The export trade process is highly complex and variable. To avoid unexpected incidents, its necessary to understand someforeign tradecommon knowledge in advance. Below are two pieces of common knowledge.

What should you pay attention to after receiving the SO (Shipping Order) upon booking?

Warehouse opening time: No separate container rental fee will be charged when picking up goods afterward.

Container cutoff date: Return the container to the terminal before this date.

Customs declaration deadline: If customs declaration materials havent been completed before the deadline, declare as soon as possible.

Release deadline: If you deliver goods to the terminal before this time, you can load onto the vessel as scheduled.

Document deadline + VGM time: Submit bill of lading draft + VGM information to the shipping company for BL issuance and weight reporting by this time.

Note:

You can combine the above timelines to determine the optimal container loading time. For Europe and US routes requiring AMS or EMS declaration, the BL draft cutoff is earlier than customs clearance cutoff, so container loading should be arranged before BL draft cutoff.

VGM (Verified Gross Mass) is required by IMO under SOLAS Convention effective July 1, 2016. VGM weight = Cargo gross weight + Container tare weight.

Current customs declaration consignee information must match BL consignee details exactly, including local company registration number. We must request clients provide this information promptly.

Even if the goods in the container pass customs inspection normally, encountering customs inspection can still appear intimidating. Therefore, youre likely to miss the scheduled vessel.

In major ports like Shanghai, allow at least 2 days for customs clearance. Current inspection process: Submit original customs documents → Customs issues inspection guidance to terminal → Container number appears on customs checklist → Full container inspection (only customs officers inside) → If issues found, declarers waiting outside are summoned. Unlike years ago when declarers could observe, everything is now systematized and transparent.

So what can we do?

Dont risk rushing shipments to meet vessel schedules before pre-loading container inspection. You have sufficient time for checks.

Standardize declarations and report truthfully without concealment attempts - this eliminates inspection fears.

If container inspection occurs, immediately contact freight forwarder to apply for extended release time until latest possible deadline, maintaining vessel loading opportunity.