A customs declaration is a legal document by which the consignee or consignor of import and export goods, or their agent, declares the goods to Customs and applies for customs clearance procedures. Its core function is to truthfully declare to Customs information such as the name, specifications, quantity, value, country of origin, and trade mode of the goods, serving as the basis for Customs taxation, supervision, statistics, and inspection. A customs declaration has legal effect and is an important voucher for Customs release, enterprise foreign exchange settlement, and tax refunds, as well as a foundational document for international trade compliance.
A customs declaration is a legal document by which the consignee or consignor of import and export goods, or their agent, declares the goods to Customs and applies for customs clearance procedures. Its core function is to truthfully declare to Customs information such as the name, specifications, quantity, value, country of origin, and trade mode of the goods, serving as the basis for Customs taxation, supervision, statistics, and inspection. A customs declaration has legal effect and is an important voucher for Customs release, enterprise foreign exchange settlement, and tax refunds, as well as a foundational document for international trade compliance.
🎯 Purpose
A customs declaration is used to declare goods to Customs when they enter or leave the country, facilitating Customs review of documents, collection of tariffs, implementation of trade controls, and statistics. Exporters, importers, customs brokers, and freight forwarders all need to use it; it is used in the stages of import and export declaration, inspection, taxation, and release of goods. Missing or incorrectly filled information will lead to goods detention, fines, or even confiscation, affecting enterprise credit and trade security.
A customs declaration is used to declare goods to Customs when they enter or leave the country, facilitating Customs review of documents, collection of tariffs, implementation of trade controls, and statistics. Exporters, importers, customs brokers, and freight forwarders all need to use it; it is used in the stages of import and export declaration, inspection, taxation, and release of goods. Missing or incorrectly filled information will lead to goods detention, fines, or even confiscation, affecting enterprise credit and trade security.
📋 Key Fields
Pre-entry Number: A number automatically generated by the customs declaration pre-entry system, used for internal Customs association and inquiry. When filling in, ensure consistency with the system; manual modification is not allowed.. 常见错误: Manual entry errors or inconsistency with the system, resulting in failure to associate with the manifest. Customs Number: A unique number generated after Customs accepts the declaration, usually 18 digits, used to track and inquire about declaration status. It must be accurately recorded for subsequent operations.. 常见错误: Failure to record or confusion of different declaration numbers, affecting subsequent inquiries. Domestic Consignee/Consignor: Fill in the name and code of the domestic consignee/consignor registered with Customs, which must be consistent with the business license and Customs registration. Ensure the declaring entity is genuine and valid.. 常见错误: Filling in an unregistered enterprise or incorrect code, resulting in declaration failure. Overseas Consignee/Consignor: Fill in the name of the actual overseas consignee/consignor, which may be in English. It must be consistent with documents such as contracts and invoices to facilitate Customs verification of the trade background.. 常见错误: Name spelling errors or inconsistency with the contract, causing Customs doubts. Production/Sales Unit: For export goods, fill in the production unit or sales unit, which must be consistent with the VAT invoice. Used for export tax refunds and origin verification.. 常见错误: Incorrect filling leads to tax refund failure or origin disputes. Declaring Unit: Fill in the name and code of the customs broker or declaring unit, which must have customs declaration qualifications. It bears legal responsibility for the authenticity of the declared content.. 常见错误: Using an unqualified unit to declare, resulting in invalid declaration. Mode of Transport: Fill in according to the actual means of transport, such as sea, air, land, etc. It must be consistent with the bill of lading/waybill and affects Customs supervision and tax calculation.. 常见错误: Incorrect selection of mode of transport, resulting in manifest mismatch or incorrect regulatory conditions. Name of Means of Transport: Fill in the vessel name, flight number, or license plate number, etc., which must be consistent with the manifest. Used by Customs to confirm the actual transport information of the goods.. 常见错误: Incomplete name or spelling errors, resulting in failure to associate with the manifest. Bill of Lading/Waybill Number: Fill in the bill of lading or waybill number, which must be consistent with the transport documents. It is a key field for Customs to verify goods and the manifest.. 