As the “heart” of the modern electronics industry, integrated circuits are widely used in fields such as communications, automobiles and medical care. However, insufficient domestic production capacity has led to a high degree of import dependence. In 2021, Chinas integrated circuit imports reached 635.5 billion, a year - on - year increase of 16.9%. Facing the complex international trade environment, mastering the entire import process of integrated circuits, necessary documents and regulatory requirements has become the key for relevant enterprises to ensure the safety of the supply chain. The following will analyze from three aspects: process, documents and certification.

I. Import process of integrated circuits

Preparation of pre - qualifications and documents

Enterprises need to complete the filing of import and export operation rights, customs registration and the handling of electronic port IC cards in advance to ensure that they have basic customs clearance qualifications.

At the same time, confirm the trade terms (such as FOB/CIF) with overseas suppliers and prepare complete documents: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, purchase and sales contract and product information (including HS code, technical parameters). For special products, a certificate of origin, a sanitary certificate or a quality inspection report is required additionally.

Customs clearance process and time - effect control

After the goods arrive at the port, first complete the document exchange operation to ensure that the bill of lading information is consistent with the enterprises qualifications. Then submit electronic customs declaration data through the “single window” and complete the inspection application and tax payment simultaneously.

If the “two - step declaration” mode is selected, the goods can be picked up in advance and the complete information can be supplemented within the specified time limit to shorten the port stay time. During the customs inspection, cooperate to provide product descriptions, technical documents, etc. For high - value goods, it is recommended to apply for a third - party inspection report in advance to reduce the inspection risk.

Logistics and warehousing optimization

Choose a port with bonded warehousing capacity and use the “port - area integration” mode to reduce transshipment costs. For precision chips, it is recommended to use shock - proof packaging and purchase freight insurance to prevent transportation losses.

II. List of necessary import documents

1. Basic trade documents

• Contract, invoice, packing list: clarify the product model, quantity, unit price and total amount as the basis for customs price review.
• Bill of Lading (B/L): For sea transportation, the original bill of lading is required to exchange for the delivery order, and for air transportation, the goods are picked up with the waybill.

Product and qualification documents

• Product instruction manual and technical parameters: The packaging status (such as “packaged and uncut”) and application scenarios (such as automotive electronics, consumer electronics) need to be marked.
• Proof of import and export rights: Enterprises need to have import and export qualifications filed with the customs. Those without qualifications can entrust an agency company.

Special supervision documents

• Fumigation certificate: For wooden box packaging, an IPPC mark and a fumigation certificate are required, otherwise the goods may be returned.
• Certificate of origin: Used to enjoy tariff preferences. For example, when importing from ASEAN countries, tax reduction can be obtained with the FORM E certificate.

III. Certification requirements and regulatory policies

1. Compulsory certification

• 3C certification: Some integrated circuits, if involved in safety control (such as automotive electronic chips), need to pass the China Compulsory Product Certification.
• Import license: High - end chips involved in sensitive fields such as military and aerospace need to apply for the “Dual - Use Items Import License”.

Preferential tax policies

• China implements targeted support for the integrated circuit industry: From July 2020 to the end of 2030, eligible enterprises can be exempt from tariffs when importing self - used productive raw materials, clean room building materials, etc. Enterprises need to submit a tax - free application to the commercial department in advance and provide materials such as purchase contracts and purpose certificates.

International compliance risks

• U.S. Export Controls: Some high - end process chips are restricted by the EAR (Export Administration Regulations), and it is necessary to verify whether the ECCN code is compliant.
• EU RoHS Directive: Imported integrated circuits must comply with the restrictions on the content of hazardous substances such as lead and mercury.

IV. Key considerations

• Packaging Compliance: Seal the chips with anti - static bags. The outer carton should be marked with the Fragile label. For air - freighted goods, the weight of each piece needs to be controlled.
• Policy Dynamics Tracking: For example, Chinas import restriction policies on equipment may be adjusted with the development of technology. Enterprises need to regularly pay attention to the announcements of the General Administration of Customs.The SemiconductorSelection of Professional Agents
• : It is recommended to entrust an agency company with experience in integrated circuit imports to deal with unexpected inspections, classification disputes, etc.The import of integrated circuits is not only the transfer of technical products but also a deep practice of international trade rules. Enterprises need to build a full - chain compliance system. From qualification pre - review, document preparation to policy utilization, every step requires refined operation. With the upgrading of Chinas semiconductor industry, the import structure will tilt towards high - end raw materials and equipment, and compliant and efficient import management capabilities will become the core elements of an enterprises competitiveness.

Conclusion

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Import Guide for Integrated Circuits: Understand the Key Processes from Customs Declaration to Pick - up in One Article_Shanghai Comprehensive Agency Service for Import and Export