When sensitive goods are inspected by customs during sea transportation, a quick and compliant response is key.

The following are step-by-step solutions and preventive suggestions:

1. Emergency handling steps

Confirm the reason for the customs detention

Immediately contact the freight forwarder/carrier to obtain a written notice from the customs (such as the “Notice of Detention”) to clarify the specific reasons (such as: inconsistent product name, missing certification, prohibited ingredients, etc.).

Classification and processing issues

Document issues: Submit or correct documents (such as MSDS, import license, test report, etc.).

Cargo issues:

If it is “gray customs clearance” (such as sensitive goods such as charged, liquid, powder, etc.), coordinate with the customs agent through the freight forwarder to try to pay taxes or change the declaration;

If it involves prohibited goods (such as dangerous goods, infringing goods), they must be returned or destroyed immediately to avoid high fines.

Quick customs clearance channels

Entrust professional customs clearance companies to handle it, especially agents familiar with sensitive goods, which may shorten the time through “deposit release” or “batch pickup”.

Some countries can apply for “pre-inspection” or “expedited inspection” (additional fees are required).

Reduce losses

If the goods are detained and high storage fees are incurred, evaluate whether it is worth clearing customs; otherwise, choose to return the goods (pay attention to the return fee and time limit).

2. Preventive measures (subsequent shipments)

The core of compliance declaration

Sensitive goods must be declared truthfully to avoid “false reporting of product names/HS codes”. For example:

Batteries need to provide UN38.3 certification;

Cosmetics need FDA/CE certification.

Confirm the sensitive goods list of the customs of the destination country with the freight forwarder in advance (such as Indonesia banning Bluetooth devices and Australia strictly inspecting wood products).

Packaging and document optimization

Avoid sensitive words in the outer box (such as “Lithium Battery” can be changed to “Electronic Parts”);

Enclose the test report and safety instructions (Chinese and English versions) with the box.

Logistics channel selection

Sensitive goods special line: such as DHL sensitive goods channel, sea freight chemical products special line;

Double clearance tax package channel: suitable for goods with low value and timeliness requirements (risks need to be assessed by yourself).

Risk sharing

Purchase marine insurance (specially note that it covers “customs detention”);

Agree with the supplier on the “cost sharing clause caused by inspection”.

III. Key points of sensitive goods inspection in common countries

US: FDA (food/drugs), FCC (wireless equipment), DOT (tires);

EU: REACH (chemicals), CE (electronics), RoHS (heavy metals);

Middle East: SASO (Saudi Arabia certification), Halal (halal food);

Southeast Asia: SNI (Indonesia), BIS (India).

IV. Precautions

Do not bribe customs officials, as you may face criminal risks;

For long-term and high-frequency shipments of sensitive goods, it is recommended to register an overseas company and apply for import qualifications.

If the goods have been detained and cannot be cleared, you can consider:

Re-export to a third country (such as Malaysia, Singapore) for reprocessing and export;

Local destruction (notarized documents are required to avoid subsequent liability).

Keep in touch with the freight forwarder and customs in a timely manner. In most cases, you can remedy the situation by paying taxes or documents. Planning compliance channels in advance is the key!