常见错误: Incorrect or missing number, resulting in failure of normal release of goods. Trade Mode: Fill in according to the actual transaction, such as general trade, processing with imported materials, processing with supplied materials, etc. Different trade modes correspond to different supervision and tax policies.. 常见错误: Incorrect selection of trade mode, resulting in application of incorrect tax rates or regulatory documents. Nature of Levy/Exemption: Fill in the Customs levy/exemption nature code, such as general taxation, encouraged projects, etc. It determines the collection or reduction/exemption of tariffs and import-related taxes.. 常见错误: Incorrect code leads to overpayment or underpayment of taxes, triggering supplementary tax payments and fines. License Number: If import licenses, export licenses, etc. are involved, fill in the corresponding number. Import and export without a license will face penalties.. 常见错误: Omission or incorrect filling of the license number, resulting in goods being detained. Number of Packages: Fill in the total number of packages of goods, which must be consistent with the packing list. It is basic data for Customs inspection and statistics.. 常见错误: Number of packages inconsistent with actual, resulting in inspection anomalies or statistical errors. Type of Packaging: Fill in the outer packaging type of the goods, such as cartons, wooden cases, pallets, etc. It affects Customs inspection methods and quarantine requirements.. 常见错误: False declaration of packaging type, resulting in quarantine failure or inspection difficulties. Gross Weight: Fill in the total gross weight of the goods (kg), which must be consistent with the packing list. Used for transport, warehousing, and Customs supervision.. 常见错误: Excessive gross weight error, resulting in incorrect freight calculation or Customs doubts. Net Weight: Fill in the net weight of the goods (kg), which must be consistent with the packing list. Used for Customs taxation and statistics.. 常见错误: Confusion between net weight and gross weight or large error, affecting tax calculation. Terms of Transaction: Fill in the trade terms stipulated in the contract, such as FOB, CIF, EXW, etc. It determines the declaration method of freight and insurance premiums.. 常见错误: Incorrect terms of transaction, resulting in incorrect calculation of dutiable value. Freight: Fill in the freight amount or mark according to the terms of transaction. It must be consistent with the invoice and contract and is used to calculate the dutiable value.. 常见错误: Freight not declared or incorrect, resulting in inaccurate dutiable value. Insurance Premium: Fill in the insurance premium amount or mark according to the terms of transaction. It must be consistent with the invoice and contract and is used to calculate the dutiable value.. 常见错误: Insurance premium not declared or incorrect, resulting in inaccurate dutiable value. Miscellaneous Charges: Fill in other charges besides freight and insurance premium, such as commission, packaging fees, etc. They must be truthfully declared and affect the dutiable value.. 常见错误: Omission or incorrect declaration of miscellaneous charges, resulting in adjustment of dutiable value. Commodity Code: Fill in the Customs commodity code (HS code), which must be determined according to the actual attributes of the goods. It is the basis for Customs classification, taxation, and supervision.. 常见错误: Incorrect code classification, resulting in incorrect tax rate application or missing regulatory documents. Commodity Name: Fill in the standardized Chinese or English name of the goods, which must match the HS code. It should be detailed and specific, avoiding generalities.. 常见错误: Name too general or inconsistent with the code, resulting in classification disputes. Specifications and Models: Fill in the specifications, models, ingredients, content, etc. of the goods, which must be consistent with the actual goods. Used for Customs classification and valuation.. 常见错误: Incomplete or incorrect specifications and models, resulting in classification or valuation issues. Quantity and Unit: Fill in the transaction quantity and legal unit of measurement, which must be consistent with the invoice and packing list. It is key to Customs taxation and statistics.. 常见错误: Incorrect quantity unit or conversion error, resulting in incorrect tax calculation. Country (Region) of Origin: Fill in the country of origin of the goods, which must be determined according to the rules of origin. It affects tariff rates and trade controls.. 常见错误: False declaration of country of origin, resulting in tax evasion or trade friction. Final Destination Country (Region): Fill in the final destination country of the goods, which must be consistent with the contract. Used for Customs statistics and trade controls.. 