Export / Import

To ship goods to China is not always an easy undertaking, there are several issues you have to consider:

• The most important aspect is the 100% correct classification of the customs tariff number
  Contrary to most other countries the declared elements are important when it comes to customs tariff classification in China.
• The documents must be issued according a certain pattern and also must be absolutely correct
• Commercial invoices, packing lists and bill of lading/airway bill must 100% correspond 
• Especially important is the CDS (Customs Declaration Sheet) relating the payment to foreign suppliers
• How does it look with the import license?
• Are goods used/second hand? In this way a special process needs to be followed
• Deliveries free of charge and temporary importation are possible, there are special preparations necessary.

Customs & CIQ

In China two main authorities are involved in the importation declaration process, namely:

1. Customs
   Chinese Customs mainly has the duty of declaration tasks. The documents must correspond with the physical goods. It is forbidden to smuggle anything into China. Customs is as well responsible for the duty levy, a vey important source of income, especially that China did not conclude too many free trage agreements so far. Another important task of Chinese Customs is to audit enterprises, in order these companies can obtain the AEO status.
   
   
2. CIQ (China entry-exit and quarantine bureau)
   The CIQ authority is responsible for health- and hygienic related topics. Especially important are the following topics

• IPPC mark for wooden packaging and wooden material
• General the qualitative condition of the inner- and outer packaging
• Second hand management
• CCC Certification - there are three scopes, CCC-A, CCC-B and CCC-C
• Energy efficiency label 

Duty Exemption

For certain projects it is possible in China to apply for duty exemption. This process is very complicated and a lot of preparations are necessary from both sides, supplier's and the Chinese importer.

The project must be released and approved by the national and local NDRC (national development and reform committee) office, and there are several commercial and technical documents necessary

Temporary importation in China

The temporary importation in China is very special. For this process it is mandatory to calculate enough time for the throughput time. Depending of the final destination in China it can take 2-4 weeks until the registration is done at Chinese Customs, first then the goods can be sent to China. Additionally the goods are under permanent supervision of the Chinese Customs and also from the CIQ authority, depending on the goods category. The period for the temporary importation is normally six months, and under certain circumstances this period can be extended once.

Life in China...

If you plan to emigrate to China, to spend a longer time period in China or you need to go to China for a longer business stay, then I an consult you with some important advise, which are very important in the beginning.

Work in China...

If you work for company in China and if you also lead a team with Chinese associates, then it is very important to follow certain rules. Also here I can give you some support....