Why and how goods are checked at customs when imported from China: the main stages of inspection

Importing goods from China is one of the most popular and large-scale areas of international trade. China is the largest producer of a variety of goods, from electronics and clothing to industrial equipment and medical products. However, when importing Chinese products to other countries, especially the USA and Europe, the goods go through multi-stage inspection at customs. The main purpose of the inspection is to ensure consumer safety, protect the domestic market and prevent illicit trafficking in goods.

Why are goods from China subject to strict inspection at customs?

Imported goods from China are subject to scrutiny for several reasons. Firstly, it protects consumers from low-quality products. Chinese manufacturers offer a wide range of products, but not all of them meet the quality and safety standards of the importing country. Some products may contain prohibited substances, may not conform to stated specifications, or may pose a health hazard.

Secondly, customs carefully checks goods for counterfeit and copyright infringement. China is known for producing replicas of famous brands, as well as products with illegally used logos and brand names. Many countries are actively fighting counterfeits, which makes the inspection of Chinese goods especially strict.

Besides, many product categories require certification before they can reach the market. For example, products containing chemicals (cosmetics, perfumes, toys) must comply with international safety standards. Therefore, careful inspection of shipments from China is standard practice for most countries importing Chinese goods.

What documents need to be prepared to pass customs control?

For successful completion customs clearance It is necessary to prepare a complete package of documents in advance. The absence of at least one of them may lead to cargo delay or return. The main documents required to pass customs control are:

1. Commercial Invoice – the main document containing information about the seller, buyer, cost of the product, its quantity and characteristics.
2. Packing List — a detailed description of the cargo packaging, including weight, dimensions and number of pieces.
3. Transport documents (Bill of Lading / Air Waybill) – a document confirming the transportation of goods by sea or by plane.
4. Customs Declaration (Customs Entry Form) – a document containing the product code according to the international classification (HS code), its value and country of origin.
5. Certificates of Conformity — required for regulated products (electronics, cosmetics, medical devices).
6. Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) — needed for chemicals, perfumes and other goods that require special storage and transportation.
7. Import License — may be required for certain categories of goods, such as alcohol, medicines or equipment.

Preparing all documents in advance significantly speeds up the customs clearance process and reduces the likelihood of import refusal.

Main stages of inspection of goods when imported from China

The inspection procedure for imported goods takes place in several stages. At first documents are checked. Customs inspectors analyze the submitted documents, check the accuracy of the information stated in the invoice, and the compliance of the cargo with the declared classification.

Next physical inspection of the cargo is carried out. Goods may be inspected using X-ray scanners, opening containers, or random inspection. If customs officers have suspicions, samples of goods can be sent for laboratory testing.

If the inspection reveals non-conformities, the cargo may be detained or sent for in-depth inspection. This may include testing products for compliance with health regulations, testing for the presence of prohibited substances, or testing for counterfeit products.

After successfully passing all checks the goods receive permission to import and are released for further distribution.

Reasons for cargo delays at customs and ways to prevent them

There are several common reasons why shipments from China may be held up by customs. One of the main ones is errors in documents or their absence. An incorrectly completed invoice, inaccuracies in the customs declaration or lack of certificates of conformity can lead to a lengthy inspection.

Another reason is discrepancy between the stated characteristics of the product and the actual data. For example, if a product is declared as one code in the system, but actually belongs to a different category, this may raise suspicion among customs officials.

In addition, goods may be subjected to additional sampling control. Customs regularly conduct random checks even on cargo that formally meets all requirements.

To avoid delays, it is necessary to work out the documents in advance, make sure that the goods are labeled correctly and, if necessary, use the services of a customs broker.

How to speed up the customs clearance process and reduce the risks of delays

To minimize the risk of delays and speed up the customs clearance process, companies can take several steps. The first and most important thing is accuracy in preparing documents. All data must be correct and correspond to the actual contents of the cargo.

It is important to check certification and licensing requirements in advance goods to avoid problems at the border. Usage customs broker services can also significantly facilitate the process of passing customs control.

Some companies use pre-clearance programs (Pre-Clearance), which allow you to register goods in the system in advance and speed up their passage across the border.

The process of customs inspection of goods from China is not just a formality, but a complex multi-step process aimed at protecting consumers and the domestic market. Proper preparation and compliance with all requirements significantly reduces the risks of delays and import refusals.

Companies that understand customs clearance rules, have all the necessary documents and follow the laws of the importing country can optimize logistics, reduce financial risks and speed up delivery of goods to your customers.