The General Administration of Customs of the China (GACC) has implemented and reinforced regulations for formal and informal entry shipments to and from China Mainland. The regulations requiring accurate information for customs clearance are summarised in the following paragraphs:
Formal Clearance for Package and Freight Shipment
GACC has issued Order No. 60, adjusting formal entry clearance requirements for package and freight shipments to and from China Mainland. As such, shippers and/or consignees may be contacted to provide the following information to facilitate customs clearance:
- Name of legal registered entity of overseas shipper or consignee
- 18-digits social identifier¹ of the shipper and/or consignee
For more information on this new policy, visit China Customs site
Informal Clearance for Package Shipment Only
GACC has reinforced informal entry clearance requirements for package shipments importing into China Mainland. Shippers are reminded that it is mandatory to include detailed information on the following elements in the commercial invoice:
- Product information² includes product description, brand name, manufacturer name, condition of the product³, composition of materials and internal packaging details
- Declared value
- Shipper and/or consignee’s company information including company name, 18-digits social identifier¹ and customs registration number¹
Failure to provide accurate information may result in holds and delays at customs.
¹Apply to China Mainland customers and companies only
²Example of a complete product information: women's shirt, Zara, manufacturer unknown, used, woven, 100% cotton, packed in bag
³All products are considered new unless stated otherwise