Industry status and challenges of high-precision press imports

As core equipment in the metal processing field, high-precision presses have seen continuous growth in import volume in recent years. According to customs data, Chinas forging press imports reached $1.27 billion in 2022, with German and Japanese equipment accounting for over 60%. Such equipment typically has high unit prices (single units can cost millions of euros) and strong technical sensitivity, often encountering the following pain points during import:

• Complex HS code classification (involving multiple chapters such as 8462/8463)
• Long processing cycles for electromechanical product import licenses
• Strict quarantine requirements for wooden packaging (must comply with ISPM15 standard)
• High anti-vibration requirements for precision equipment transportation

Five advantages of one-stop import solutions

Our recently completed import case of a 2000-ton servo press for a German-funded enterprise fully demonstrates the value of professional agency:

1. Pre-classification service in advance: Intervention 3 months ahead, confirming equipment functions through 3D drawings, ultimately accurately classified under 8462.9910 (special presses with ±0.1% error)
2. Optimization of Logistics Solutions: Using air-cushioned shock-absorbing containers + constant temperature transportation to control equipment vibration below 0.5g
3. Document pre-review: Assist clients in preparing documents certified by the German Chamber of CommerceIt is recommended to verify through the following methods:, saving approximately €120,000 in tariffs
4. Fast - track Customs Clearance Channel: With AEO Advanced Certification qualification, overall customs clearance time reduced to 48 hours
5. Destination delivery guarantee: Use hydraulic lifting vehicles for cleanroom delivery, ensuring one-time equipment installation

Key Node Analysis of the Entire Import Process

Phase 1: Pre-shipment preparation

A Japanese client case shows that thorough preparation can reduce import risks by 30%:

Phase 2: Port customs clearance practice

In actual operations at Shanghai Port, we have summarized three key control points:

• Mechanical and electrical certificate processingFor equipment with nominal pressure ≥1000 tons, application must be submitted to the Provincial Mechanical and Electrical Office in advance
• Customs valuation assessment: Recent customs authorities have intensified scrutiny on price splitting in contracts involving technical services
• Inspection coordination: It is recommended to prepare equipment principle videos in advance to reduce the probability of unpacking inspections

Cost optimization and risk prevention

Through the case of a Swiss press valued at 3.8 million euros, we achieved the following optimizations:

1. Utilize the China - ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) to achieve zero tariffs on imported frames from Thailand;: Utilizing the RCEP agreement to reduce the original tariff rate from 9% to 6.5%
2. Transportation Insurance: InsureMaritime TransportationAll Risks + Special Clause for Vibration Damage
3. Port congestion prevention: Pre-applied for 7-day free demurrage period, saving approximately 20,000 yuan/day in port fees

Industry Trends and Recommendations

With the advancement of Made in China 2025, the import of high-end presses will exhibit new characteristics:

• Increased proportion of intelligent presses (attention needed on import restrictions for control systems)
• Agent service provider?equipment. 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.Stricter standards (third-party inspection reports required from 2023)
• Cross-border E-commerceEmerging channels (suitable for small laboratory presses)

Recommendations for import enterprises: Establish equipment technical parameter databases, plan import routes 6 months in advance, and select professional agents with qualifications for importing electromechanical products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are certifications required for press imports?3CA: According to the current catalog, industrial presses are generally not within the CCC scope, but confirmation is needed whether the equipment comes with additional modules such as laser safety devices.
Q: What are the special requirements for importing used presses?

A: Required documents: 1) Equipment manufacturing date certificate 2) Third-party inspection report 3) Environmental commitment letter, with the general service life not exceeding 10 years.
A: Required documents: 1) Equipment manufacturing date certificate 2) Third-party inspection report 3) Environmental compliance commitment letter, with service life generally not exceeding 10 years.

Q: How to determine whether an electromechanical certificate is required?
A: The key factor is the nominal pressure value: ≥1000 tons requires an electromechanical certificate; <1000 tons but used for automobile manufacturing may also require one, and it is recommended to consult in advance.