Customs Clearance

This page explains the export and import clearance process for ShippinX shipments, including the differences between our clearance modes, the declaration documents you need to prepare, and key considerations when clearing goods in the destination country (primarily the United States).

How We Handle Clearance for You

Every cross-border shipment is handled end to end by our professional team in coordination with our licensed brokers, covering two key stages:

• Export clearance: declaration and release of your goods for export from China, including export document review, export declaration (general trade or other compliant modes), and container or air freight loading;
• Import clearance: entry declaration and release of the goods on arrival in the United States (or North America), including document submission, cooperation with customs examinations, and release tracking before last-mile delivery.

On the quotation page, you can check the clearance type of each service in the "Route / Customs" column.

Clearance Modes: DDP and DAP

Cost structures differ between the two modes. Please check the quotation and the order confirmation to verify who bears the duties before placing your order; the final arrangement is subject to the order confirmation.

Export Declaration Methods

Depending on your goods and business scenario, we offer the following export declaration methods (subject to the configuration of the service you select):

• Informal declaration: a simplified process for low-value shipments;
• General trade declaration: a standard, compliant process — suitable for enterprises requiring export tax rebates or formal trade documents;
• 1039 market procurement trade: designed for multi-item small-goods exports, available with declarations under our company name or the customer's name. Please consult your account manager for eligibility and details.

Documents You Need to Prepare

Complete and accurate documentation is the key to smooth clearance. Please provide the following when placing your order:

• Shipper and consignee details: name, address and contact information;
• Commercial / pro forma invoice: product description, quantity, unit price and total value, and currency;
• Packing list: dimensions, weight, quantity and carton marks for each package;
• Declaration elements: product name, material, end use, brand status (whether branded / well-known brand), and sensitive attributes such as batteries, liquids or powders;
• US import data: HTS code and origin information; certain categories also need to meet US regulatory requirements (e.g., food, pharmaceuticals, and IPPC treatment marks for wooden packaging).

Please ensure the declared contents match the actual goods. Misdescription, undervaluation, or concealing prohibited items may lead to customs examination, fines, detention or seizure; we strongly advise against it, and any resulting costs and liabilities are borne by the consignor (see our Terms & Policies and Privacy Policy).

Key Considerations for US Customs Clearance

• Be specific with product descriptions: vague descriptions (e.g., "general merchandise", "gift") are a common trigger for manual examination;
• Declare true values: values that are clearly inconsistent with the goods may trigger customs valuation and examination;
• Brands and IP: counterfeit or infringing products are subject to detention or seizure by US Customs; for branded goods, please provide authorization or confirm channel compliance;
• Sensitive goods: batteries, cosmetics, food, pharmaceuticals, tobacco and other categories carry additional regulatory requirements — please notify us in advance;
• Wooden packaging: shipments with wooden packaging must meet IPPC fumigation / heat-treatment marking requirements;
• Examinations: if customs requests an examination, please respond promptly with any additional information. Extra charges such as examination, storage or detention fees are payable as per the documents issued by customs and other parties, and transit times may be extended accordingly.

How to Track Clearance Progress

Once your order is created, you can view its status and logistics milestones — declaration, release, examination, delivery and more — in the Member Center of the Client Portal. In the event of an exception, we will flag it in the system and contact you promptly.

Important Notes

• We do not provide clearance services for illegal or high-risk goods. If we find that the goods violate laws, regulations or international treaties, we will immediately suspend the related services and report to the authorities;
• HTS classification and duty rates are determined by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and actual import costs may vary with declarations and examinations;
• If you have any questions about the declaration method or duty allocation, please confirm with your account manager before placing an order.

Need Help?

If you have any questions about export/import clearance or document preparation, feel free to contact us:

• Sales & business inquiries: sales@shippinx.com
• Customer service: service@shippinx.com