常见错误: Incorrect destination country, resulting in statistical errors or violation of trade bans. Unit Price: Fill in the transaction unit price, which must be consistent with the invoice. Used for Customs valuation and taxation.. 常见错误: False declaration of unit price, resulting in valuation disputes or tax evasion. Total Price: Fill in the total transaction price, which must be consistent with the invoice. It is the main basis for Customs valuation and taxation.. 常见错误: Total price does not match unit price and quantity, resulting in valuation issues. Currency: Fill in the transaction currency, such as USD, EUR, CNY, etc. It must be consistent with the invoice and is used for exchange rate conversion and taxation.. 常见错误: Incorrect currency, resulting in incorrect calculation of dutiable value. Levy/Exemption: Fill in the levy/exemption method, such as taxation according to regulations, full exemption, half reduction, etc. It must be accurately filled in according to policies.. 常见错误: Incorrect levy/exemption method, resulting in tax loss or enterprise losses. Declaration Date: Fill in the date when Customs accepts the declaration, automatically generated by the system or manually filled in. It affects the applicable exchange rate and tax rate.. 常见错误: Incorrect date, resulting in application of incorrect exchange rate or tax rate. Record Number: Fill in the record number of processing trade manuals, tax exemption certificates, etc. Without a record number, the corresponding policy cannot be applied.. 常见错误: Omission of record number, resulting in inability to enjoy tax preferences. Contract/Agreement Number: Fill in the import and export contract or agreement number, which must be consistent with the contract. Used by Customs to verify the authenticity of trade.. 常见错误: Incorrect or missing contract number, causing Customs doubts about the trade background. Attached Documents: Fill in the codes and numbers of attached documents, such as invoices, packing lists, licenses, etc. They must be consistent with those actually submitted.. 常见错误: Incomplete attached documents or incorrect codes, resulting in document rejection. Remarks: Fill in other matters that need to be explained, such as special regulatory requirements, etc. It should be concise and avoid irrelevant content.. 常见错误: Improper remarks, causing additional Customs inspection.
Pre-entry Number
A number automatically generated by the customs declaration pre-entry system, used for internal Customs association and inquiry. When filling in, ensure consistency with the system; manual modification is not allowed.
⚠️ Manual entry errors or inconsistency with the system, resulting in failure to associate with the manifest.
Customs Number
A unique number generated after Customs accepts the declaration, usually 18 digits, used to track and inquire about declaration status. It must be accurately recorded for subsequent operations.
⚠️ Failure to record or confusion of different declaration numbers, affecting subsequent inquiries.
Domestic Consignee/Consignor
Fill in the name and code of the domestic consignee/consignor registered with Customs, which must be consistent with the business license and Customs registration. Ensure the declaring entity is genuine and valid.
⚠️ Filling in an unregistered enterprise or incorrect code, resulting in declaration failure.
Overseas Consignee/Consignor
Fill in the name of the actual overseas consignee/consignor, which may be in English. It must be consistent with documents such as contracts and invoices to facilitate Customs verification of the trade background.
⚠️ Name spelling errors or inconsistency with the contract, causing Customs doubts.
Production/Sales Unit
For export goods, fill in the production unit or sales unit, which must be consistent with the VAT invoice. Used for export tax refunds and origin verification.
⚠️ Incorrect filling leads to tax refund failure or origin disputes.
Declaring Unit
Fill in the name and code of the customs broker or declaring unit, which must have customs declaration qualifications. It bears legal responsibility for the authenticity of the declared content.
⚠️ Using an unqualified unit to declare, resulting in invalid declaration.
Mode of Transport
Fill in according to the actual means of transport, such as sea, air, land, etc. It must be consistent with the bill of lading/waybill and affects Customs supervision and tax calculation.
⚠️ Incorrect selection of mode of transport, resulting in manifest mismatch or incorrect regulatory conditions.
Name of Means of Transport
Fill in the vessel name, flight number, or license plate number, etc., which must be consistent with the manifest. Used by Customs to confirm the actual transport information of the goods.
⚠️ Incomplete name or spelling errors, resulting in failure to associate with the manifest.
Bill of Lading/Waybill Number
Fill in the bill of lading or waybill number, which must be consistent with the transport documents. It is a key field for Customs to verify goods and the manifest.
