Import Clearance Full Process: Port Arrival → D/O Exchange → Declaration & Tax Payment → Inspection & Release → Cargo Pickup – Complete Guide

〇. Pre-Import Customs Clearance Self-Checklist (S0)

Import customs clearance involves more steps than export customs declaration (document exchange, tax payment, cargo pickup). Conducting a self-check in advance helps avoid late declaration penalties and detention charges:

Note: The import clearance process is generally consistent across major ports in the Pearl River Delta (Yantian/Shekou/Nansha/Chiwan/Gaolan). However, Terminal Handling Charges (THC) and free detention periods may vary slightly. It is recommended to confirm these details with the specific port in advance.

I. Import Customs Clearance Process Overview

1.1 Overall Process Flow

Import clearance involves more steps than export declaration, primarily due to the additional processes of document exchange, tax payment, and cargo pickup.

Vessel Arrival
    ↓
① Arrival Notice ──────────── Vessel Arrival Day
    ↓
② D/O Exchange ────────────── 1-2 days
    ↓
③ Customs Declaration (Electronic) ── 0.5-1 day
    ↓
④ Tax Payment ──────────────── Immediate (Electronic Payment)
    ↓
┌──────┴──────┐
│ ⑤ Customs Inspection │ ── 1-2 days (if applicable)
└──────┬──────┘
    ↓
⑥ Customs Release ──────────── Immediate
    ↓
⑦ Cargo Pickup ────────────── 1-2 days (including trucking arrangement)

1.2 Timeframe Reference

II. Step 1: Arrival Notice

Before the cargo arrives at the port, the shipping company or freight forwarder will issue an Arrival Notice to the importer (consignee). Upon receiving this notice, the importer should initiate the customs clearance process as soon as possible.

Information included in the Arrival Notice:

• Vessel name / Voyage, Bill of Lading number
• Container number(s)
• Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA)
• Port code and specific terminal
• Free detention period at the destination port (generally 7-14 days)
• Date when demurrage charges begin

III. Step 2: D/O Exchange

3.1 What is D/O Exchange?

D/O (Delivery Order) Exchange is the process where the importer presents the original Bill of Lading (or Telex Release B/L) to the shipping company or its agent to obtain the Delivery Order (D/O). The D/O is the document authorizing the terminal to release the cargo.

3.2 D/O Exchange Process Flow

Present Original B/L/Telex Release → Shipping Company Agent → Settle Freight & Miscellaneous Charges → Obtain D/O → Use D/O to Pick Up Cargo from Terminal

3.3 Documents Required for D/O Exchange

3.4 Parallel Processing of D/O Exchange and Customs Declaration

In practice, D/O exchange and customs declaration can be carried out in parallel. Once cargo arrival is confirmed and B/L information is verified, the import declaration can be initiated without waiting for the D/O to be physically obtained.

IV. Step 3: Import Declaration

4.1 Declaration Time Limit

According to the Customs Law, import goods must be declared to Customs within 14 days from the date the means of transport is declared to have entered the territory.

4.2 Key Points for Filling in the Import Declaration Form

While most fields are similar to export declarations, the following fields require special attention for imports:

4.3 Documents Required for Import Declaration

V. Step 4: Tax Payment

5.1 Taxation Process

One of the key differences between import and export processes: Exports are generally not subject to duties, while imports must be taxed.

Import taxes include the following:

5.2 Tax Payment Methods

Electronic Payment (currently the most common):

1. Customs generates electronic tax forms
2. Pay online via the Single Window system or online banking
3. System automatically verifies the tax payment upon successful transfer
4. Proceed with the customs release process

Consolidated Tax Payment (Available for AEO-certified companies):

• Goods released first, taxes paid later (monthly consolidated payment)
• Reduces capital occupation, improves customs clearance efficiency

5.3 Utilizing Tariff Preferences

If a valid Certificate of Origin (see 3.2) can be provided, you may apply for preferential tariff rates under free trade agreements or RCEP, significantly reducing customs duty burden.

Reference: For detailed calculation methods for import duties, please refer to Section 4.4 "Tariff Calculation" in this manual.

VI. Step 5: Customs Inspection

The inspection process for imports is similar to that for exports (refer to Section 5.3 "Handling Customs Inspections").

Additional points to note for import inspections:

• Verification of declared value (to prevent undervaluation for tax evasion)
• Verification of origin (to prevent false claims for lower tariff rates)
• Compliance with applicable Chinese mandatory standards (e.g., CCC certification)

VII. Step 6: Customs Release

Once tax payment is completed and inspection (if any) is passed, the customs system issues an electronic release order.

Conditions for Customs Release:

After Release:

• The terminal allows cargo pickup upon receiving the electronic release order
• The importer (or appointed trucking company) can arrange for pickup

VIII. Step 7: Cargo Pickup

8.1 Pickup Process Flow

Present D/O + Release Order → Complete Terminal Pickup Procedures → Arrange Trucking → Terminal Container Pickup → Truck to Factory/Warehouse

8.2 Post-Pickup Matters

8.3 Important Post-Pickup Deadlines

IX. Optimizing Import Customs Clearance Efficiency

X. Quick Comparison: Import Clearance vs. Export Declaration

Next Step: After import clearance is completed → Cargo transported to factory/warehouse.Preceding Step: For import ocean freight arrival details, refer to Section 23 "Import Ocean Freight Operations Guide" in the International Shipping Operations Manual.

📞 Bofeng Logistics offers import customs clearance agency services, covering Zhuhai Gaolan Port, Guangzhou Nansha Port, Shenzhen Yantian/Shekou Port (Note: Clearance at other ports requires separate confirmation). From port arrival D/O exchange to pickup and delivery, we provide a one-stop solution including customs declaration, tax payment, and trucking. We are familiar with the terminal operations at each port.Contact us at 13075678958 or email info@zhbfwl.com for a tailored solution and quotation.

Next Section: Section 5.3 "Handling Customs Inspections" — Inspection types, factors affecting inspection rates, and what to do if inspected.

Bofeng Logistics specializes in domestic/international container shipping, Hong Kong/Macau logistics services, and value-added services (trucking, customs declaration, warehousing, insurance).

Customs declaration services coverage: Zhuhai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen.