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After declaring customs in Shaoxing, we found that the net weight was incorrect, with a shortage of 300kg. What should we do now??
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Our company declared and exported a batch of goods in Shaoxing. The customs declaration form has been approved, but we suddenly discovered that the net weight was underreported by 300 kg. Will we be penalized by the customs? How should we rectify the situation now?
Cindy ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Key Account ManagerStart a Chat
In this situation，it is essential to immediately initiate the amendment procedure and never harbor any optimistic illusions. According to the "Implementing Regulations of the Customs Administrative Punishments," declaring false information may result in fines of 5% to 30% of the goods' value. However，the nature of voluntary disclosure and passive detection by customs authorities is completely different. You need to submit the "Application Form for Amendment/Cancellation of Import/Export Declaration" to Shaoxing Customs within 24 hours after discovering the error，along with a description of the situation，packing lists，invoices，copy of the bill of lading，and weighing slips or quality inspection reports that can verify the actual weight. The key is to proactively correct the error before customs conducts a follow-up inspection，as this will likely be deemed a technical error rather than a regulatory violation. If the goods have not yet left the port，the amendment process typically takes 3-5 working days，if they have already departed，you will need to contact the freight forwarder to detain the goods，which will increase the complexity of the process. Remember to also check whether the 300kg of goods affect the HS code classification or export tax rebate rates. Violating these two red lines will result in far more severe consequences.
Daniel XuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Director of Import & Export OperationsStart a Chat
First, stay calm. The direct impact of this 300kg discrepancy on logistics depends on the status of the cargo. If the container is still in the yard at Shaoxing Port, immediately notify the customs broker to apply for a correction notice to the customs and instruct the freight forwarder to suspend the loading plan. Do not move the cargo until the correction notice is completed. However, if the container has already been loaded onto the ship, the situation will be much more complicated – you will need the shipping company to issue a "Correction Notice Guaranty Letter", and the destination port may charge demurrage and correction fees, with estimated additional costs of at least 2,000-3,000 yuan. The operational process consists of three steps: First, prepare a weight discrepancy statement and a new packing list within today; Second, submit the correction notice application through the e-port and follow up with the Shaoxing Customs Audit Section by phone; Third, once you receive the customs correction notice receipt, immediately update the shipping company and the destination port agent. The time window is critical – once the ship has departed, corrections are generally impossible after 48 hours, and you will have to handle supplementary customs declarations at the destination port, which will double the costs and inconveniences.
Lucas LiuYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Senior Operations ConsultantStart a Chat
Handling this mistake properly can actually demonstrate your professional responsibility. When communicating with foreign clients, it is recommended to first send an email explaining the situation. The wording could be: "During our final review, we discovered a calibration deviation in the factory's weighing equipment, resulting in a 300kg underreporting of net weight. To ensure data accuracy and transparency in our long-term cooperation, we proactively applied for a customs amendment, which will delay shipment by 2-3 days." This approach not only explains the cause but also highlights your initiative in correcting the error. At the same time, check the Weight Tolerance clause in the contract to determine whether the 300kg falls within the acceptable error range (e.g., ±3%). If the payment method is L/C, confirm whether the amendment will affect the conformity of the documents and, if necessary, ask the client to accept the discrepancy in advance. Subsequently, you can propose to cover part of the storage fees incurred due to the delay, but attribute the responsibility to the equipment issue rather than human error to avoid clients questioning your management capabilities. Remember that honesty + solutions + assuming reasonable costs is the golden combination for maintaining trust.