Customs Clearance of Cargo from China and Successfully Passing Customs

Cargo delivery from China to Ukraine has been successful, and it has arrived at customs. This is a stage that raises many questions: What customs fees will be charged, what will the customs check cost, and how much will it cost? Detailed answers are provided by the experts from DiFFreight with up-to-date information for 2024.

Customs Clearance of Cargo from China: Key Features

What to consider before the goods arrive for customs control:

• Logistics paths. The flow of cargo at different points is uneven, meaning varying processing times.
• Determining tax rates. Customs clearance for jewelry and electronics is more expensive than for other categories. Considering the purchase cost and fees, you can determine if it’s profitable to sell the product in Ukraine.
• Permits and documents, such as phytosanitary certificates, veterinary, Health certificates, SBU authorization/response, DSEC, or others.

Export also involves customs charges, but that’s a separate topic. To ensure successful customs clearance, it’s important to comply with the legislative requirements, understand the process steps, and avoid delays and additional costs.

Documents Required for Customs Clearance of Cargo from China

The goods must arrive at customs with the following documents:

• Commercial invoice — quantity, description, and price of the items.
• Packing list — cargo content, weight, and volume.
• The contract between the companies confirms the business relationship between the Ukrainian and Chinese sides.
• Certificates of compliance, if certification is required (e.g., electronics, toys, medical products).

For road transport, a CMR (international trade and transport waybill) is needed; for sea transport — a bill of lading (Bill of Lading).

For commercial activities, you must register with the customs authorities of Ukraine.

How Customs Clearance of Cargo from China Takes Place

To pass the truck through the customs border of Ukraine, you need to file a preliminary declaration. Only after that will the goods be allowed for inspection. Customs value is also calculated based on which charges need to be paid.

• Customs Value

The assessment is made based on the transaction price. It includes the actual price of the goods (as per the contract or invoice), transportation costs to the border, insurance, loading, and unloading.

TI FEA (Transport Invoice of Foreign Economic Activity) — a systematized list of goods compiled based on the Harmonized System of Descriptions and Coding of Goods and approved by the law "On the Customs Tariff of Ukraine". For different items, customs fees range from 0 to 60%.

Within a group, customs fees may vary. For example, under code 6108 31 00 00, cotton nightgowns have a customs fee of 12%. While under 6108 32 00 10, synthetic shirts with a charge of 0%. Full tables can be found on this page.

TI FEA is one of the main pitfalls. A mistake in one digit or an incorrect product code could lead to a fine. Why is this dangerous?

Suppose you ordered a batch of 10,000 metal bracelets made to look like silver, worth 100,000 UAH. The import of costume jewelry made from non-precious metals (without coatings and elements from glass) is subject to 0% customs fees.

The goods left the warehouse in China and arrived at customs with the wrong TI FEA. Therefore, the bracelets were classified as silver, with the charge applied to silver items — 10% of the cost of each gram.

The cost of the bracelet is 100 UAH, and it weighs 5 grams. Instead of paying 0% for costume jewelry, you will pay 10% per bracelet for each gram (based on the market price of silver jewelry). Your customs clearance costs will be astronomical!

• VAT

The value-added tax is 20% of the customs value and fees.

• Excise tax

Applied to goods subject to excise taxation (e.g., tobacco products, alcohol, cars). The import of such goods is strictly regulated, so it will certainly receive close attention from customs.

Customs officers compare the data provided by the customs broker (declarant): customs value and tax amounts.

How Much Does It Cost to Clear Cargo from China

If the purchase of goods from China exceeds 150 euros (or its equivalent in another currency), you will pay 10% of the total amount + 20% VAT on this difference.

Required Payments for Customs Clearance of Cargo from China

After calculating all fees and taxes, you will receive the payment details for customs clearance, usually in one payment.

Why It’s Better to Trust DiFFreight for Delivery and Customs Clearance of Chinese Goods

To get started, you will need customs brokerage software (the license costs over $200), customs accreditation, an electronic signature key (to submit the declaration), and experience in filling out and gathering all necessary documents.

Although we’ve tried to include the key information, even in this short format, it’s clear how many nuances need to be understood. Handling customs clearance on your own is very challenging, which is why DiFFreight offers customs brokerage services.

What Customs Brokers Do:

• Prepare documents required for customs control.
• Select the correct classification according to TI FEA.
• Calculate the exact customs clearance cost in advance — helping assess the business viability.
• Fill out and submit the declaration.

Normally, customs clearance of consolidated cargo from China takes up to 4 hours. If your goods get stuck at the border, you’ll lose not only time but money. Considering all the details and complexities, we invite you for a consultation with DiFFreight brokers. Our services include not just fast delivery of goods from China to Ukraine but also professional preparation of the package for customs clearance.