Why Must Imported Equipment Designate a Domestic Agent? Are You Aware of These Regulatory Loopholes?

The Triple Legal Barriers of Imported Equipment Agency System

According to the revised version of the Mechanical and Electrical Products Import Management Measures effective in 2025, imported equipment valued over $20,000 must be cleared through qualified domestic enterprises. This regulation is detailed in Customs General Administration Order No. 83 into three core requirements:Electromechanical productsImport RepresentationRequire the provision of a tax payment certificate and a special VAT invoice.The agency enterprise must hold the

• Technical parameters of imported equipment must passAutomatic Import License
• Compulsory Product Certification (CCC)The agency agreement must be completed 30 days before the goods arrive at the port
• Local customs filingCompliant domestic agency enterprises can help importers avoid over 80% of operational risks, with their core service modules including:

Four core values of professional agency services

Pre-qualification system

• HS code pre-classification dispute resolution
  • EquipmentIt is recommended to verify through the following methods:Clear compliance review
  • Customs clearance acceleration channel
• Access to dedicated declaration channels for mechanical and electrical products
  • Application of tariff guarantee insurance for fast clearance
  • Technical compliance guarantee
• CE/UL certification equivalence assessment
  • Energy efficiency level testing avoidance solution
  • 2025 Agent Selection Evaluation Matrix

2025 Agent Selection Evaluation Matrix

Based on the analysis of AEO-certified enterprise data by customs, qualified agents should meet the following conditions:

• Qualification Verification: Electromechanical product business license + Customs Advanced Certification
• Industry experience: Annual handling volume of specific equipment categories ≥50 units
• Risk control ability: Possess technical trade measures response plans
• Service network: Establish emergency response centers at major ports

In-depth analysis of typical risk cases

Case 1:A manufacturing company chose an agent without CCC certification experience, resulting in a $1.2 million CNC machine being detained at port for 38 days, incurring $27,000 in late declaration fees.

Solution:Professional agents changed the commodity code from 8462.49 to 8458.11 through pre-classification dispute procedures, reducing tariff rates from 8% to 5%.

Case 2:Medical EquipmentImporters failed to completeFDA registrationthrough their agents, leading to $20 million worth of MRI equipment being required for return shipment.

Countermeasures:Service providers with medical device agency qualifications can completeImported medical device registration certificateregistration changes

within 15 working days.

2025 policy outlook and response recommendationsThe General Administration of Customs plans to implementFor products that require the addition of inhibitors or stabilizers, relevant instructions should be provided to ensure the stability of the chemical products during transportation and storage.

• a full-cycle traceability system for electromechanical product imports
• The electronic device ID system will be implemented from Q2 2025Importers need to establish
• equipment lifecycle records

through agency companiesLocal customs will verify agents technical service capabilitiesandIt is recommended that importers clearly specifyquality traceability obligations