Common customs clearance problems and solutions in cross-border logistics (taking China’s exports as an example)

I. Common customs clearance problems

1. Incomplete or incorrect documents

Incomplete commercial invoice information (such as missing HS code, inaccurate declaration of cargo value)

Packing list does not match the actual goods

Certificate of origin is missing or does not meet the requirements

Special goods lack relevant certification (such as CE, FDA, etc.)

2. Commodity classification problems
   HS code classification errors lead to tariff calculation deviations

Emerging products lack clear classification standards

Different countries classify the same commodity inconsistently

3. Disputes over declared value
   The difference between declared value and market price is too large

Freight is not reasonably included in the tax-paid price

The price of related transactions is questioned by customs

4. Policy restrictions in the country of destination
   Import bans or quota restrictions

Anti-dumping and countervailing duties

Technical trade barriers (such as packaging and labeling requirements)

5. Inspection and quarantine issues
   Food, cosmetics, etc. require health certificates

Wood products require fumigation certificates

Quarantine restrictions on animal and plant products

II. Solutions

1. Perfect document preparation
   Establish standardized document templates: including commercial invoices, packing lists, etc.

Understand the requirements of the destination country in advance: especially certificates of origin, special certifications, etc.

Use professional customs clearance software: automatically verify the integrity of documents

2. Accurate commodity classification
   Employ professional classifiers: ensure the accuracy of HS codes

Apply for classification rulings in advance: apply for pre-ruling from the customs for complex commodities

Establish a commodity database: record the HS codes of historical successful customs clearances

3. Reasonable declared value
   Use reasonable valuation methods: such as transaction price method, same/similar goods price method

Prepare price certification documents: such as purchase contracts, payment vouchers, market quotations

Consider transfer pricing policies: make pricing plans for related transactions in advance

4. Deal with restrictions in the destination country
   Establish a country-specific customs clearance manual: record the special requirements of each country

Pay attention to changes in trade policies: subscribe to customs announcements and industry information

Flexibly adjust logistics routes: consider re-export trade for countries with high tariffs

5. Compliance with inspection and quarantine
   Apply for necessary certificates in advance: such as health certificates, plant quarantine certificates, etc.
   Meet packaging label requirements: especially sensitive goods such as food and cosmetics

Select qualified suppliers: ensure that raw materials meet quarantine standards

III. Preventive measures
Choose reliable logistics partners: give priority to freight forwarders with rich customs clearance experience in the destination country

Pre-clearance service: use DDP terms to let logistics companies be responsible for customs clearance throughout the process

AEO certification: obtain China Customs AEO certification to enjoy customs clearance convenience

Train internal team: regularly update international trade and customs knowledge

Purchase customs clearance insurance: transfer part of the customs clearance risk

IV. Handling of special circumstances
Customs clearance delays: timely supplement documents and maintain communication with customs

Cargo detention: understand the specific reasons and seek assistance from professional customs clearance companies

Tariff disputes: consider applying for administrative reconsideration or providing more supporting materials

Return processing: evaluate the pros and cons of return costs and on-site processing

Through systematic preparation and professional response strategies, Chinese companies can significantly reduce customs clearance risks in cross-border logistics and improve the reliability and efficiency of international supply chains.