How can the import agency of hydrogen - energy equipment avoid the 15% hidden - cost trap?

Hydrogen Energyequipment. 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.The dynamic adjustment of Sino - US tariff policies (such as the 301 clause) and errors in customs code classification may lead to customs - clearance delays or additional taxes. Enterprises with insufficient experience are prone to having their goods detained by the customs due to incorrect declarations, affecting their delivery reputation.

With the expectation that the global hydrogen - energy market will exceed 250 billion US dollars in scale in 2025, the demand of domestic enterprises for importing equipment such as electrolyzers and hydrogen storage tanks has surged. However, in actual operation, due to deviations in equipment classificationSharp Increase in Tariff Costs, Caused by Lack of Technical CertificationCustoms Clearance Delays, and Disputes over Cargo Damage Compensation Caused by Improper Transportation PlansConstitute the Three Major Risk Sources in the Import Link.Key Control Points of Key Process Nodes

There are four core links to be grasped for equipment imports:

Equivalence Proof of EU PED Certification and ASME Certification

• Pre-Classification Confirmation
  • The electrolytic water hydrogen - making device is recommended to be classified under 8419.89
  • Hydrogen storage containers need to be distinguished according to the working pressure (＞20MPa is classified under 7311.00)
• Includes risk assessment reports, performance test data, clinical evaluation reports, etc.
  • Verification of the Validity Period of Explosion - Proof Certification Documents
  • Modular Disassembly and Transportation for Over - sized Equipment
• to help enterprises reduce
  • + Cost Comparative Analysis of Inland Waterway Combined Transport
  • Maritime TransportationPractical Strategies for Tariff Reduction

Practical strategies for tariff reduction

In the Import Tax Policy for Major Technical Equipment that came into effect in 2025, the import of hydrogen - energy equipment can enjoy:

• 12 hydrogen - energy - specific components are added to the tariff - reduction catalog for key components
• The application success rate of the free - trade agreement tariff rate has increased to 83% (a 19% increase compared with 2023)
• The value - added tax retention credit and refund cycle has been shortened to 45 working days

Screening Dimensions for Agent Service Providers

Qualified agent institutions should possess:

• Industry access qualifications: AEO Advanced Certification + Hazardous Chemicals Business License
• Technical interpretation ability: Be familiar with the implementation details of the ISO 19880 series of standards
• Risk hedging mechanism: Purchase all - risks transportation insurance with a value of 120% of the goods
• Emergency Response Timeframe: Initiate response procedures within 4 hours for port inspection disputes

Typical dispute handling plans

A case of classification dispute encountered by an enterprise in importing a hydrogen storage tank in 2024:

• Dispute focus: Applicability of work pressure detection standards
• Solution path: Provide ASME BPVC certification documents + third - party inspection reports
• Handling result: Successfully avoided a 9.7% tax - rate difference and saved 380,000 yuan in tariff expenditures

Selecting an agency service provider with practical experience in hydrogen - energy equipment can increase the customs - clearance efficiency by 40% and reduce the comprehensive cost by 15 - 22%. It is recommended that enterprises focus on examining the service provider before signing the contractTechnical document review systemandLocalized emergency network12., ensuring that the risks of the entire import process are controllable.