How to avoid the three hidden costs of importing sheet metal equipment?

The Four Key Stages of Imported Sheet Metal Equipment Agency

According to the latest revised "Mechanical and Electrical Products Import Management Measures" in 2025, sheet metalEquipment ImportsNeed to go throughQualification Review → Customs Declaration → Logistics Transportation → After-sales ServiceFour major stages. Special attention should be paid to equipment such as laser cutting machines and CNC bending machines:

• Preparation period for qualification documents
  • The validity period of the ISO certification must cover the production date of the equipment.
  • It is recommended to verify through the following methods:The certification must be approved by the chamber of commerce.
• Risk of Commodity Classification Errors
  • The numerical control system is declared separately under HS 8537.10.
  • The mechanical body is applicable to different tariff items 8456-8462.

The gold standard for agency company screening

Comparing the differences among the three types of service providers (see the table below), it is recommended to choose those withExperience in operating ATA CarnetClass B or above agents:

• Class A Agent: Possesses an in-house customs clearance team
• Grade B Agent: Cooperates with 5 or more logistics enterprises.
• Class C Proxy: Relies on third-party service providers

Common Issue Resolution Strategies

In accordance with Announcement No. 38 of the General Administration of Customs in 2025, it is recommended to focus on:

• Customs Duty Dispute Resolution Plan
  • The time limit for advance ruling applications has been shortened to 15 working days.
  • Price challenges require submission of complete trade chain documentation.
• Special requirements for equipment inspection
  • The laser protection level must comply with GB 7247.1-2025.
  • The electrical safety certification renewal cycle has been shortened to 3 years.

Interpretation of New Industry Regulations for 2025

The latest policy changes will directly impact import costs:

• The scope of China Customs AEO-certified enterprises has been expanded toCNC machining center users
• The new addition to the Machinery Directive under EU CE certification.Human-machine interaction safety clauses
• The proportion of equipment components applicable under the RCEP rules of origin accumulation has been increased to 65%.

Importers are advised to focus onHS Code 8462910000 (CNC punching equipment)The tax rate change for this tariff code shows a provisional rate for 2025 that is 2.3 percentage points lower than the benchmark rate. By implementing a reasonable split declaration plan, the overall import costs can be reduced by approximately 7.8%.