I. Case Background: Special Considerations for Taiwan Oil Seal Imports

In June 2022, we represented a machinery equipment manufacturer in importing a batch of Taiwan-made oil seals (Oil Seal). These sealing products require special attention during customs declaration: HS code classification (usually under 4016.93), rubber material declaration (involving environmental requirements), and industrial use description. Additional documents are required for Taiwan-origin productsECFAIt is recommended to verify through the following methods:Technical data, which is the key document for enjoying preferential tariff rates.

In practice, we found clients often make two mistakes: confusing the classification differences between oil seals and mechanical seals, and neglecting the special format requirements for Taiwan certificates of origin. These details determine clearance efficiency and demonstrate the value of professional agents.

II. Breakdown of Yangshan Port Clearance Process

1. Preparation Phase (3 working days)

Our team completed three core tasks before the goods arrived at port:

• Verifying declaration elements: including 8 key parameters such as material percentage, brand/model, applicable temperature range
• Pre-reviewing ECFA certificate: confirming the For Official Use section in column 7 bears Taiwans signature
• Label filing: While industrial oil seals dont require food-grade labels, Industrial Use must be noted on the customs declaration

2. Customs declaration operation phase (0.5 working day)

Yangshan Port adopts advance declaration mode. We completed customs declaration entry 24 hours before vessel arrival. Special attention was paid to:

• Transport method entry as Water Transport (Code 6)
• Selecting General Trade (Code 0110) for supervision method based on actual trade
• Complete declaration of freight and insurance costs based on CIF price

3. Inspection response strategy (15-18 working days)

The inspection rate for electromechanical products at Yangshan Port is about 30%. We shortened inspection time through three measures:

• Preparing product cross-section diagrams and technical parameter sheets in advance
• Booking pre-inspection entry service to reduce on-site waiting
• Preparing third-party test reports for common inspection focuses (like material testing)

III. Three Secrets to Time Node Control

Compared to the industry average of 25 days for clearance, our 15-day achievement relied on:

Special reminder: June-August is the peak season for ports each year, it is recommended to reserve 20% additional time buffer.

IV. Common pitfalls in seal component imports and countermeasures

Based on our 15 years of agency experience, oil seal products are most prone to the following import issues:

1. Classification disputes

A client once mistakenly classified PTFE oil seals under 3926 plastic products, causing the tariff rate to increase from 8% to 12%. The correct approach is:

• Rubber content >50% classify under 4016
• Plastic-based classify under 3926
• Metal frame-based classify by predominant material

2. Origin determination

A Taiwanese manufacturer once provided a Made in Taiwan declaration instead of an ECFA certificate, resulting in inability to enjoy zero tariffs. We recommend:

• Require suppliers to provide original ECFA certificates with signatures
• Confirm the manufacturer is listed on Taiwan Ministry of Economic Affairs approved list

V. Value-added services of professional agency

Beyond basic customs clearance, we provide clients with three extended services:

1. Tariff optimization plan: Reduce capital occupation through ECFA+ATA temporary duty exemption
2. Logistics tracking system: Real-time cargo tracking (including vessel positioning)
3. Compliance Training: Conduct Seal Component Classification Practice training for procurement staff

VI. Industry trends and recommendations

With RCEP implementation, we observe:

• Taiwanese oil seal imports growing 15% annually, mainly replacing Japanese/Korean products
• After Yangshan Ports Smart Port pilot, customs clearance efficiency for electromechanical products improved by 40%
• Customs requirements for industrial product labels becoming increasingly strict

Recommendations for importers:

• Conduct supplier compliance audits in advance
• Establish standardized declaration element templates
• Choose agents with branches in major ports (like our Shanghai/Xiamen subsidiaries)

Through this case, we can see that professionalImport RepresentationNot just handling procedures, but truly helping enterprises reduce costs and increase efficiency through process optimization, risk prediction, and resource integration. If you have seal component import needs, feel free to discuss practical experience with us.