When small masks meet bigforeign trade: The Value of Professional Agency

Recently, a long-time client in maternal and child products asked me: Manager Zhang, the market for imported childrens masks is booming now, but I heard customs inspections are particularly strict. What should companies like ours withoutimport and exportauthority do? This reminded me of a case last month involving a batch of childrens protective masks imported from Germany. Today, Ill use my 20 years of foreign trade experience to take you through the customs clearance journey of importing childrens masks.

Preliminary preparation: Implement a compliance combination punch,

Remember last year when a client had their entire shipment stuck at customs for half a month due to incorrect HS code classification. The HS code for childrens masks is typically6307.90(Other made-up articles), but specific classification depends on material and function:

• Non-woven material: 6% tariff, 13% VAT
• Special material certificates (such as test reports that meet ASTM standards)It is recommended to verify through the following methods:Eligible for preferential agreement tariff rates
• Statutory inspection goods require advance processingImportMedical EquipmentImporters must have import and export filings with the customs and quarantine. Importing food is not possible without the right to import and export. If an importer does not have the right to import and export, it can choose to affiliate with a qualified company for import.

Recommended to prepare the three essential documents in advance:Compliant procurement contract(Specifying applicable standards),Original factory test report,Certificate of originLast year, the Japanese masks we represented were almost returned due to the lack of JIS certification mark.

International transportation: Avoid these pitfalls

Last week a client complained:Air TransportationWhy are the shipping costs more expensive than the masks themselves? Actually, you need to calculate the total cost of transportation:

• Maritime Transportation: FCL is more cost-effective, but requires reserving 45 days (including customs clearance)
• Air Transportation: Suitable for urgent orders, but be careful to avoid the mask shipping peak season
• Confirm export customs declarationNon-medical use statement(To avoid being mistakenly classified as medical supplies)

Special reminder: Exporting masks to South Korea requiresKC certification, we have encountered cases where goods were detained due to missing Korean labeling on the outer packaging.

Domestic customs clearance: The intelligent game with customs

According to the latest consumer notice from customs, special attention should be paid during clearance:

• The outer packaging must clearly indicateApplicable age range(Infant masks will be directly returned)
• Chinese labels must includeImplementation Standard(GB/T38880-2020, etc.)
• Inspection Focus:Nose bridge strip fit,Breathability test

Last year, a batch of French masks was detained due to lack ofCCC Certificationand was only released after submitting a Test Compliance Commitment Letter. Its recommended to reserve10-day buffer periodfor customs inspection.

IV. Pick - up and settlement: The last mile of agency services

Dont relax immediately after customs clearance:

• ChooseConstant temperature warehouseStorage (humidity affects filtration efficiency)
• Pay attention during settlementTax calculation method for agency fees(Generally 0.8%-1.2% of cargo value)
• Customers without import/export rights can adoptdual-header customs declaration(Our company acts as the operating entity)

Last month, the US masks we handled for a client failed quality inspection due to improper warehouse temperature control, resulting in a loss of over 30,000 yuan.

Special recommendations for importers

Based on customs consumption tips, we recommend during procurement:

• Require suppliers to provideTry on samples(Verify fit)
• Give priority to service providers whose import proportion ofEar-loop design(Headband style has low acceptance among children)
• The test report must includeBreathing resistanceandParticle filtration efficiencyData

Remember, importing compliant childrens masks is like putting a mask on a child—The more thorough the preparation in the early stages, the lower the risks in later stages. For specific case consultations, feel free to contact me, this foreign trade old Chinese medicine practitioner, for diagnosis and advice.