Navigating customs regulations is a critical part of international shipping. A simple oversight, like a missing label or incorrect documentation, can lead to costly delays, seizures, or hefty fines. This guide outlines the essential compliance requirements and restricted goods lists for exporting from Shenzhen, ensuring your shipments clear customs smoothly from China to their final destination.

Fundamental Labeling Requirement

• Country of Origin Label: Every product and its outer carton must be permanently marked with “Made in China.” Failure to comply will result in mandatory re-labeling at the destination port, incurring high labor fees, service charges, and significant delivery delays during customs inspections.

China Customs Export Declaration: Key Updates

Shenzhen Customs is intensifying its crackdown on false declarations. The focus is on preventing fraudulent reporting practices, including under-valuation, over-valuation, and misclassification of goods.

• Price Scrutiny: Customs now reviews the declared unit price and total value of each item. If the declared amounts exceed the normal market range, the shipment will be held for inspection.

• Penalties for Over-Declaration:

  • First & Second Offense: The operating entity receives a formal warning.

  • Third Offense: The case is transferred to the Anti-Smuggling Bureau for severe legal action.

• High-Value Shipments:

  • Declarations exceeding USD 100,000 will be manually reviewed, removing them from the fast-track computer processing channel.

  • Declarations exceeding USD 50,000 (approx.) in Shenzhen will require supporting documents to verify the declared value.

Required Documents for Value Verification:
If your shipment is selected for review, be prepared to submit:

• Business License Copy (Stamped)

• Original Value-Added Tax (VAT) Invoice

• Original Special Export Invoice

• Copy of VAT Invoice (Stamped)

• Foreign Trade Contract

• Bank Receipt Slip proving payment

• Product Photos (Stamped, color is preferred)

• Tax Registration Certificate (if applicable)

Pro Tip: For any shipment requiring a VAT refund, prepare these documents in advance. Do not wait for a customs audit, as delays in submission can halt your entire shipment.

Pre-Shipment Verification Checklist

Before dispatching your goods, confirm the following:

1. Product Eligibility: Ensure your goods are approved for export to the target country to avoid massive losses from forced return shipments.

2. Documentation: Have all required commercial and customs documents ready.

3. Payment Terms: Confirm payment conditions with your sales team to prevent any holds on cargo release or delivery.

Destination Country Compliance: Certifications & Intellectual Property

Understanding the import regulations of your destination country is your responsibility.

• A. Certifications & Intellectual Property:

  • Bluetooth: Requires a legitimate BQB (Bluetooth Qualification Document) and LOI (Letter of Instruction).

  • UL-listed Products (e.g., lights): Must have a genuine UL Certificate.

  • Other US Certifications: FCC, DOT.

  • FDA-Regulated Products: Items like sun-glasses, lunch boxes, first-aid kits, and ceramic tableware often require FDA certification or a Medical Device ID. False certifications can lead to confiscation.

  • EPA-Regulated Products: Items with fuel-powered motors, engines, etc., require a valid EPA Certificate.

  • Toys for the US: Must have a CPC Certificate and a tracking label. We can provide a CPC template. Without these, toys are subject to seizure or return.

  • European Electronics: Require a CE Mark and certification. Lack thereof will prevent customs clearance.

• B. Accurate Declaration for Import Customs:

  • Value: Do not under-declare. We recommend declaring at least 65% of the true retail value to reduce the risk of inspection.

  • Description: Product descriptions must be accurate and truthful. The shipper bears all responsibility for discrepancies.

  • HS Code: We cannot accept incorrect HS codes used for the purpose of tax evasion.

Sample of FDA-Regulated Products:
Riding glasses, 3D glasses, bowls, spoons/forks, makeup brushes, bath brushes, electric toothbrushes, wine bottles, kitchenware, cake molds, adult toys, thermometers, wine decanters, loofahs, VR glasses, cups, game controllers, laser pointers, infrared devices, acne needles, stainless steel knives, ashtrays, pigments, etc.

Restricted & Prohibited Goods

Our warehouses strictly adhere to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code and Chinese national standards. We cannot accept the following dangerous goods:

• Explosives: Dynamite, detonators, gunpowder, ammunition, fireworks.

• Flammable Gases: Lighters, lighter fluid, aerosol sprays (air freshener, hair mousse), liquefied gas, fire extinguishers.

• Flammable Liquids: Paint, alcohol, white spirits, adhesives, acetone, gasoline, diesel, thinner, ink, nail polish, perfume.

• Flammable Solids: Matches, sulfur, gelatin, nitro, phosphor, magnesium, ping-pong balls, candles.

• Toxic Substances: Arsenic, nicotine, cyanide, pesticides.

• Corrosives: Sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, sodium/potassium hydroxide, mercury, hydrogen peroxide, electroplating solutions, batteries.

• Miscellaneous: Airbags.

Other Restricted Items:
Goods not listed above but marked with flammable/explosive/corrosive symbols require a Product Description, MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet), and a Letter of Guarantee for review. Non-hazardous liquids, fragile items, and naked cargo also require a factory/client-stamped guarantee for warehouse acceptance.

Shipping Marks & FBA Labels

• Shipping Marks: All cargo must have clear, external shipping marks.

• FBA Shipments: You must pre-label every carton with the correct FBA labels.

• Multiple Marks: If one shipment has different inner marks, provide a clear list for each to prevent mis-sorting.

Anti-Dumping Products

Shipping goods subject to anti-dumping duties requires careful legal review. The U.S. imposes high tariffs on specific products from China.

U.S. Anti-Dumping Products List (Examples):

• Metals & Articles: Steel nails, pipes, wire rods, diamond saw blades, stainless steel pressure pipes, steel cylinders, forged hand tools.

• Chemicals: Polyvinyl alcohol, potassium permanganate, melamine, natural bristle paint brushes.

• Miscellaneous: Wooden bedroom furniture, laminate flooring, crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells.

• Machinery & Parts: Ball bearings, automotive windshields, brake drums/rotors.

• Paper Products: Coated paper, folded gift boxes, tissue paper.

• Textiles: Polyester staple fiber, canvas fabric.

• Food & Beverage: Canned mushrooms, citric acid, frozen warmwater shrimp.

• Plastics & Rubber: Woven sacks, polyethylene retail carrier bags, new pneumatic off-the-road tires.

• Consumer Appliances: Color televisions, large residential washers.

• Vehicle & Parts: Bicycles, hand trucks.

Check the Official Source: Always verify the latest list on the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) website: https://www.usitc.gov/trade_remedy

Don’t Let Compliance Uncertainty Disrupt Your Supply Chain.

Understanding these rules is the first step. Partnering with an expert is the next. We help you navigate these complexities seamlessly, ensuring your goods are shipped correctly from day one.

Click Here to Consult with Our Shipping Experts & Ensure Your Compliance

Let us handle the regulations while you focus on your business. Secure your shipment today.