Business Background
Ocean Whale International Logistics has maintained a long-term cooperative relationship with a machinery manufacturing enterprise in Liaoning. The enterprise plans to export 15 lawn mowers to Berlin, Germany. As this is the client’s first time exporting such products to the European Union (EU), they are unfamiliar with the EU market’s customs clearance requirements, product certification standards, and end-to-end logistics operations. To ensure smooth delivery, the client entrusted our company to provide a one-stop export logistics solution covering the entire process from the Liaoning factory to the Berlin warehouse.
Our business experts tailored a door-to-door service package based on the cargo characteristics and German import regulations, including domestic customs declaration, international ocean freight, German customs clearance, and final delivery. We also provided professional guidance on key aspects such as product certification and packaging requirements. After confirming the details with the client, we secured the cooperation.
Business Process
Documents Required for Lawn Mower Export Customs Declaration
Export Operation Right (customs filing registration);
Sales Contract, Proforma Invoice, Packing List for the goods;
Product Information (model, specification, HS code, declaration elements, etc.);
Customs Declaration Power of Attorney (electronic or paper with official seal);
Performance Test Report for Export Cargo Transport Packaging (if wooden packaging is used, it must bear an IPPC mark);
Certification Documents related to the product (e.g., CE certificate, Declaration of Conformity, technical files);
Bill of Lading (B/L) confirmation.
Export Customs Declaration Process for Remote-Controlled Lawn Mowers：
Booking and Pickup: Book space with the shipping line according to the cargo schedule and arrange a dedicated vehicle to pick up the goods from the Liaoning client’s factory.
Domestic Export Customs Declaration: After the goods arrive at the port of departure (e.g., Dalian Port), organize all required customs declaration documents and submit them to Chinese customs for export declaration.
Customs Release and Shipment: If inspection is required by customs, cooperate with the inspection; after release, load the goods onto the vessel and sail to Hamburg Port, Germany.
International Ocean Freight: Arrange container ocean freight (either Full Container Load (FCL) or Less than Container Load (LCL)) and track the cargo’s maritime transportation status.
German Import Customs Clearance: Prior to the goods’ arrival at the port, prepare the required documents for German customs clearance (commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, CE documents, etc.) for pre-declaration.
Tax Payment and Inspection: Cooperate with German customs to complete price verification, pay EU tariffs and Value Added Tax (VAT), and handle any potential inspections.
Cargo Release and Pickup: After completing customs clearance procedures, pick up the container from the port.
Inland Transportation and Delivery: Arrange truck transportation within Germany to safely deliver the goods to the designated warehouse or address in Hamburg.
Empty Container Return: Return the empty container to the specified yard after unloading.
Experience Summary：
Prioritize Certification: The EU market imposes strict supervision on mechanical and electrical products. It is essential to confirm and prepare the CE certificate, EC Declaration of Conformity, and complete technical files in advance, as these are mandatory requirements for customs clearance and cannot be omitted.
Ensure Compliance of Packaging and Markings: Export cargo packaging must be sturdy enough to withstand long-distance transportation. If wooden packaging is used, it must undergo fumigation treatment and bear an IPPC mark to avoid rectification requirements or penalties at the destination port.
Coordinate End-to-End Timelines: Space for European routes and inland transportation resources should be locked in advance, especially during peak seasons. A detailed timeline should be developed to link domestic export, ocean freight, German customs clearance, and delivery processes, avoiding unnecessary demurrage or storage fees.