Once cargo is at port, every day costs money — demurrage, storage, possible warehouse rent. Clearance speed directly sets your landed cost. This manual covers the process, the documents and time management.
1. Typical Clearance Flow
| Step | What you do |
|---|---|
| Before arrival | Get B/L, invoice and packing list early; appoint a customs broker |
| B/L release and declaration | Exchange the B/L, submit documents, declare under the correct HS code |
| Pay duties | Settle assessed duty and VAT |
| Inspection (if selected) | Cooperate with customs; the vehicle must be viewable |
| Release and pickup | Obtain release and arrange a truck |
2. Required Document Checklist
- Bill of lading: confirm original or telex release, with accurate consignee details.
- Commercial invoice and packing list: vehicle details, VINs, quantities and values must match.
- Certificate of origin: essential for FTA rates; without it you pay standard duty.
- Approvals and compliance files: destination certifications and labeling — agree in advance who provides them.
- Insurance policy: needed for clearance and any later claim.
3. How to Avoid Demurrage
- Appoint your broker early: don't wait for the vessel. Start a week ahead and send documents for pre-check.
- Pre-align documents: mismatched invoice, B/L and packing list is the number-one cause of delay — get the seller to align them before shipping.
- Have funds ready: delays in paying duty delay release — budget the taxes in advance.
- Watch free time: containers have free-use windows; beyond them you pay daily — prioritize unstuffing.
- Inspect at pickup: check bodywork and photograph immediately; note any damage on the spot.
Shunwei Auto tip: Put a clause in the contract requiring the seller to send full document copies within X days of sailing. Documents arriving a week early often save a significant demurrage bill.
Note: If your vehicle is selected for inspection, make sure it can start and move. A car that won't start raises inspection cost and difficulty — check battery and keys before pickup.
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