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If the exported goods from Shanghai have already been declared and cleared by customs but have not yet been loaded onto the ship, how can the destination port be changed?
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We have a batch of goods that have been declared and released at the Shanghai Port, but they haven't been loaded onto the ship yet. Now, our foreign customers have suddenly requested to change the destination port. Is this still possible? How should we handle this? Will there be many additional costs involved?
Lucas LiuYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Senior Operations ConsultantStart a Chat
Your situation falls under the category of "port change" operations，which can be applied for modification under customs supervision，but this must be completed before the goods are loaded onto the ship. Firstly，you need to immediately submit the "Application Form for Modifying/Cancelling the Import/Export Declaration" to the customs through the customs declaration agency，and attach the unloading certificate issued by the shipping company，the new port of destination confirmation letter，and a situation explanation. The key point is: if the new port of destination involves different regulatory conditions (such as requiring a new export license or commodity inspection requirements)，you must provide the relevant documents. In terms of risks，the customs may charge administrative fees for modification，and in serious cases or cases of non-compliant declarations，you may face penalties. The time window is very short. Once the container enters the "loaded onto the ship" status，it cannot be modified anymore.
Andy GuoYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Supply Chain Management ExpertStart a Chat
Contact your freight forwarder immediately! This is a matter of urgency. The operational process is as follows:
1. Submit a “port diversion” request to the shipping company immediately, providing the new destination port and consignee information;
2. The shipping company will verify whether the container is still in the yard and has not been loaded onto the ship, and confirm whether the new port is within its route network;
3. If approved, the shipping company will issue a port diversion guarantee and require payment of the port diversion fee (usually USD200-500).
Regarding costs, in addition to the shipping company’s port diversion fee, there may also be storage fees, container unloading fees, and agency fees for re-customs declaration.
Special reminder: If the new destination port crosses different customs regions or requires transshipment, the operational complexity will increase significantly. It is essential to arrange follow-up matters only after obtaining written confirmation from the shipping company.
Eric ZhouYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior Manager of Foreign Exchange & Tax RebatesStart a Chat
This situation tests your communication strategy with clients. First, immediately confirm with the client in writing the true reasons for the port change, and clearly inform them that "the port change is feasible but will incur additional costs," making the cost list transparent. Second, review the trade contract you signed with the client to determine whether there are provisions for port change and cost responsibility. If the contract is unclear, this is an opportunity to build trust: you can proactively propose, "We will fully cooperate with the port change, but we hope your company can bear the relevant costs," and attach the cost estimate provided by the freight forwarder. Suggested phrasing: "To meet your urgent needs, we have initiated the port change process, but the shipping company requires us to pay XXX port change fees. Could your company please cover these costs?" This approach not only demonstrates your support but also reasonably transfers the cost burden. Finally, remember to archive all emails and cost receipts related to this port change as a reference for future negotiations.