⚠️ Incorrect or missing number, resulting in failure of normal release of goods.
Trade Mode
Fill in according to the actual transaction, such as general trade, processing with imported materials, processing with supplied materials, etc. Different trade modes correspond to different supervision and tax policies.
⚠️ Incorrect selection of trade mode, resulting in application of incorrect tax rates or regulatory documents.
Nature of Levy/Exemption
Fill in the Customs levy/exemption nature code, such as general taxation, encouraged projects, etc. It determines the collection or reduction/exemption of tariffs and import-related taxes.
⚠️ Incorrect code leads to overpayment or underpayment of taxes, triggering supplementary tax payments and fines.
License Number
If import licenses, export licenses, etc. are involved, fill in the corresponding number. Import and export without a license will face penalties.
⚠️ Omission or incorrect filling of the license number, resulting in goods being detained.
Number of Packages
Fill in the total number of packages of goods, which must be consistent with the packing list. It is basic data for Customs inspection and statistics.
⚠️ Number of packages inconsistent with actual, resulting in inspection anomalies or statistical errors.
Type of Packaging
Fill in the outer packaging type of the goods, such as cartons, wooden cases, pallets, etc. It affects Customs inspection methods and quarantine requirements.
⚠️ False declaration of packaging type, resulting in quarantine failure or inspection difficulties.
Gross Weight
Fill in the total gross weight of the goods (kg), which must be consistent with the packing list. Used for transport, warehousing, and Customs supervision.
⚠️ Excessive gross weight error, resulting in incorrect freight calculation or Customs doubts.
Net Weight
Fill in the net weight of the goods (kg), which must be consistent with the packing list. Used for Customs taxation and statistics.
⚠️ Confusion between net weight and gross weight or large error, affecting tax calculation.
Terms of Transaction
Fill in the trade terms stipulated in the contract, such as FOB, CIF, EXW, etc. It determines the declaration method of freight and insurance premiums.
⚠️ Incorrect terms of transaction, resulting in incorrect calculation of dutiable value.
Freight
Fill in the freight amount or mark according to the terms of transaction. It must be consistent with the invoice and contract and is used to calculate the dutiable value.
⚠️ Freight not declared or incorrect, resulting in inaccurate dutiable value.
Insurance Premium
Fill in the insurance premium amount or mark according to the terms of transaction. It must be consistent with the invoice and contract and is used to calculate the dutiable value.
⚠️ Insurance premium not declared or incorrect, resulting in inaccurate dutiable value.
Miscellaneous Charges
Fill in other charges besides freight and insurance premium, such as commission, packaging fees, etc. They must be truthfully declared and affect the dutiable value.
⚠️ Omission or incorrect declaration of miscellaneous charges, resulting in adjustment of dutiable value.
Commodity Code
Fill in the Customs commodity code (HS code), which must be determined according to the actual attributes of the goods. It is the basis for Customs classification, taxation, and supervision.
⚠️ Incorrect code classification, resulting in incorrect tax rate application or missing regulatory documents.
Commodity Name
Fill in the standardized Chinese or English name of the goods, which must match the HS code. It should be detailed and specific, avoiding generalities.
⚠️ Name too general or inconsistent with the code, resulting in classification disputes.
Specifications and Models
Fill in the specifications, models, ingredients, content, etc. of the goods, which must be consistent with the actual goods. Used for Customs classification and valuation.
⚠️ Incomplete or incorrect specifications and models, resulting in classification or valuation issues.
Quantity and Unit
Fill in the transaction quantity and legal unit of measurement, which must be consistent with the invoice and packing list. It is key to Customs taxation and statistics.
⚠️ Incorrect quantity unit or conversion error, resulting in incorrect tax calculation.
Country (Region) of Origin
Fill in the country of origin of the goods, which must be determined according to the rules of origin. It affects tariff rates and trade controls.
⚠️ False declaration of country of origin, resulting in tax evasion or trade friction.
Final Destination Country (Region)
Fill in the final destination country of the goods, which must be consistent with the contract. Used for Customs statistics and trade controls.
