Cargo declaration is a crucial step involvingimport and exportthe transparency and compliance of cargo information. In this process, the actual import/export situation of goods will be reported to customs authorities to ensure all cargo flows are conducted under legal and standardized conditions. This article will provide a detailed interpretation of the basic requirements, specific procedures, potential issues, and solutions for cargo declaration.

Declaring Entity and Qualifications

(1) The actual consignee and consignor have the right to directly handle cargo declaration or may choose to sign an agreement with a customs declaration enterprise to entrust them with declaration.
(2) Whether declaring directly or through entrustment, registration must be completed with customs authorities, and declarants must be filed with customs.
(3) Personnel performing cargo declaration operations must be customs declarants who have been successfully filed with customs authorities.

Declaration Time Limit

(1) Import goods must be declared within 14 days after the transport vehicle declares entry.
(2) Export goods must be declared 24 hours before arriving at the customs supervision zone and loading.
(3) The declaration time limit for transshipment goods follows the Customs of the Peoples Republic of China Measures for the Supervision of Transshipment Goods.
(4) Failure to complete declaration within the specified time will result in late declaration fees.

Declaration Forms

(1) Electronic Data Customs Declaration: According to the Customs of the Peoples Republic of China Regulations on the Completion of Import and Export Customs Declaration Forms, transmit data through electronic systems and prepare relevant documents.
(2) Paper Customs Declaration: Fill out paper customs declaration forms as required by customs and prepare relevant documents, then submit them to customs officers.
(3) Under special circumstances, paper customs declaration forms may be submitted first, followed by electronic data supplementation, but the contents of both must be consistent.

Supporting Documents for Declaration

Including but not limited to trade contracts, import/export licenses, invoices, and bills of lading.

Declaration Date

(1) Refers to the date when customs accepts the declaration data.
(2) For electronic data declarations, the declaration date is when the customs computer system accepts the data.
(3) For paper declarations, the declaration date is when customs receives and processes the paper declaration form.

Declaration Rejection:If the declaration is submitted via electronic data but rejected by the customs system, the declarant must revise and resubmit as required.
On-Site Submission:(1) After the electronic declaration is approved by customs, the declarant must bring the paper declaration form and supporting documents to customs within the specified time upon receiving the on-site submission or release submission notice. (2) If the declaration follows paperless or integrated declaration modes, on-site submission is not required.
Declaration Amendment or Withdrawal:Generally, once customs accepts the goods declaration, the declarant cannot amend or withdraw it unless under special circumstances.
Declaration Form Certification Issues:Currently, customs has abolished the requirement for enterprises to print paper declaration form certifications.