroad Items, Personal Gifts, Self-use Samples, etc.
Commercial Export (General Trade)
Definition: Commodity Trading for Profit
Features: Commercial nature, complete trade documents required
Common Uses: Cross-border e-commerce retail export, B2B trade, etc.
II. Core Difference Comparison
Comparison Items Personal Items Export Commercial Export
Declaring Subject Individual Enterprise
Customs Clearance Documents Copy of ID Card, Proforma Invoice Customs Declaration, Contract, Invoice, Packing List, Declaration Elements, etc.
Tax Policy Usually tax-free (within reasonable personal use) VAT and tariffs must be paid (tax refund is available if conditions are met)
Declared Value Truthfully declared (no minimum limit requirement) Must meet reasonable commercial value
Quantity Limit Reasonable self-use quantity (no clear standard) No limit, but must match the company size
Logistics Channel Postal parcels, express delivery personal channels Commercial express delivery, dedicated logistics
Foreign exchange settlement method None Need to collect foreign exchange through the company account
III. Applicable scenario analysis
Choose personal items for export:
Single sample delivery to overseas customers (not frequent)
International moving of personal items
Send gifts to overseas relatives and friends
Non-commercial delivery of small quantities and low value
Choose commercial export:
Cross-border e-commerce retail export
Foreign trade company sample delivery (frequent)
B2B small transactions
Trade behavior requiring formal customs declaration documents
Situations where export tax rebates are required
IV. Risks and precautions
Personal items export risks:
Identified as commercial behavior: Frequent delivery of similar items may be identified as commercial behavior by customs and require additional tax
Return risk: Exceeding the reasonable number of personal items may be returned
Unable to claim: Some channels have limited compensation for high-value items
Commercial export precautions:
Compliance declaration: Avoid under-reporting and false reporting leading to penalties
Product qualifications: Some products require special licenses (such as food, cosmetics, etc.)
Trading country restrictions: Understand the import of the destination country Control policy
Logistics selection: Commercial items cannot be sent through personal postal channels
V. Operational suggestions
Evaluate the nature of the business: Personal channels can be selected for single/occasional shipments, and commercial exports must be made for frequent transactions
Calculate the overall cost: Although commercial exports are complicated, they may enjoy tax refund benefits
Consult a professional agent: For complex situations, it is recommended to consult a customs broker or logistics service provider
Keep complete records: Commercial exports must keep a full set of trade documents for at least 3 years
Pay attention to policy changes: especially new policies for cross-border e-commerce retail exports
VI. The impact of the latest policies in 2023
Cross-border e-commerce comprehensive pilot zone policies: Simplified declaration for eligible cross-border e-commerce retail exports
Market procurement trade: Simplified declaration can be applied to small commodity distribution centers (such as the Yiwu model)
RCEP rules of origin: Some goods can enjoy tariff preferences
Personal item limit adjustment: The tax-free amount of personal items in some countries has changed
Conclusion
The key to choosing personal or commercial export channels lies in the nature of the transaction and long-term business planning. For start-up small and micro enterprises, they can start testing the market through personal channels, but as the business volume grows, they should promptly switch to formal commercial exports to enjoy the tax refund policy and establish compliant international trade processes. It is recommended to consult a professional foreign trade service agency to develop the best export plan based on the specific product characteristics and target market.