What customs clearance documents are required for sheet metal exports?

According to the latest international trade regulations for 2025, the following core documents must be prepared for the export of wooden panels:

• Basic trade documents
  • Commercial Invoice (must specify the type of board, thickness, and moisture content)
  • Packing List (must indicate cubic measurement or weight unit)
  • ?Ocean shipping?/?air freight?B/L
• Special certification document
  • ?Certificate of Origin?Book (eligible for tariff preferences in FTA countries)
  • Fumigation Certificate (for Solid Wood Panels)
  • Quality Inspection Report (Some Countries Require Formaldehyde Emission Testing)

Note: New EU additions in 2025Timber Legality DeclarationRequirements: FSC certification documents must be provided for the export of plywood. It is recommended to confirm the latest policies of the destination country with the agent in advance.

II. How to Accurately Classify HS Codes?

The HS code classification for sheet materials should focus on the following dimensions:

• Material Type (Solid Wood/Man-made Board/Bamboo)
• Processing Technique (Slicing/Rotary Cutting/Number of Glue Layers)
• Thickness specification (whether it exceeds 6mm)

For example: Birch veneer with a thickness >6mm should be classified under 44083900, while bamboo plywood with a thickness ≤6mm should be classified under 44121000. It is recommended to pass through.Customs Pre-classification ServicePlease confirm the code with a professional agency to avoid fines due to incorrect classification.

3. How are customs duties and VAT calculated?

2025 Major Market Tariff Policies:

• United States: The basic tariff for artificial boards is 3.2%-5%, while solid wood boards may trigger anti-dumping duties.
• European Union: The standard tax rate is 6.5%, but eco-friendly panels may apply for a reduction.
• Southeast Asia：Under the ASEAN Agreement, the tariff on plywood has been reduced to 0-3%.

Calculation formula:Customs duty = Dutiable value × Tariff rate, VAT = (Dutiable value + Customs duty) × VAT rate.。In actual execution, the transaction terms need to be considered, and it is recommended to request the agent to provide them.Simulated customs clearance cost calculationservices.

IV. What to Do When Encountering Customs Inspection?

Three Key Steps to Handling Inspections:

• provided by the overseas manufacturer and prepare in advanceSample Test Report
• Ensure that the packaging of the goods complies with the IPPC marking requirements.
• Arrange for an agent to be on-site to assist with unpacking (with a focus on checking the moisture content label).

Key Focus Areas for Customs Inspection in 2025:Compliance of Wooden Packaging,Formaldehyde Emission Compliance Certificate,Accuracy of Tree Species Declaration。It is recommended to conduct before exportPre-inspection simulation, reducing the risk of inspection delays by 67%.

5. How to handle returned goods?

Special attention is required for the customs clearance of returned sheet materials:

• Provide overseasCertificate of Nonconforming Quality
• Original?Customs Declaration?Invoice copy
• Pay a deposit (1.5%-3% of the cargo value)

According to the latest tax refund policy for 2025, returned goods must be processed after export.Within 12 monthsA tax refund can only be applied for upon re-entry into the country. It is recommended to entrust a professional agent to handle the matter.Duty-free import of returned goodsProcedures to avoid double taxation.

6. How to Choose a Reliable Customs Clearance Agent?

Four criteria for evaluating an agency:

• Qualification Verification: Check Customs AEO Certification Qualification
• Industry experience: At least 5 years of customs clearance cases for building materials products.
• Service network: There is a cooperative customs clearance agent at the destination port.
• Risk plan: Is an emergency response plan available for inspection?

It is recommended to request the agent to issueLast 12 monthsThe customs clearance records of the sheets, with a focus on the clearance success rate in strictly regulated markets such as Europe and the United States.