How to choose an equipment import customs clearance agent? Six key elements determine the customs clearance efficiency

EquipmentImport ClearanceProcess decomposition of

equipment. 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.Customs clearance includesThree core stages: Preparatory stage (15 - 30 working days), Customs declaration stage (3 - 7 working days), Inspection and release stage (1 - 5 working days). For the import of used equipment, an additional pre-shipment inspection link is required. According to Announcement No. 58 of the General Administration of Customs in 2025, for the import of precision instruments, electromagnetic compatibility filing needs to be completed in advance.

Three potential risks of self - declaration

• Classification error risk: An enterprise misclassified the imported laser cutting machine into 8461.50, and it should actually be classified into 8456.10, resulting in a 17% tariff difference
• Document missing risk: Failure to provide an explanation of the CE certification issued by the original factory led to a million - dollar equipment being detained at the port
• Time - limit out - of - control risk: A manufacturing enterprise was unfamiliar with the transit procedures, and it took 30 days after the equipment arrived at the port to complete customs clearance

Core Value Proposition of Professional Brokers

• Customs clearance efficiency comparison:
  • Average time-consuming for self-declaration: 22 working days
  • Average time consumed by professional agents: 9 working days
• Cost control advantages:
  • Port detention fee savings rate: 58%
  • Tariff compliance rate increase: 31%

Six evaluation dimensions for agent selection

• Accumulation of industry experience: Focus on examining customs declaration cases of special equipment (pressure vessels/medical equipment)
• Customs affairs resource network: Whether having the declaration qualification for special channels (such as rapid customs clearance of scientific research equipment)
• Service coverage ability: The full - link coordination ability from the port to the factory area
• Emergency response mechanism: On - site response speed to sudden inspections (it is necessary to clarify the commitment to arrive within 2 hours)
• Compliance & Risk Control System: Whether a pre - classification database for commodities has been established (it is recommended to request to view samples)
• Degree of cost transparencyBe vigilant against the lump - sum price model that includes hidden fees

Key Points for Coping with the New Customs Policies in 2025

Implemented from 2025 according to the latest Measures for the Administration of Imported Mechanical and Electrical Products,Two major adjustments: First, the scope of application of the ATA Carnet is extended to temporary imported equipment with a value of less than 5 million yuan; second, the inspection focus shifts to the verification of safety protection devices, especially for automated equipment involving AI technology, an algorithm safety statement needs to be provided. It is recommended to establish a new policy response team with the agency company three months in advance.

Three practical suggestions for risk prevention

• ---Customs clearance time - efficiency guarantee clause5., clarify the overdue compensation standard
• EstablishBi - weekly communication mechanism7., regularly obtain the progress of customs document review
• Key documents implementThree - level review system(Supplier → Agent → Corporate Legal Affairs)