I. Complete Process of Import Ocean Shipping
Vessel arrival → Arrival notice → Delivery Order (D/O) exchange → Customs declaration → Tax payment → Customs inspection (if applicable) → Release → Cargo pickup → Delivery
| Step | Action | Time |
|---|---|---|
| ① Arrival Notice | Shipping company notifies cargo arrival | Day of arrival |
| ② D/O Exchange | Exchange original bill of lading or telex release for delivery order | 1-2 days after arrival |
| ③ Import Customs Declaration | Submit import documents | 1-3 days after D/O exchange |
| ④ Tax Payment | Pay customs duty and VAT | 1 day after declaration |
| ⑤ Customs Inspection (Spot Check) | Customs open and inspect container | 1-3 days |
| ⑥ Release | Customs clearance enables cargo pickup | 2-5 days after declaration |
| ⑦ Cargo Pickup & Delivery | Tractor picks up container at terminal | 1-2 days after release |
II. Key Operational Points for Each Step
① Arrival Notice
The arrival notice includes: vessel name and voyage number, bill of lading number, container number, arrival date, free demurrage/detention deadline.
Take immediate action after receiving the notice — containers have a free storage period at the terminal (usually 3-7 days), after which demurrage and detachment fees apply.
② D/O Exchange
Exchange the original bill of lading or telex release for a delivery order.
| Bill of Lading Type | Exchange Method | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Original Bill of Lading | Submit original to shipping company's agent | 3-7 days (by courier) |
| Telex Release | Electronic confirmation for release | A few hours |
| Sea Waybill | Pick up with identity proof | Instant |
③ Import Customs Declaration
Required documents: delivery order (D/O), commercial invoice, packing list, contract, certificate of origin, copy of bill of lading, customs declaration authorization letter.
④ Tax Payment
Customs duty = CIF dutiable value × duty rate
VAT = (CIF dutiable value + customs duty) × VAT rate
III. Customs Inspection
| Inspection Rate | Company Type |
|---|---|
| 3%-5% | General companies |
| 1% | AEO advanced certified companies |
| >10% | Low-credit companies |
What to do if inspected?
1. Cooperate with customs and provide required documents
2. Identify the issue (classification/declaration/value)
3. If an error exists, cooperate on amendment and supplementary tax payment
4. Once resolved, customs releases the cargo
IV. Differences Between Import and Export
| Comparison | Export | Import |
|---|---|---|
| Declaration Direction | Declare export to Chinese customs | Declare import to destination country's customs |
| Customs Duty | Generally no export duty | Requires payment of import duty + VAT |
| Bill of Lading | Exporter obtains B/L (payment security) | Importer uses B/L to pick up cargo |
| Time Pressure | Relatively relaxed | Tight (free demurrage period limit) |
Need import cargo cleared and delivered? Send the arrival notice and bill of lading to Bofeng Logistics for a one-stop import service covering D/O exchange → customs declaration → tax payment → cargo pickup → delivery.
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Contact us: 13075678958 | info@zhbfwl.com
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