Case study of importing French industrial computers: How to quickly clear 3C certified products?

I. Case Background: Special Characteristics of Industrial Computer Imports

In June 2022, we received a commission from a French industrial automation equipment manufacturer to urgently import a batch of industrial control computers to China. These products have three distinctive features:

• Complex HS code classification (usually under 8471.49)
• Fall under mandatory3CCertification scope
• High value and special transportation requirements

Through preliminary communication, we understood the clients main concerns wereClearance time efficiencyandCompliance risk control. As key components of production equipment, delayed arrival of industrial computers may cause production line shutdowns, while improper handling of 3C certification issues could lead to return risks.

II. Breakdown of the complete clearance process

1. Preparation Phase (Key Success Factors)

We formed a dedicated team including customs manager, documentation specialist, and 3C certification consultant, focusing on completing:

Work content	Technical points	Time Consumption
Confirmation of declaration elements	Verification of CPU model/frequency and other technical parameters	1 working day
3C certificate review	Confirming certificate coverage matches actual products	0.5 working day
Trade contract review	Price terms apply to CIF Shanghai	0.5 working day

2. Airport customs clearance operations

After the goods arrive at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, we initiate the pre-declaration + advance document review mechanism:

1. Complete electronic declaration 12 hours before the aircraft lands
2. Utilize the AEO Advanced Certification enterprise channel for priority document review
3. Simultaneously prepare original paper documents (including those certified by the French Chamber of CommerceIt is recommended to verify through the following methods:Trade dispute settlement mechanisms

Special reminder: Industrial computersCustoms valuationoften becomes a point of dispute. We prepared transaction records of similar products during the same period as price evidence, avoiding delays due to valuation review.

Strategies for dealing with inspections

Although this case ultimately did not trigger inspection, we always maintained the inspection emergency kit in ready status:

• Bilingual (Chinese-English) product function descriptions
• Technical specifications for key components
• 3C certification scope compliance statement
• Backup sample units with pre-installed testing software

III. 3C Certification Handling Experience

As information technology equipment, industrial computers typically need to comply with CNCA-C16-01:2020 certification requirements. In this case, we implemented two key measures:

1. Certificate scope verification: Confirmed the clients provided 3C certificate covered all imported models, with special attention to changes in key components like motherboards and power supplies
2. Exemption scenario evaluation

: For some R&D sample units, we assisted the client in applying for the Exemption Certificate for Compulsory Product Certification,

We recommend that importers of similar products pay special attention: Since 2023, certification requirements for some industrial computers have been adjusted, requiring attention to the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs.

IV. Value-added Services of Professional Agency

Through this case, we achieved the following for our client:

Pain Points	Solutions	Results
Air TransportationHigh costs	Consolidated multiple shipments for palletized transportation	23% freight cost savings
VAT capital occupation	Applied for consolidated tax payment qualification	35-day tax payment deferral
Subsequent batch management	Established a commodity classification database	40% improvement in subsequent declaration efficiency

V. Industry Trend Observations

Based on recent operational experience, we observe three new trends in industrialequipment. 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.Presenting three new trends:

1. Pre-shipment inspection: Increasing numbers of European manufacturers choose to complete China standard compliance verification before export
2. Utilize the China - ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) to achieve zero tariffs on imported frames from Thailand;: ThroughChina-Europe Railway ExpressTransportation can enjoy tariff preferences along the route
3. Digital customs clearance: The pilot blockchain + customs model will significantly reduce document processing time

Final advice for industry peers: Special attention should be paid to industrial equipment importsDeclaration consistencyIssue: The actual specifications and parameters of the arrived goods must completely match the declared information. It is recommended to establish a comprehensive Quality Assurance (QA) process for goods arrival inspection to avoid customs clearance delays caused by minor discrepancies.