This article answers 12 core questions tile export enterprises care about: freight forwarder selection criteria, customs declaration process optimization techniques, sea-rail intermodal solutions comparison, tariff calculation essentials, etc., helping you avoid international trade risks.

Five qualifications to check when selecting freight forwarders for tile exports:

• Industry Certification: FIATA, WCA and other international freight association memberships
• Service coverage: Destination port clearance capabilities (especially experience handling EU/US environmental certifications)
• Risk control: Whether comprehensive cargo insurance solutions are provided
• Special operations: Professional fragile goods packaging and stacking techniques (e.g., shockproof wooden frames + moisture-proof film)
• Case data: Tile product export clearance success rate in past three years

ceramic tileExport customs clearanceWhat are special requirements?

According to 2025 latest customs classification rules:

• HS Code: Items 6907/6908 must clearly indicate water absorption rate (≤0.5% or >0.5%)
• Environmental certifications: Radioactivity test report (must comply with EN 14411 standard)
• Declaration of Packaging: Wooden packaging requires IPPC fumigation certificate
• Certificate of Origin: RCEP member countries eligible for tariff reductions (requires Form E)

The MaritimeandRailway TransportationWhich option is more cost-effective?

Guangzhou-Duisburg route comparison (2025 Q2 quotes):

• Sea freight solution
  • 40HQ container rate: $3800
  • Total transit time: 38 days
  • Suitable cargo volume: Full container loads above 15 tons
• China-Europe Express
  • LCL rate: $6.8/kg
  • Total transit time: 22 days
  • Advantage: Avoids port congestion risks

Which is more cost-effective: sea or rail transport?

Three types of fees requiring special attention:

• Port demurrage fees: US LA/LB ports charge $200/day detention fee after 3 days
• Inspection fees: EU CE certification verification fee €150/batch
• Storage fees: Middle East ports exclude weekends from free storage period

What potential hidden charges might occur at destination ports?

Recommended triple protection measures:

• Loading specifications: Lay EPE foam between layers, single pallet height ≤1.2 meters
• Transportation monitoring: Require agents to provide container GPS vibration monitoring records
• Evidence Preservation: Full loading video documentation (especially corner close-ups)

How to avoid tile damage compensation disputes?

Key regions requiring attention:

• Saudi SABER certification: Requires advance registration of PC certificate + SCoC inspection
• Australian Standard AS 4663: Slip resistance coefficient ≥0.4 (wet test)
• East Africa PVoC: Pre-shipment quality inspection must be completed

How to calculateExport tax refundthe amount?

In 2025, the tax rebate rate for tile products is 13%. Calculation formula:

• Tax refund amount= VAT invoice amount/(1+13%) × tax rebate rate
• Note: Complete ocean bill of lading + bank foreign exchange receipt must be provided

How to expedite customs inspection processing?

It is recommended to prepare three types of emergency documents:

• EN ISO 10545 series test report issued by a third-party testing agency
• Factory quality management system certification (ISO 9001 is mandatory)
• Complete logistics tracking proof (proving the shipment remained unopened during transit)

What are the risk points in LCL shipping?

Particular attention is needed:

• Mixed cargo must be declared (if sharing container with sanitary ware, must declare in advance)
• Minimum cubic requirement (Mediterranean route LCL minimum 3 cubic meters)
• Seal integrity check (recommended to use high-security seals)

How to choose the optimalTrade terms?

Payment method recommendations:

• Letter of credit transactions: Prioritize using FOB terms
• Wire transfer payment: Recommend using CIF to control transportation dominance
• Emerging Markets: Consider DDP terms to enhance competitiveness

How to optimize logistics costs?

Recommended three strategies:

• Utilize RCEP accumulation rules for raw material procurement to reduce tariffs
• For Europe/US routes, use heavy cargo discounts from shipping companies like MSC/PIL
• For Middle East/India-Pakistan routes, choose CMA CGMs 20GP special containers

How to verify an agents reliability?

Recommended three verifications:

• Check its GCP (Global Compliance Program) registration status
• Request port operation records for the last three months
• Test emergency response speed (e.g. requiring port change solutions within 2 hours)