Customs Changes in China - Anyone shipping cargo into China must take note!

Posted on 13 October 2014

China is tightening customs laws by introducing a 24 hour Advanced Filing Rule on cargo intended for entry into the Shenzhen port effective 15th October, 2014. The Chinese government has already enforced this rule for Shanghai effective June, 2014 and this is an extension of the rule to the Shenzhen area.

What it means for you?

If you have any cargo heading to China via Shenzhen, the new requirement is that all of the essential information about the shipment (including trading parties, route, schedule and vessel), container and cargo information need to be electronically transmitted to customs 24 hours before the cargo is loaded on board the vessel.

What you need to know?

Effective 15th October, 2014
This will affect all cargo destined for Shenzhen area including Shekou, Yantian, Dachan Bay and Chiwan ports.
The mandatory information includes:

Shippers details: name, full physical address, telephone, city, country
Consignees’ details: name, full physical address, telephone, city, country
Notify party name and address when “to order” BL
Cargo description: acceptable & specific description of goods. The first 6 digits HS code is required
Package Type Code
Number of packages: total gross weight, packages, type of packages
Total gross weight, total number of packages, type of packages
Container number
Container seal
IMDG code/UN no. for dangerous goods

Are these Advance Filing Rules the new trend?

Yes. Japan, Canada, Mexico and the USA all enforce their own Advanced Filing Rules; with 27 countries in Europe have implemented entry summary declarations. Australia and Brazil are all set to implement their own rules so we should all expect more major trading countries to see security process tightened.

Want to find out more?

Our Air and Ocean team can help ensure your cargo arrives into China according to the correct documentation processes or you can find more information below: