Import planning resource hub
Customs & Compliance for Imports from China
Know what to prepare, who is responsible and which destination rules to check before your cargo leaves China.
The short answer
Customs clearance at a glance
Customs clearance is the process of declaring goods and obtaining permission for them to enter a country. For imports from China, start with the importer, product classification, customs value, origin and supporting documents. Requirements depend on the destination and product. Paying for freight or choosing DDP does not, by itself, satisfy these requirements.
01 / Documents
What documents do you need to clear customs?
Build one consistent shipment file. Not every supporting item is mandatory for every import; the broker or declarant should confirm applicability before filing.
| Record | What to check before handoff |
|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | Seller and buyer, specific product descriptions, quantities, prices and currency. |
| Packing list | SKU quantities, carton marks, package counts and final weights match the packed goods. |
| Transport record | Bill of lading, sea waybill or air waybill details match the shipping instructions. |
| Classification, value and origin support | Product specifications, transaction records and origin evidence support the declaration. |
| Importer and product requirements | Registration, broker authorization and any applicable permits or certificates are ready. |
One useful check: if the invoice shows 500 units but the packing list shows 480, reconcile the actual shipment and document the correction before filing. This is an illustrative discrepancy, not a customer case.
Open the full document checklist · Download the fillable checklist. U.S. invoice requirements: CBP guidance.
02 / Destination checks
Check the destination before booking
United States
Confirm the importer, entry arrangement and product-agency requirements. Ask the broker which supporting records apply to the goods. CBP importer guidance.
Great Britain
Check GB EORI, commodity code, customs value and the declaration arrangement. Northern Ireland can involve different procedures. UK import steps.
Germany / European Union
Confirm the relevant EORI and representation arrangements. Registration is one part of the import plan; product and tax requirements need separate review. EU EORI guidance.
Canada
Set up the CARM account, BN9 and RM import account. Non-resident importers should check the separate BN9 application process. CBSA setup guide.
United Arab Emirates
Check the customs authority for the actual entry point. Dubai's business-registration process is a local example, not a single rule for every emirate. Dubai Customs.
Australia
Review declaration requirements alongside permits and biosecurity controls. Product type and shipment circumstances affect what must be supplied. Australian government guidance.
03 / Specialist guides
Choose the guide for your next decision
Confirm the responsible party
Identify who is named in the import arrangement.
Separate delivery terms from local legal requirements.
Follow the shipment from preparation to release.
Prepare the product and cost data
Start with materials, function and destination tariff.
Connect freight, duty and delivery in one budget.
Review transport acceptance as well as import controls.
Prepare the paperwork and exceptions
Use the checklist and document templates.
Request the facts before cargo is ready.
Identify the request and coordinate the response.
04 / Ready to ship
Before cargo leaves China
Confirm one owner for each item: importer setup; broker or declarant appointment; product classification; value and origin support; applicable product permissions; final invoice and packing reconciliation; filing cut-offs; and destination delivery instructions.
If cargo is already held: obtain the actual request or notice, the response deadline and the storage position. Use the customs hold response guide.
05 / Questions
Common customs questions
Can I use the HS code supplied by my factory?
Use it as a starting point, then check the product facts against the destination tariff. A supplier's code is not a substitute for reviewing the actual classification. UK tariff guidance explains the product information needed.
Does DDP remove the need for an importer?
No. DDP assigns import-clearance obligations to the seller under the sales term, but the shipment still needs a lawful destination arrangement. Confirm the named importer, authorized representative and documentary trail before booking. Incoterms guidance.
Does a customs hold mean the goods will be seized?
No. A request for documents or an examination is different from a seizure. Obtain the exact status, issuing authority and any notice before deciding what to do. U.S. CBP hold guidance.
Are customs value and landed cost the same?
No. Customs value follows the destination's valuation rules. Landed cost is a business calculation that may include freight, duty, delivery and other expenses. Keep the two calculations separate. UK valuation guidance.
Plan the handoff
Put the shipment details in one place.
Share the commodity, destination, ready date, delivery terms and documents available. DDP Atlas can coordinate the freight plan and document handoff with the responsible parties.
Get a Freight Estimate · Talk to a Freight Expert
General planning guidance. Confirm shipment-specific requirements with the destination authority and the appointed customs professional.