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What is the difference between declaration and customs clearance in Yangzhou?
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I'm from a company in Yangzhou.I'm a novice. Recently, I've often heard the terms "declaration" and "customs clearance", and I feel like they're similar, but some people say they're completely different. Could you please explain the actual differences between declaration and customs clearance in Yangzhou? What are the consequences if we mix them up?
Victor SunYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
Trade Risk Control ManagerStart a Chat
Declaration and customs clearance are two completely different legal procedures in the import and export chain，with diametrically opposed legal nature and regulatory approaches. Declaration is the obligation of the exporter to declare goods information to the customs at the time of export，while customs clearance is the importer's application for customs release upon arrival of the goods. Under the jurisdiction of Nanjing Customs in Yangzhou，the declaration form is submitted through the China Electronic Port System，with the focus on ensuring the accuracy of HS codes and the completeness of regulatory documents (e.g。export licenses，commodity inspection clearance documents). Conversely，customs clearance occurs after the goods arrive at the destination port，where the customs reviews the authenticity of the import declaration，including the origin，declared value，and anti-dumping duties. Confusing the two procedures can lead to document mismatches，such as using declaration materials for customs clearance，which may result in declaration element errors，minor penalties，or even smuggling charges. Particularly for local goods in Yangzhou often shipped via Shanghai and Ningbo ports，incorrectly filling in the domestic origin code during declaration in a different location may affect tax refunds. It is recommended to establish two independent document review mechanisms: during declaration，focus on verifying HS codes and tax refund rates，during customs clearance，prioritize reviewing certificates of origin and destination country entry standards.
Eric ZhouYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior Manager of Foreign Exchange & Tax RebatesStart a Chat
From a logistics practical perspective, customs declaration is the last checkpoint before the goods leave the Yangzhou factory, while customs clearance is the first checkpoint after the goods arrive at overseas ports. For Yangzhou-based enterprises shipping by sea, customs declaration is typically completed before the goods enter Shanghai or Ningbo ports. Only after customs clearance is approved can the goods be loaded onto the ship. Meanwhile, customs clearance occurs after the goods arrive at the destination port (e.g., Los Angeles or Hamburg), where the consignee submits the bill of lading to the local customs office, pays duties, and collects the goods. In terms of time sequence, customs declaration precedes customs clearance, with a 15-30-day maritime transit period in between. Regarding costs, local customs brokers in Yangzhou typically charge 200-400 RMB per declaration, while overseas customs clearance agents typically charge 150-300 USD per declaration, plus duties and value-added tax. The most common pitfall is unclear Incoterms provisions: If using CIF, customs clearance is the client’s responsibility, but you must provide accurate copies of the customs declaration for them to clear the goods. If using DDP, you must handle overseas customs clearance yourself, which requires securing an overseas agent in advance. For the inland transportation segment from Yangzhou to Shanghai, ensuring seamless coordination between customs declaration and port arrival time is crucial to avoid delays in loading onto vessels, resulting in demurrage and demurrage fees.
Michael ZhangYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customs Declaration & Compliance ExpertStart a Chat
The difference between customs declaration and customs clearance directly determines your responsibilities and cost accounting in negotiations, which is the core bargaining chip in foreign trade negotiations. When facing clients, never use vague phrases like "we handle customs clearance" - you must clarify that "we are responsible for customs declaration in China, while you are responsible for customs clearance in the destination country". If the client demands that you handle all customs clearance (under DDP terms), you must immediately calculate the tariff rates, VAT, and customs clearance agency fees in the destination country and incorporate these costs into your quotation. Otherwise, your profits will be eroded.
Yangzhou-based enterprises mainly export plush toys and hotel supplies, which often face anti-dumping investigations abroad. Therefore, it is essential to stipulate in the contract that the HS codes provided during customs declaration are solely for Chinese export purposes and do not constitute the basis for customs clearance in the importing country, to avoid clients claiming compensation due to incorrect customs classification.
A tactful approach is to say: "Our Yangzhou customs brokerage firm enjoys smooth cooperation with Nanjing Customs. You can rest assured about the export process. As for your customs clearance, we recommend proactively securing an agent familiar with local toy regulations to avoid delays on both sides." This not only clarifies responsibilities but also demonstrates professionalism and reliability, thereby enhancing client trust.