Customs clearance process and common problems for kitchenware export

The following is a detailed description of the customs clearance process and common problems for kitchenware export for reference:

I. Customs clearance process for kitchenware export

1. Preliminary preparation
   Confirm product qualifications

Check whether the product meets the safety standards of the importing country (such as EU CE certification, US FDA certification, Japan PSE certification, etc.).

Some countries require that the material of kitchenware meets food grade standards (such as stainless steel requires material certification).

Classification HS code

Accurately classify the HS code of kitchenware (such as 8215 for knives and forks and 7323 for pots). Different codes correspond to different tax rates and regulatory conditions.

Document preparation

Proforma Invoice, Packing List, Contract, Certificate of Origin (such as FORM A), Quality Inspection Report, etc.

2. Export customs declaration
   Entrust a customs broker

Submit a customs declaration to the Chinese Customs through a freight forwarder or customs broker, and provide the following:

Commercial Invoice

Packing list (detailed list of quantity, weight, and volume)

Customs declaration letter

Export license (if special materials are involved, such as coated cookware, environmental protection approval may be required).

Customs inspection

Customs may spot check the goods to check whether the name, quantity, and value are consistent with the declaration.

Some kitchen utensils (such as knives) may require additional safety review.

3. Customs clearance in the country of destination
   Submit import documents

Bill of Lading (B/L), Arrival Notice, Import License (if applicable).

Some countries require additional documents:

EU: CE certificate, material test report (such as food-grade coating certificate for cookware).

US: FDA statement (for kitchenware in contact with food).

Middle East: SASO certification (Saudi Arabia), COC certification (UAE) required.

Paying customs duties

Tariff rates may be reduced or exempted according to HS codes and free trade agreements (such as RCEP).

Some countries impose value-added tax (such as EU VAT, the United States has no VAT but may have state taxes).

Inspection and quarantine

Food contact kitchenware (such as tableware and pots) may require sanitary quarantine to check heavy metal residues or coating safety.

4. Complete customs clearance
   After customs clearance, pick up the goods with the bill of lading (D/O) and arrange logistics delivery to the customer’s warehouse.
5. Common problems and solutions
6. Document problems
   Document discrepancies

Problem: The invoice amount is inconsistent with the contract, and the HS code error leads to tax rate differences.

Solution: Check all documents before exporting and entrust a professional customs broker to review.

Missing certification

Problem: The certification required by the destination country has not been processed (such as the lack of the EU CE mark).

Solution: Check the regulations of the target market in advance and contact a third-party testing agency (such as SGS) for certification.

2. Product issues

Material does not meet the standards

Problem: Stainless steel kitchenware was detained by the destination country because it did not provide food grade 304/316 certification.

Solution: Perform material testing before export and keep the test report.

Packaging issues

Problem: Wooden packaging does not have IPPC fumigation mark (such as export to Australia and the United States).

Solution: Use fumigation-free materials (such as plywood) or perform fumigation treatment.

3. Tariffs and inspections

High tariffs

Problem: Failure to take advantage of the preferential treatment of free trade agreements (such as China-ASEAN tariff reduction).

Solution: Apply for a certificate of origin (FORM E) to reduce the tax rate.

Delays in customs inspections

Problem: Kitchenware was unpacked for inspection, resulting in logistics delays.

Solution: Reserve customs clearance time in advance and declare the value of the goods truthfully to avoid suspicion of low-price customs declarations.

4. Logistics issues
   Destination port fee disputes

Problem: Demurrage and storage fees exceed expectations (such as low efficiency of ports in Brazil and India).

Solution: Specify the cost-sharing clause when signing a logistics contract and choose a reputable freight forwarder.

5. Special kitchenware restrictions
   Sharp knife control

Problem: Some countries restrict the import of knives (e.g. Germany requires sealed packaging and marked as “dangerous goods”).

Solution: Check the regulations of the importing country in advance and provide safety instructions.

Electrical kitchenware (e.g. electric mixer)

Problem: Additional electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) certification is required.

Solution: Apply for relevant certification and label.

III. Suggestions
Advance compliance review: Conduct product compliance assessment for the target market, especially for food contact kitchenware.

Choose an experienced freight forwarder: A freight forwarder familiar with kitchenware exports can avoid most customs clearance risks.

Purchase freight insurance: Cover accidental losses in transportation and customs.

If you need customs clearance details for specific countries (e.g. US FDA registration, EU REACH regulations), you can further explain.