As an important building and decoration material,the demand for wood is increasing day by day.As a large wood - consuming country,China imports a large amount of wood from all over the world every year.Due to the complex laws and regulations involved in wood imports,importers need to strictly follow the relevant processes when importing wood to ensure legal and compliant imports.So,what is thespecific process of wood import?How to ensure smooth customs clearance?This article will analyze in detail the basic process and precautions of wood import clearance.

I.Preparation work before wood import

Confirm the type of wood

Before importing wood,it is first necessary to confirm the type and scientific name of the wood.Importers need to provide the Chinese and Latin names of the wood to confirm whether it belongs to ordinary wood,non - endangered wood or endangered wood.The import process of ordinary wood is relatively simple,while non - endangered and endangered wood require additional certificates and procedures.

Confirm the country of origin

Importers need to provide information on the country of origin of the wood to confirm whether it is on the list of countries prohibited from import.The wood of some countries is prohibited from import due to ecological protection or political reasons.Therefore,it is necessary to confirm in advance whether the country of origin meets the import requirements.

II.Basic process of wood import clearance

Shipment

After confirming the type of wood and the country of origin,the importer signs a contract with the supplier and arranges the transportation of the wood.Ensure that all documents are complete,includingphytosanitary certificate,fumigation certificate,trade contract,packing list,commercial invoice,measurement list and bill of lading.

Arrival at the port

After the wood arrives at the port of destination,the importer needs to follow up the arrival of the goods in a timely manner and prepare to exchange the delivery order.

Exchange the delivery order

After the goods arrive at the port,the importer needs to go to the shipping company or its agent to exchange the delivery order.The delivery order is an important voucher for picking up the goods.

Inspection and customs declaration

The importer needs to submit inspection and customs declaration applications to the customs and inspection and quarantine agencies and provide all necessary documents.When making a customs declaration,the value of the goods and relevant information need to be declared truthfully to ensure that the documents are consistent with the actual goods.

Pay taxes

After the customs review is passed,the importer needs to pay customs duties and value - added taxes according to the taxes approved by the customs.After the tax payment is completed,the customs will issue a tax payment receipt.

Inspection/Release

The customs may inspect the goods to check whether they meet the declared content and relevant standards.After the inspection is qualified,the customs will release the goods.

7.The company issues a release note

The importer needs to contact the trailer company and issue a release note with the customs release note.

Issue a release note at the shipping company

The trailer company goes to the shipping company to issue a release note with the release note.

Trailer the container from the terminal

After completing the release note procedures,the trailer company will trailer the goods from the terminal and deliver them to the location designated by the importer.

III.Preparation of wood import documents

Ordinary wood

The following documents are required for the import of ordinary wood:

• OriginCertificate
• Phytosanitarycertificate
• Fumigationcertificate
• Tradecontract
• Packinglist
• CommercialInvoice
• Measurementlist
• B/L

Non - endangered wood

Non - endangered wood needs to apply for a non - endangered certificate in China.The application process for the non - endangered certificate is as follows:

• Submitanapplicationonline
• Afterapproval,printandstampthecertificateoforiginalongwiththeapprovalpage,andmailthemtotheCITESManagementAuthority.
• Certificateswillbeissuedaftertheapplicationisaccepted,whichtakesabout10workingdays.

Endangered Timber

For the countries of origin of endangered timber covered by the convention,a CITES certificate is required,and an endangered species certificate needs to be processed domestically.The processing procedures for the endangered species certificate are as follows:

• SubmittheCITEScertificate(original)issuedbyforeigncountries,thecertificateoforigin,thephytosanitarycertificate,thefumigationcertificate(copy)andtheformfromtheForestryBureauswebsite,fillitout,stampit,andsubmitthemtogethertotheForestryBureauattheportofimport.
• AftertheportForestryBureauacceptsit,itwillbetransferredtotheBeijingForestryBureauforreview.
• Afterthereviewispassed,anendangeredspeciescertificatewillbeissued,whichtakesaboutmorethan1month.

IV.Precautions for wood import

• Thevalueofthegoodsshallbesubjecttothecustomspriceassessment.:Thecustomshastherighttoassessthevalueofthedeclaredgoods.Theimportershoulddeclaretruthfullytoavoidunder-reportingtheprice.
• Preparedocumentsadequately:Ensurethatalldocumentsarecompleteandaccuratetoavoidcustomsclearancedelaysduetodocumentissues.
• Processrelevantcertificatesinadvance:Non-endangeredspeciescertificatesandendangeredspeciescertificatesneedtobeprocessedbeforethegoodsarriveattheporttoensuresmoothcustomsclearance.
• Followupthecustomsclearanceprogressinatimelymanner:Theimporterneedstofollowuptheprogressofeachlinkofcustomsclearanceinatimelymannertoensureasmoothprocessandavoidadditionalcostscausedbygoodsbeingdetainedattheport.

Conclusion

The customs clearance process for timber imports is cumbersome and complex.However,as long as the importer makes sufficient preparations in advance,strictly follows relevant regulations and procedures,and ensures that the documents are complete and accurate,the timber import can be successfully completed.