Freight forwarders inCustoms clearanceWhat specific responsibilities do they undertake in the process?

The core responsibilities of professional export freight forwarders can be summarized into three dimensions:Document compliance managementandDeclaration process optimizationandRisk early warning control. Specifically include:

• Review the completeness and accuracy of all trade documents (commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, etc.)
• Confirm commodity classification according to HS code rules to ensure compliant declaration elements
• Calculate and pay duties, VAT, and other applicable charges on behalf
• Handle customs inspection instructions and subsequent rectification requirements
• Monitor policy changes in destination countries (such as the EUs new carbon border tax mechanism implemented in 2025)

What core documents need to be prepared for export customs clearance?

Basic document checklist should include:

• Commercial invoice (must specify trade terms and price composition)
• Packing list (gross/net weights must match manifest)
• Transport documents (ocean bill of lading/air waybill)
• Certificate of origin (regular CO or preferential FORM E)
• Special regulatory certificates:
  • Dangerous goods transport identification report
  • Food hygiene certificate
  • CE certification for machinery and electronics

Note: The upgraded ASEAN Free Trade Agreement in 2025 requires certificates of origin to be issued through blockchain platforms, with paper certificates being gradually phased out.

Customs declarationWhat problems can arise from discrepancies between the declared price and actual transaction price?

Discrepancies in declared value may trigger three major risks:

• administrative penalty risks: Chinese customs may impose fines ranging from 10% to 30% of the goods value for inaccurate price declarations
• Credit downgrade risk: The companys customs credit rating may be downgraded from AEO certification to general credit enterprise
• Subsequent verification risk: EU customs authorities have the right to trace back the dutiable value of similar goods within 3 years

Professional agents will implementprice pre-audit mechanisms, comparing with customs database records of similar products during the same period to ensure declared prices comply with WTO Valuation Agreement requirements.

How to efficiently respond to customs inspections?

Standardized procedures for handling customs inspections should include:

• Confirming the inspection reason within 2 hours after receiving the inspection notice
• Preparing electronic declaration documents and physical sample references
• Arranging licensed customs brokers to assist with on-site container opening
• Establishing corrective action tracking sheets for any abnormal inspection findings

Based on our case study serving a photovoltaic enterprise, by establishingpre-classification product databases, their inspection rate decreased from 17% to 4.3%, with average customs clearance time reduced by 2.8 days.

How to avoid additional costs caused by destination port clearance delays?

Key control points for preventing demurrage charges:

• Confirm destination country customs working hours in advance (e.g. Friday is a rest day in Middle Eastern countries)
• Complete ENS/AMS and other pre-declaration system entries before shipment
• Verify consistency between bill of lading consignee information and import licenses
• Reserve emergency clearance channels for perishable goods

By 2025, major global ports will fully implementpaperless customs clearance, companies are advised to complete EDI system integration in advance.

What capabilities should be prioritized when selecting a freight forwarder?

Evaluation criteria system for quality agents:

• Customs AEO Advanced Certification Qualification
• Successful case studies in specific industries (e.g. medical devices, auto parts)
• Global port emergency response network coverage rate
• Digitalization level of compliance management systems
• 24-hour multilingual customs clearance consultation service capability

Request for Agent ProvisionKPI report for customs clearance in the past 12 months, focusing on core indicators such as declaration accuracy rate and inspection response success rate.