⚠️ Incorrect destination country, resulting in statistical errors or violation of trade bans.
Unit Price
Fill in the transaction unit price, which must be consistent with the invoice. Used for Customs valuation and taxation.
⚠️ False declaration of unit price, resulting in valuation disputes or tax evasion.
Total Price
Fill in the total transaction price, which must be consistent with the invoice. It is the main basis for Customs valuation and taxation.
⚠️ Total price does not match unit price and quantity, resulting in valuation issues.
Currency
Fill in the transaction currency, such as USD, EUR, CNY, etc. It must be consistent with the invoice and is used for exchange rate conversion and taxation.
⚠️ Incorrect currency, resulting in incorrect calculation of dutiable value.
Levy/Exemption
Fill in the levy/exemption method, such as taxation according to regulations, full exemption, half reduction, etc. It must be accurately filled in according to policies.
⚠️ Incorrect levy/exemption method, resulting in tax loss or enterprise losses.
Declaration Date
Fill in the date when Customs accepts the declaration, automatically generated by the system or manually filled in. It affects the applicable exchange rate and tax rate.
⚠️ Incorrect date, resulting in application of incorrect exchange rate or tax rate.
Record Number
Fill in the record number of processing trade manuals, tax exemption certificates, etc. Without a record number, the corresponding policy cannot be applied.
⚠️ Omission of record number, resulting in inability to enjoy tax preferences.
Contract/Agreement Number
Fill in the import and export contract or agreement number, which must be consistent with the contract. Used by Customs to verify the authenticity of trade.
⚠️ Incorrect or missing contract number, causing Customs doubts about the trade background.
Attached Documents
Fill in the codes and numbers of attached documents, such as invoices, packing lists, licenses, etc. They must be consistent with those actually submitted.
⚠️ Incomplete attached documents or incorrect codes, resulting in document rejection.
Remarks
Fill in other matters that need to be explained, such as special regulatory requirements, etc. It should be concise and avoid irrelevant content.
Commodity code classification error: Failure to accurately classify according to the actual attributes of the goods, resulting in incorrect tax rates and regulatory conditions, which may trigger supplementary tax payments, fines, or even suspicion of smuggling. Confusion of quantity units: Failure to correctly convert transaction units and legal units of measurement, resulting in Customs statistical and taxation errors, affecting enterprise tax refunds and Customs credit. False declaration of origin: Falsely declaring the origin to enjoy preferential tax rates; once verified, it will face severe penalties and affect the enterprise's international reputation. Inconsistency between terms of transaction and declaration of freight and insurance: For example, CIF transaction but failure to declare freight and insurance, resulting in a low dutiable value, constituting tax evasion. Incorrect consignee/consignor information: Domestic consignee/consignor not registered or incorrect code, resulting in invalid declaration and inability of goods to clear Customs normally. Omission of license documents: Failure to fill in the license number for goods involving regulatory documents, resulting in goods being detained or returned, incurring port detention fees. Excessive gross/net weight error: Serious inconsistency with the packing list, causing Customs inspection doubts, or even being deemed as false declaration. Declaration date inconsistent with manifest: Resulting in failure to associate with the manifest, affecting goods release and customs clearance.
⚠️ Commodity code classification error: Failure to accurately classify according to the actual attributes of the goods, resulting in incorrect tax rates and regulatory conditions, which may trigger supplementary tax payments, fines, or even suspicion of smuggling.
⚠️ Confusion of quantity units: Failure to correctly convert transaction units and legal units of measurement, resulting in Customs statistical and taxation errors, affecting enterprise tax refunds and Customs credit.
⚠️ False declaration of origin: Falsely declaring the origin to enjoy preferential tax rates; once verified, it will face severe penalties and affect the enterprise's international reputation.
⚠️ Inconsistency between terms of transaction and declaration of freight and insurance: For example, CIF transaction but failure to declare freight and insurance, resulting in a low dutiable value, constituting tax evasion.
⚠️ Incorrect consignee/consignor information: Domestic consignee/consignor not registered or incorrect code, resulting in invalid declaration and inability of goods to clear Customs normally.
