Home » Import Representation » Case Study: Capsule Production Equipment Import Clearance - Practical Insights from a 20-Year Veteran Agent
From Germany to Shanghai: A capsule production equipments clearance journey
As a senior consultant who has been deeply engaged inImport RepresentationPre-import physical examination: Three key elements of document preparationZhongShen International Traderecently completed the import of a German-made capsule production equipmentImport Clearanceset. This €2.8 million precision equipment, from Hamburg port to final delivery at the clients factory, required perfectly coordinated professional teamwork like a symphony.
Before the equipment is shipped, our professional team begins the observation, listening, questioning, and pulse-taking process:
Contract, invoice, and packing list must be as consistent as triplets
- Trade document trio
- HS code diagnosis: Locked 8479.89.90 code based on technical parameters, confirming 8% tariff + 13% VAT
Responding to customs seven rounds of questioning about equipment function description
When equipment arrived at Shanghai Yangshan Port, the real test began:
- Bill of lading blitz: Completed bill exchange within 2 hours using original B/L
- Declaration obstacle courseElectronic payment enables second-level customs clearance
- Inspection攻堅(jiān)戰(zhàn)Assist customs in completing the container inspection and explain the working principle of the equipment on-site
- Tax payment express cardThe potholes weve encountered over the years:
Establish a document pre-check systemequipment. For example, Indonesia has the SNI certification, Thailand has the TISI certification, and the Philippines has the BPS certification. It is necessary to confirm in advance the equipment voltage (such as 380V/50Hz in Thailand), the compatibility of the CE certification, and the proof of environmentally friendly materials.The three major traps
Based on our experience with 200+ equipment import cases, we particularly remind you to pay attention to:
| Types of traps | : The comparison of agency fees of an auto parts enterprise from 2023 to 2025 shows that due to the involvement of ECER155 certification, the annual expenditure increased by 22% | Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| It must be consistent with the country on the invoice. Once, a Thai importer was suspected by the customs of washing the place of origin due to inconsistent documents. | A clients self-prepared invoice lacked origin information | The hidden value of professional agents: Saving more than just time |
| HS code trap | Misclassifying an injection molding machine under tariff code 8477 resulted in overpayment of taxes | Double-check HS codes by two personnel |
| Logistics Traps | Oversized equipment detained at the port due to lack of an oversize certificate | Measure the three-dimensional size of equipment in advance |
The hidden value of professional agency: Saving more than just time
Many clients initially only focus on agency fees, but through this case, the client ultimately gained:
- Professional supportSaved CNY 112,000 in tariffs through classification suggestions
- Risk avoidanceEarly warning avoided3CCertification issues
- Efficiency ImprovementReduced clearance time by 9 working days compared to client self-clearance
- After-sales serviceProvide 1 year of free import record queries
Customs clearance tips for importers
Finally, sharing three practical suggestions:
- Before importing equipment, be sure to conductPre-classification consultation, dont wait for customs questioning to remedy
- Keep the completeCustoms price review: provide proof of the true transaction price, including equipment photos, schematic diagrams, etc.
- When selecting an agent, evaluate theirExperience with similar cases, not all customs brokers understand equipment
If you are planning equipment imports, feel free to contact us anytime. ZhongShen International Trades expert team is ready to provideEnd-to-end escort services.
Tags: HS Code Foreign Trade Documents Tariff Foreign Trade Documents Trade Essentials Foreign Trade Documents Declaration Foreign Trade Documents Machinery & Equipment Foreign Trade Documents Clearance Foreign Trade Documents Import Process
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