How to declare for LCL (Less than Container Load) sea freight.

LCL (Less than Container Load) sea freight, as a cost-effective international shipping method, is especially suitable for small and medium-sized export enterprises whose cargo volume is insufficient to fill a standard container. LCL cargo needs to be consolidated by a professional freight forwarder, and customs declaration procedures are handled uniformly.

The following are the specific operation steps and precautions for LCL customs declaration of our company, Bofeng Logistics:

1. Booking Stage

• Confirming Information: Firstly, the shipper needs to submit a booking application (BOOKING) to our company, including information on the shipper and consignee, the port of loading and destination port, the Chinese and English names of the goods, the number of pieces, gross weight, volume, and the estimated shipping schedule. The booking confirmation (SO) will list the warehouse delivery route and precautions.
• Booking Confirmation: After our company confirms the booking, we will provide a warehouse entry form to the shipper as a voucher for subsequent cargo warehousing.

2. Preparing Customs Declaration Documents

• Commercial Invoice: Detailed listing of the value, quantity, and other information of the goods.
• Packing List: Describes the specific packaging of the goods, including the size, weight, etc., of each item.
• Export Customs Declaration Form: Contains all necessary declaration information, filled out and submitted with the assistance of our company or a customs broker.
• Certificate of Origin: If applicable, used to enjoy tariff preferences.
• Other Specific Documents: Depending on the nature of the goods and the requirements of the destination, it may also be necessary to provide inspection and quarantine certificates, licenses, etc.

3. Warehouse Delivery and Customs Declaration

• Warehouse Delivery: The shipper delivers the goods to the designated warehouse based on the warehouse entry form and completes the warehousing of the goods using the entry number.
• Verifying Data: Warehouse personnel will verify the actual weight and volume of the goods to ensure consistency with the declared information.
• Customs Declaration: Our company or a customs broker will declare to Customs based on the prepared customs documents before the goods are loaded onto the ship. This process includes electronic filing and, when necessary, the submission of paper documents on site.

4. Customs Clearance Documents and Fees

• Customs Declaration and Inspection Fees, Commodity Inspection Fees: Depending on the type of goods, a commodity inspection may be required, and corresponding fees will be paid.
• Customs Inspection Fee: If Customs decides to conduct a random or targeted inspection of the goods, additional inspection fees will be incurred.
• Other Fees: Including but not limited to port surcharges, warehouse fees (especially for temporary storage of LCL goods at the warehouse), possible fumigation or animal and plant quarantine fees, etc.

5. Release and Loading

• Obtaining Release Notice: After Customs has reviewed and found no issues, a release notice will be issued, allowing the goods to be loaded for export.
• Loading Operation: Our company arranges for the goods to be loaded onto the scheduled vessel and issues a HOUSE B/L (House Bill of Lading) to the shipper as a transport document.

Precautions:

• Plan Ahead: Pay attention to the cut-off time and shipping schedule, ensuring all documents are prepared in advance to avoid delays.
• Compliant Declaration: Ensure all declared information is accurate to avoid fines or cargo detention due to incorrect declarations.
• Understand the Rules: Import regulations and tariff policies may vary in different countries/regions; understand and comply with relevant rules beforehand.

Bofeng Logistics specializes in providing one-stop logistics services for domestic container shipping, international sea freight (FCL/LCL), Hong Kong/Macao logistics special lines, as well as trucking, customs declaration, and warehousing. Contact: 130-7567-8958 (Manager Huang). Call now for an exclusive quote!