⚠️ Omission of license documents: Failure to fill in the license number for goods involving regulatory documents, resulting in goods being detained or returned, incurring port detention fees.
⚠️ Excessive gross/net weight error: Serious inconsistency with the packing list, causing Customs inspection doubts, or even being deemed as false declaration.
⚠️ Declaration date inconsistent with manifest: Resulting in failure to associate with the manifest, affecting goods release and customs clearance.
🌍 Country Requirements
United States: U.S. Customs requires that the customs declaration (CBP Form 7501) accurately fill in the HTSUS code, country of origin, value, and trade terms. Importers must provide ISF declaration (10+2 rule), otherwise they face fines. Agencies such as FDA and CPSC have additional requirements for specific commodities. Subject to the latest CBP announcements. European Union: The EU uses the Single Administrative Document (SAD) as the customs declaration, requiring the TARIC code, country of origin, value, and EORI number. Imports require an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS). VAT and tariffs must be declared separately. Subject to the latest EU customs regulations. Japan: Japan's customs declaration (C-5020) requires the HS code, country of origin, value, and trade terms. Imports require an import declaration and commercial invoice. Specific commodities must comply with JIS standards. Customs may require a certificate of origin. Subject to the latest Japan Customs announcements. South Korea: South Korea's customs declaration requires the HS code, country of origin, value, and trade terms. Imports require an import declaration and commercial invoice. Korean Customs strictly verifies origin; FTA preferences require a certificate of origin. Subject to the latest Korea Customs announcements. Middle East (Saudi Arabia/UAE): Saudi Arabia requires the customs declaration to be accompanied by SASO certification, and the UAE requires compliance with ESMA standards. The customs declaration must fill in the HS code, country of origin, value, and trade terms. Imports require a commercial invoice and certificate of origin; some commodities require Arabic labels. Subject to the latest local customs announcements. Brazil: Brazil's customs declaration (DI) must be submitted through the SISCOMEX system, filling in the NCM code, country of origin, value, and trade terms. Imports require a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading. Brazilian Customs strictly investigates under-invoicing. Subject to the latest Brazil Customs announcements. India: India's customs declaration (Bill of Entry) requires the HS code, country of origin, value, and trade terms. Imports require a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading. Indian Customs requires IEC code and GST information. Subject to the latest India Customs announcements. Russia: Russia's customs declaration requires the HS code, country of origin, value, and trade terms. Imports require a commercial invoice, packing list, and contract. Russian Customs strictly reviews certificates of origin and prices. Subject to the latest Russia Customs announcements.
United States
U.S. Customs requires that the customs declaration (CBP Form 7501) accurately fill in the HTSUS code, country of origin, value, and trade terms. Importers must provide ISF declaration (10+2 rule), otherwise they face fines. Agencies such as FDA and CPSC have additional requirements for specific commodities. Subject to the latest CBP announcements.
European Union
The EU uses the Single Administrative Document (SAD) as the customs declaration, requiring the TARIC code, country of origin, value, and EORI number. Imports require an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS). VAT and tariffs must be declared separately. Subject to the latest EU customs regulations.
Japan
Japan's customs declaration (C-5020) requires the HS code, country of origin, value, and trade terms. Imports require an import declaration and commercial invoice. Specific commodities must comply with JIS standards. Customs may require a certificate of origin. Subject to the latest Japan Customs announcements.
South Korea
South Korea's customs declaration requires the HS code, country of origin, value, and trade terms. Imports require an import declaration and commercial invoice. Korean Customs strictly verifies origin; FTA preferences require a certificate of origin. Subject to the latest Korea Customs announcements.
Middle East (Saudi Arabia/UAE)
Saudi Arabia requires the customs declaration to be accompanied by SASO certification, and the UAE requires compliance with ESMA standards. The customs declaration must fill in the HS code, country of origin, value, and trade terms. Imports require a commercial invoice and certificate of origin; some commodities require Arabic labels. Subject to the latest local customs announcements.
