How to Avoid Pitfalls in Imported Equipment Bidding? These Seven Key Review Points Are a Must.

Key risk points in the bidding process

2025Equipment ImportsThe bidding process exhibits three new characteristics: the proportion of single-source procurement has decreased to 32% (General Administration of Customs 2025 Q1 data), the adoption rate of electronic bid bonds has reached 89%, and the processing time for automatic import licenses for electromechanical products has been shortened to 3 working days. In such a market environment, procurement entities need to focus on:

• Authenticity Verification of Qualifications: The list of AEO-certified enterprises by customs is updated monthly, and the validity of certificates needs to be verified.
• Equipment classification accuracy: The 2025 edition of the HS code adds 12 new detailed subcategories for electromechanical products.
• Feasibility of logistics solutions: For the transportation of oversized equipment, proof of port lifting capacity must be provided.

Four-Dimensional Model for Supplier Capability Assessment

Professionalforeign tradeThe core value of an agent lies in its comprehensive risk control capability throughout the entire process. It is recommended to establish an evaluation system that includes the following elements:

• Basic qualifications
  • Customs AEO Advanced Certification (2025 certification standards include new foreign exchange compliance requirements)
  • Electromechanicalimport and exportScope of operation rights filing
• Professional Ability
  • Import cases of similar equipment in the past three years (copy of customs clearance document required).
  • Technical trade measures contingency plan
• Service network
  • Localized service team for major ports
  • Number of emergency customs clearance backup channels
• Compliance Record
  • Customs Credit Management System Deduction Status
  • SAFE classification levels

Hidden traps in bidding documents

The 2025 equipment import bidding dispute case reveals that 68% of conflicts stem from misinterpretations of contract terms. Special attention must be paid to:

• liability allocation clauses: Agreement on the Base Date for Demurrage Calculation
• Exchange rate fluctuation mechanism: Corresponding Relationship Between Payment Currency and Customs Declaration Currency
• Intellectual Property Commitment: Special Circumvention Provisions of Section 337 of the United States
• Scope of Force Majeure: Updates to the latest Incoterms® rules

Three golden nodes for cost control

Professional agents can help buyers reduce overall costs by 12-18%:

• Tariff Planning Stage: Utilizing the Rules of Origin under Free Trade Agreements
• Logistics solution design: Optimization Scheme for Combined Transportation Modes
• Customs clearance exception handling: Pre-classification Dispute Rapid Response Mechanism

Bidding Strategy Recommendations for 2025

In light of the new trends in the import of electromechanical products, it is recommended to adopt a phased bidding model:

• Phase 1: Qualification Review (Elimination rate controlled at 40%-50%)
• Phase Two: Scheme Comparison and Selection (Focus on Evaluating the Document Pre-Review Mechanism)
• Phase 3: On-site Presentation (Testing Emergency Response Capability)

When finalizing the contract, ensure that the supplier provides a complete "Electromechanical Product Import Operation Manual," clearly specifying the qualifications of personnel responsible for each stage and their commitment to response times.