| ≥1 piece |
1.Import customs clearance process
Sign a contract and prepare documents
The importer should firstly sign the olive oil import contract with the foreign supplier. In the contract, the specifications, quantity, price, delivery date and other terms of olive oil are clearly stipulated. At the same time, start to prepare the documents required for import customs clearance, such as commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, health certificate, etc.. The commercial invoice should specify the name, brand, specification, unit price, total price and other information; packing list should accurately list the number of packages and the way; bill of lading is an important proof of picking up the goods; certificate of origin is used to determine the country of origin of the goods, in order to determine whether to enjoy tariff concessions; health certificate proves that the olive oil complies with the hygiene standards of the exporting country.
Customs declaration and inspection
Once the goods have arrived at the port, the importer (or the customs broker commissioned by him) has to declare the import to the customs. Fill in the import declaration, which includes the basic information of the goods, the mode of transport, the mode of trade and so on. At the same time, to the inspection and quarantine institutions for inspection. The inspection declaration needs to submit the above prepared documents as well as the imported food labelling audit certificate (if required). Customs and inspection and quarantine agencies will review the declaration and documents.
Customs inspection and quarantine
Customs may carry out an inspection of the olive oil to check that the quantity, specifications and packaging of the goods are in accordance with the declaration. Inspection and quarantine agencies will inspect the quality of the olive oil, including checking the colour, odour and transparency of the olive oil, and testing the acid value, peroxide value and other quality indicators. Importers (or customs brokers) need to co-operate with customs and inspection and quarantine personnel by providing the necessary equipment and assistance, such as opening containers and providing sampling tools.
Payment of duties and taxes
Customs duties and import VAT are determined according to the results of the customs audit and the commodity code (HS code) of the olive oil. The importer is required to pay the duties and taxes in the manner and by the deadline established. Payment can be made through the electronic payment system or through the designated bank. Upon payment of the duties and fees, customs will issue a certificate of duty paid.
Pick-up and Release
With the duty-paid certificate and bill of lading, the importer will pick up the olive oil at the port warehouse or yard. During the pick-up process, it is necessary to check carefully whether there is any damage or shortage in the goods. If everything is in order, the oil will be cleared and released to the domestic market.
2. Precautions
Product quality and compliance
The quality of olive oil must comply with China's food safety standards. Importers should make sure that the olive oil provided by foreign suppliers is regular production and has complete quality inspection documents. At the same time, pay attention to the content of the olive oil labels, including product name, list of ingredients, net content, date of production, shelf life, storage conditions and other information must comply with China's relevant regulations.
Accuracy and completeness of documents
Import clearance documents are the key to the whole process. The information in the documents should be accurate and complete. Any missing or incorrect documents may lead to delays in customs clearance or even goods being returned. For example, a certificate of origin that does not meet the requirements may not be eligible for tariff preferences; an incomplete health certificate will cause the inspection and quarantine authorities to question it.
Tariffs and Trade Agreements
Understand the tariff rates of olive oil and the trade agreement preferences that may apply. Olive oil from different countries and regions may have different tariff treatment. For example, some countries that have signed free trade agreements with China may enjoy lower or zero tariffs on their olive oil. Importers should make full use of these preferential policies to reduce import costs.
Choice of Customs Clearance Agent
If importers are not familiar with the customs clearance process, they can choose a professional customs clearance agent. When choosing, it is important to examine the agent's qualification, reputation and business ability. A professional customs clearance agent can provide accurate consulting services, handle customs clearance procedures efficiently, and reduce risks in the process of customs clearance.
Mastering the process of olive oil import customs clearance and precautions can help importers successfully complete the import business and ensure that olive oil enters the domestic market safely and in compliance.