Brazil
Brazil's customs declaration (DI) must be submitted through the SISCOMEX system, filling in the NCM code, country of origin, value, and trade terms. Imports require a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading. Brazilian Customs strictly investigates under-invoicing. Subject to the latest Brazil Customs announcements.
India
India's customs declaration (Bill of Entry) requires the HS code, country of origin, value, and trade terms. Imports require a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading. Indian Customs requires IEC code and GST information. Subject to the latest India Customs announcements.
Russia
Russia's customs declaration requires the HS code, country of origin, value, and trade terms. Imports require a commercial invoice, packing list, and contract. Russian Customs strictly reviews certificates of origin and prices. Subject to the latest Russia Customs announcements.
❓ FAQ
What is the difference between a customs declaration and an inspection declaration?: A customs declaration is for declaring goods information to Customs, used for taxation, supervision, and statistics; an inspection declaration is for declaring to the inspection and quarantine department, used for quality, hygiene, safety, etc. inspections. The declaring objects and purposes are different, but they often need to be submitted simultaneously. Can a customs declaration be modified if filled in incorrectly?: Yes, but after Customs accepts the declaration and before the goods are released, a modification application must be submitted to Customs with reasons and supporting documents. Modifications after release must be handled according to Customs regulations and may incur fines. How to determine the commodity code?: Determine it based on the material, function, use, etc. of the goods, with reference to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System and national subheadings. Consult Customs or professional classification agencies to avoid classification errors. How to fill in the country of origin on the customs declaration?: According to the rules of origin, fill in the country (region) where the goods are wholly obtained or substantially transformed. Provide supporting documents such as certificates of origin to ensure enjoyment of preferential tax rates. What to do if the customs declaration is lost?: Apply to Customs for reissuance or printing of the customs declaration certificate copy. Provide enterprise certification, declaration number, and other information. Customs will issue relevant certificates after verification. How does the terms of transaction on the customs declaration affect taxes?: The terms of transaction determine the composition of the dutiable value. For example, CIF must include freight and insurance, while FOB requires separate declaration of freight and insurance. Incorrect filling will result in inaccurate dutiable value and affect taxes. How long after declaration is the goods released?: It depends on Customs review and inspection. Generally, declarations without inspection can be released within a few hours; those requiring inspection must wait for the inspection results. The specific time is subject to actual Customs operations. Can the consignee/consignor on the customs declaration be an individual?: Yes, but the individual must have import and export business rights or entrust a qualified enterprise as an agent. Customs declaration for personal items has separate regulations and must be handled according to Customs personal item supervision measures.
Q: What is the difference between a customs declaration and an inspection declaration?
A: A customs declaration is for declaring goods information to Customs, used for taxation, supervision, and statistics; an inspection declaration is for declaring to the inspection and quarantine department, used for quality, hygiene, safety, etc. inspections. The declaring objects and purposes are different, but they often need to be submitted simultaneously.
Q: Can a customs declaration be modified if filled in incorrectly?
A: Yes, but after Customs accepts the declaration and before the goods are released, a modification application must be submitted to Customs with reasons and supporting documents. Modifications after release must be handled according to Customs regulations and may incur fines.
Q: How to determine the commodity code?
A: Determine it based on the material, function, use, etc. of the goods, with reference to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System and national subheadings. Consult Customs or professional classification agencies to avoid classification errors.
Q: How to fill in the country of origin on the customs declaration?
A: According to the rules of origin, fill in the country (region) where the goods are wholly obtained or substantially transformed. Provide supporting documents such as certificates of origin to ensure enjoyment of preferential tax rates.
Q: What to do if the customs declaration is lost?
A: Apply to Customs for reissuance or printing of the customs declaration certificate copy. Provide enterprise certification, declaration number, and other information. Customs will issue relevant certificates after verification.
Q: How does the terms of transaction on the customs declaration affect taxes?
A: The terms of transaction determine the composition of the dutiable value. For example, CIF must include freight and insurance, while FOB requires separate declaration of freight and insurance. Incorrect filling will result in inaccurate dutiable value and affect taxes.
Q: How long after declaration is the goods released?
A: It depends on Customs review and inspection. Generally, declarations without inspection can be released within a few hours; those requiring inspection must wait for the inspection results. The specific time is subject to actual Customs operations.
