Hi there. I'm a forwarder at LIAN GLOBAL LOGIS, mainly handling the Shanghai, Qingdao, and Ningbo routes.

I've been working China shipments for 10 years now, and honestly? I see a new issue pop up at least once or twice a month. A single HS code, one word on an invoice, even a safety mark on the outer packaging—any of these can delay customs clearance by 3–5 days. It happens all the time.

So today I'm putting together "China import/export: these are the things you absolutely must check"—based on real incidents from the field. Not textbook theory, but actual cases I've spent nights solving after customer calls.

Q. Why do China shipments have so many problems?

In one sentence: "The rules exist, but enforcement varies by region."

An item that clears smoothly at Shanghai Waigaoqiao gets held by Qingdao Customs, or gets rejected in Ningbo over a label issue. Even within China, different customs means almost a different country.

"But it cleared in Guangzhou last month?" — That phrase is banned in our team. Different ports are different countries.

A hand reviewing an invoice stamped with a red Chinese customs seal and HS code lines One line on an invoice can cost you four days. That's China shipping.

TIP 1. HS Code: Use "China Standard," Not "Korea Standard"

This is the #1 problem we see.

The Korean Customs Service HS code (10 digits) and China Customs HS code (10 digits) match only in the first 6 digits—the last 4 are completely different. Yet exporters keep putting the Korean code straight onto the invoice.

Korea HS: 8544.49-2000 (example)
China HS: 8544.49.9000 (classification differs in China)

If the importer's (China buyer's) declared HS doesn't match our shipping documents, the customs system auto-flags it red. Before shipment, always confirm with your China buyer: "What HS 10-digit code will you declare?"

TIP 2. Add "Chinese Translation" Alongside English Product Names on Invoices

China Customs doesn't love invoices with English product names alone. More precisely, the inspector can request additional documents at their discretion.

Last year, we had a cosmetics brand shipment that went out with just "Cosmetic Serum" on the invoice. Customs came back asking for proof: "Is this cosmetic or quasi-drug?" Three days lost.

After that, we started advising clients to add the Chinese product name in parentheses next to the English. Example: Facial Serum (面部精华液). Zero cost to add it, but the inspection speed difference is huge.

TIP 3. If CIQ (Inspection) Applies, Start Moving 2 Weeks Before Shipment

Food, cosmetics, medical devices, timber, agricultural products, and some electronics are CIQ (出入境检验检疫) subjects. They merged with Customs in 2018, but operationally they still run a separate track.

Especially for food and cosmetics: exporter registration (境外生产企业注册) is mandatory. Without a GACC registration number, the goods won't even enter the bonded zone.

A CIQ inspector checking cosmetic box labels with a flashlight in the inspection area CIQ doesn't miss a single line on a label.

Registration alone takes 3–6 months. If you say "we need to ship next month," I have no solution. For new products, always consult at least 2 weeks ahead, ideally 2–3 months ahead.

TIP 4. On Import: Don't Give Up on VAT Refunds

This tip is for those exporting to China. When a China buyer imports your goods, they pay 13% VAT (standard rate). Under the right conditions, they can claim a refund later—but it often gets blocked by one document from the exporter.

Invoice amount = B/L amount = Contract amount (all three match exactly)
Shipper address and company name match the export declaration perfectly
Original Certificate of Origin (FTA C/O or standard C/O) sent

If even one of these three is off, the buyer can't claim the refund and turns it into a claim against you. I've personally seen three deals fall apart over this.

TIP 5. Container Return: China Has Shorter "Free Time"

This is something importers from Korea often overlook.

Shanghai and Ningbo typically have 7-day FCL free time as standard. After that, DEM (demurrage) + DET (detention) charges run USD 80–150 per day. Inland transport makes it worse because the return location is farther.

If your import clearance happens to fall during Lunar New Year or National Day holidays? A whole week vanishes, and you get hit with USD 500–1,000 in extra charges per container. Always negotiate free time extension before shipment.

TIP 6. Mark Lunar New Year, National Day, and Two Sessions on Your Calendar in Red

China has four periods a year when logistics almost completely stops.

Lunar New Year (春节): Late January–mid-February, roughly 10–15 days
Labor Day: Early May, 5 days
National Day: October 1–7
Two Sessions (两会): Early March, truck restrictions around Beijing

Especially 3 weeks before Lunar New Year, factories essentially shut down. Even if goods are ready, there are no trucks. I push non-urgent shipments to late February if we're past mid-January. It's actually faster that way.

A quiet Chinese factory yard with shuttered doors and red lanterns during Lunar New Year Factories essentially shut down 3 weeks before Lunar New Year.

TIP 7. Payment Terms: T/T Over L/C Used to Be the Rule—Not Anymore

Years ago, "new China buyers = L/C, always" was the answer. Times have changed.

As China's foreign exchange controls tightened, many buyers avoid opening L/Cs altogether. Instead, T/T 30% advance + 70% after B/L copy has become the standard.

But here's the catch: never release the original B/L before receiving the advance. Same with Telex Release. I know one company that "trusted" and released early—they're still in court three years later, USD 2 million down.

TIP 8. Packaging and Labels: "Chinese Required" Is Expanding

Since 2024, China's SAMR (State Administration for Market Regulation) has been pushing stronger Chinese labeling across consumer goods. It's expanding from food and cosmetics to household items and small appliances.

Product name (Chinese)
Ingredients or materials (Chinese)
Manufacturer/importer info (Chinese)
Country of origin (e.g., "韩国" for Korea)
Manufacturing date/expiration (YYYY-MM-DD)

If goods arrive with English-only labels, they get a "restricted entry" ruling and you have to re-label on-site. That's a per-box cost, so a full FCL can easily run into the hundreds of thousands of won.

TIP 9. "Guanxi" (Connections) Has Declined, But Trust Still Matters

Ten years ago, "China runs on guanxi" was true. Now the e-customs system is so sophisticated that no guanxi beats the system.

But building steady relationships with one customs office, one warehouse, one trucking company is still your biggest asset. Having a partner who can call and say "we'll pull it tonight" when you're in a pinch—that's what creates a real lead-time difference.

That's why our team maintains long-term direct relationships with local China partners in Shanghai, Qingdao, Ningbo, and Guangzhou.

Bottom Line

90% of China import/export problems are things that "could have been caught before shipment."

HS code — Confirm by China buyer standard
Invoice — English + Chinese translation
CIQ — Verify registration 2–3 months ahead
VAT refund — Match the 3-document set
Free time — Negotiate extension in advance
Holidays — Build in 3-week buffer
Payment — T/T 30/70 + B/L control
Labels — Chinese now mandatory, expanding
Partners — Steady relationships = shorter lead times

Just making a checklist of these 9 items will cut your all-nighters on China shipments in half. If you need more specific guidance for a particular product or port, reach out anytime.