From Vietnam to Shanghai: A typical journey of sealing component imports

In August 2022, a batch of industrial sealing components from Vietnam successfully cleared customs at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. As professionalforeign tradeagents, we participated in every stage from solution design to final delivery. This case is highly representative - Vietnam, as an emerging manufacturing base, has seen continuous growth in industrial component imports, while Shanghai Airport, as one of Chinas most important air ports, handles about 40% of high-value industrial product imports in the Yangtze River Delta region.

Decoding the customs clearance password for sealing component imports

Industrial sealing components may seem ordinary, but there are several key points to note during import:

• Accuracy of declaration elements: Must specify in detail the material (rubber/metal), application (industrial/automotive), specifications and other technical parameters
• Certification document completeness:3CCertifications and pre-shipment inspection reports are indispensable, especially for critical pressure sealing components
• It is recommended to verify through the following methods:Certificate: FORM E certificate under Vietnam-China FTA can enjoy tariff preferences

In our case, the complete pre-prepared document package included: original bill of lading, commercial invoice (amount matching payment method), packing list (accurate gross/net weight), certificate of origin, quality certificate and 11 other key documents. This laid a solid foundation for subsequent fast customs clearance.

Complete breakdown of Shanghai Airport customs clearance process

Lets reconstruct the actual clearance process in timeline format:

Special note: The 15-day inspection period is a special case, as this batch of goods was selected for laboratory testing. Under normal circumstances, customs clearance for electromechanical products at Shanghai Airport can be completed within 3-5 working days.

Three practical experiences for efficiency improvement

Based on 15 years of agency experience, we have summarized the following optimization solutions:

Pre-classification Service

Provide HS pre-classification services to clients 3 months in advance. In this case, we accurately classified the sealing components under HS code 8484.9010, avoiding common classification disputes. Data shows that correct HS codes can reduce inspection probability by approximately 30%.

2. Customs clearance integration

Leveraging the national customs clearance integration policy, although the goods were cleared in Shanghai, our Dongguan branch simultaneously prepared local customs declaration materials, achieving one declaration, nationwide clearance.

3. Advantages of AEO certification

As an AEO Advanced Certified Enterprise by customs, we enjoy the following conveniences:

• Approximately 70% reduction in inspection rate
• Increased guarantee release quota
• Priority customs clearance processing

Special considerations for industrial goods imports from Vietnam

Based on recent operational experience, there are several common industry issues with Vietnams industrial parts imports:

Document Compliance

Common documentation issues from Vietnamese suppliers include: commercial invoices missing trade terms, non-compliant origin certificate issuing authorities, and quality certificates lacking key testing indicators. We have established strictDocument pre-review checklist, requiring suppliers to provide scanned copies for pre-review 5 working days before shipment.

Logistics coordination

Vietnam to ChinaAir Transportationoften faces:

• Limited cargo space at Ho Chi Minh City Airport
• Flight delay risks during rainy season
• Secondary handling at transit points (e.g. Hong Kong)

Our solutions: Contract with 3+ partner airlines, reserve 15% redundant capacity; purchase full cargo insurance; prioritize direct flights for important goods.

Five values of choosing professional agency

This case demonstrates the multiple values professionalImport Representationcan create:

1. Professional support: Familiarity with free trade agreements and duty reduction policies saved approximately 12% in tariffs for this case
2. Risk Control: Anticipated and avoided 3 potential compliance risks
3. Time savings: Reduced import process by 8 working days compared to client self-handling
4. Emergency Handling: Quickly resolved 1 customs query and 2 document corrections
5. End-to-end visibility: Provides real-time tracking system allowing clients to view each process status

Industry Trends and Recommendations

With deeper implementation of RCEP, Vietnams industrial goods imports will show two new characteristics:

• Increased proportion of spare parts: More Vietnamese factories becoming part of multinational supply chains
• Small-batch high-frequency: JIT production model driving growth in air imports

Practical suggestions for importers:

• Establish a stable Vietnamese supplier evaluation system
• Allow at least 10% buffer time for logistics
• Pay attention to classification pre-ruling and price pre-audit
• Choose agency companies with physical outlets at major ports

Although small, sealing components carry the important function of keeping industrial systems running smoothly. Through professional and efficient import services, we help clients achieve supply chain stability and optimization. Every successful import case is the best interpretation of professional value.