Q: Can the consignee/consignor on the customs declaration be an individual?
A: Yes, but the individual must have import and export business rights or entrust a qualified enterprise as an agent. Customs declaration for personal items has separate regulations and must be handled according to Customs personal item supervision measures.
📝 Sample
[Customs Declaration Form - Complete Filling Example]
Pre-entry Number: PRE2026091500876
Customs Number: 223120260915678901
Domestic Consignor/Consignee: Shenzhen Yuanhang Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. (91440300MA5F8XYZ12)
Overseas Consignor/Consignee: GLOBAL TECH TRADING PTE LTD, 8 MARINA VIEW #12-05, SINGAPORE 018960
Production/Sales Unit: Shenzhen Yuanhang Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. (91440300MA5F8XYZ12)
Declarant: Shenzhen Jietong Customs Declaration Co., Ltd. (4403180009)
Mode of Transport: Sea Freight
Name of Means of Transport: COSCO SHIPPING ARIES / V.026E
Bill of Lading/Air Waybill Number: COSU6347891025
Trade Mode: General Trade
Nature of Levy Exemption: General Taxation
License Number: None
Number of Packages: 480
Type of Packaging: Cartons
Gross Weight: 5,860.00 KG
Net Weight: 5,420.00 KG
Terms of Transaction: CIF
Freight: USD 1,850.00
Insurance Premium: USD 320.00
Miscellaneous Charges: USD 150.00
Contract/Agreement Number: YH-GT-20260901
Invoice Number: YH20260915INV
Packing List Number: YH20260915PL
Declaration Date: 2026-09-15
Export Date: 2026-09-20
Description of Goods: Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Commodity Code: 8518220000
Specifications/Model: BT-SPK100 / Black / Output Power 20W
Quantity and Unit: 3,600 Units
Unit Price: USD 18.50
Total Price: USD 66,600.00
Currency: USD
Country (Region) of Origin: China
Final Country (Region) of Destination: Singapore
Domestic Source of Goods: Shenzhen, Guangdong
Supervision Mode: General Trade
Remarks: None
The above is an example. Actual filling shall be subject to the Letter of Credit/Contract/requirements of the importing country.
[Customs Declaration Form - Complete Filling Example]
Pre-entry Number: PRE2026091500876
Customs Number: 223120260915678901
Domestic Consignor/Consignee: Shenzhen Yuanhang Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. (91440300MA5F8XYZ12)
Overseas Consignor/Consignee: GLOBAL TECH TRADING PTE LTD, 8 MARINA VIEW #12-05, SINGAPORE 018960
Production/Sales Unit: Shenzhen Yuanhang Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. (91440300MA5F8XYZ12)
Declarant: Shenzhen Jietong Customs Declaration Co., Ltd. (4403180009)
Mode of Transport: Sea Freight
Name of Means of Transport: COSCO SHIPPING ARIES / V.026E
Bill of Lading/Air Waybill Number: COSU6347891025
Trade Mode: General Trade
Nature of Levy Exemption: General Taxation
License Number: None
Number of Packages: 480
Type of Packaging: Cartons
Gross Weight: 5,860.00 KG
Net Weight: 5,420.00 KG
Terms of Transaction: CIF
Freight: USD 1,850.00
Insurance Premium: USD 320.00
Miscellaneous Charges: USD 150.00
Contract/Agreement Number: YH-GT-20260901
Invoice Number: YH20260915INV
Packing List Number: YH20260915PL
Declaration Date: 2026-09-15
Export Date: 2026-09-20
Description of Goods: Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Commodity Code: 8518220000
Specifications/Model: BT-SPK100 / Black / Output Power 20W
Quantity and Unit: 3,600 Units
Unit Price: USD 18.50
Total Price: USD 66,600.00
Currency: USD
Country (Region) of Origin: China
Final Country (Region) of Destination: Singapore
Domestic Source of Goods: Shenzhen, Guangdong
Supervision Mode: General Trade
Remarks: None
The above is an example. Actual filling shall be subject to the Letter of Credit/Contract/requirements of the importing country.
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