0. Pre-Clearance Self-Checklist (S0)
Before initiating the export customs clearance process, take 5 minutes to complete the following self-check to avoid delays caused by inadequate preparation:
| Check Item | Inspection Content | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Is the cargo exportable? | Check HS code regulatory conditions to confirm it is not a prohib ted/restricted export item | □ |
| ✅ Is the HS code confirmed? | Accurate to 8 digits with clear classification basis | □ |
| ✅ Are licenses/inspection completed? | If regulatory conditions involve certificates/inspection, apply in advance | □ |
| ✅ Are all documents ready? | Invoice/packing list/contract prepared and data consistent | □ |
| ✅ Is the credit rating known? | Enterprise customs credit rating leads to corresponding expected inspection rate | □ |
| ✅ Is the declaration method selected? | Self-declaration or agent? If agent, power of attorney signed | □ |
| ✅ Is sufficient time allowed? | Allow at least 2 working days (without inspection) to 5 working days (with inspection) | □ |
All 7 items above checked √ → Clearance process can proceed smoothly. If any items are incomplete, handle them first before declaring..
1. Export Clearance Overview
1.1 Overall Process
Pre-export Preparation
↓
① Document Preparation ── Overview 1-2 days
↓
② Electronic Declaration (Single Window) ─ 10-30 minutes
↓
③ Customs Review ──────────── Seconds to hours
↓
┌──────┴──────┐
│ ④a Inspection│ ④b Tax Payment (Rar e)── 1 -2 days (during inspection)
└──────┬──────┘
↓
⑤ Electronic Release ────────── Instant
↓
⑥ Physical Shipment ──────── According to sailing/flight schedule
↓
⑦ Clearance ──────────────── 1-3 days after release
1.2 Time Reference
| Stage | Without Inspection | With Inspection |
|---|---|---|
| Document Preparation | 1-2 days | 1-2 days |
| Electronic Declaration → Review | 0.5-4 hours | 0.5-4 hours |
| Inspection | — | 1-2 days |
| Release → Shipment | According to sailing schedule | According to sailing schedule |
| Clearance | 1-3 days after release | 1-3 days after release |
| Total Time (from declaration to release) | 0.5-1 day | 1.5-3 days |
2. Step 1: Pre-export Preparation
2.1 Confirming Cargo Regulatory Conditions
Before preparing for expor t, confi3 things first:
✔ Is the commodity allowed for export? (Prohibited exports? Restricted exports?)
✔ Is an export license required? (Does the regulatory condition code include G/O/2/3/4 etc.?)
✔ Is export mandatory inspection required? (Does the regulatory condition include B?)
2.2 Document Preparation
Core documents for export customs declarations (see Chapter 3 for details):
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | Product name, HS code, quantity, uni t price, total price, trade terms |
| Packing List | Number of packages, gross weight, net weight, volume, marks |
| Sales Contract | Or sales confirmation |
| Customs Declaration Power of Attorney | Provided when entrusting an agent (electronic power of attorney preferred |
| Other Regulatory Documents | L Iceage, certificate of start of origin, inspection forms, etc. (depending on the product ) | tr>
2.3 Internal Audit Before Customs Declaration
Companies are advised to establish a "Six Confirmations" system, listing specific verification methods for each item:
| Inspection Content | Validate th Method
|---|
Related Logistics Services
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