Business Background
A research laboratory at a prominent university in Nanjing requires the air freight of a batch of specialised rock samples from the United States to Nanjing for academic and scientific research purposes. Given the stringent compliance and security requirements for international transport of these items, the laboratory has engaged our company to manage the cross-border logistics arrangements.
Business Process
1. Preliminary Preparation: Dual Verification of Documentation and Qualifications
· Basic Trade Documents: Including the trade contract, pro forma invoice, and packing list (detailing sample quantity, weight, volume, and packaging method).
· Certificate of Origin and Composition Report: Must provide an official Certificate of Origin issued by the United States, along with a composition report tested by a third-party authoritative institution, to avoid classification as solid waste due to ‘unidentified composition’.
· Transport documentation: Verify air waybill details match declaration content. The waybill must specify the consignee's full name, contact details, and destination airport.
· Qualification verification: When appointing a customs clearance agent, select a freight forwarder with proven experience in clearing mineral cargoes and execute an agency agreement.
2. Packaging and Dispatch: Compliant with Rigid Standards for Air Transport
· Packaging Method: Samples weighing ≥80kg per item must employ either full or partial packaging. Full packaging requires a sturdy wooden/metal outer crate with internal cushioning material for securing contents; partial packaging necessitates the sample being firmly lashed to a base pallet.
· Labelling Requirements: External packaging must bear a ‘Heavy Goods’ label, indicating the centre of gravity and securing points to prevent tipping during handling.
3. Domestic Customs Clearance: Four-Step Compliance Inspection Process
· Electronic Declaration: Submit customs declarations via the system, upload complete documentation, and accurately declare all required details (e.g., sample name, origin, intended use, ingredient content).
· Customs Verification: Customs authorities review the authenticity and completeness of submitted information. Any discrepancies must be rectified within 24 hours to prevent delays.
· Goods Inspection: Customs may conduct either machine scanning or physical container inspection, focusing on verifying sample consistency with declared details, packaging integrity, and absence of prohibited items.
Key Considerations
1. Compliance Threshold: Rock samples must have clearly defined composition to avoid classification as solid waste due to ‘unknown composition’. For powdered or mixed mineral samples, additional particle size analysis reports and non-hazardous declarations are required.
2. Special Sample Controls: For unique specimens such as lunar rocks or meteorites, prior approval documentation from relevant national authorities must be obtained. U.S. export procedures must comply with applicable restrictions to mitigate bilateral risks.
3. Packaging Specifications: Goods not packaged to standard may be refused or subject to customs inspection. It is advisable to arrange safety testing by a professional institution after packaging completion.
4. Proactive Policy Communication: Customs policies in both China and the United States may undergo adjustments. Prior to shipment, confirm the latest requirements with customs authorities in both countries, particularly regarding the applicability of tax exemption policies for scientific research supplies.