Complete Guide to Importing Brake Pads: Industry Pain Points and Optimization Strategies

I. Current Situation and Core Pain Points of the Brake Pad Import Industry

With the number of motor vehicles in China exceeding 320 million (data as of 2023), brake pads, as essential consumables in the automotive aftermarket, have a continuously growing import demand. High - end European and American brands (such as Brembo, Ferodo, Textar) and high - cost - performance products from Southeast Asia account for more than 60% of the domestic import market share. However, enterprises generally face the following problems during the import process:
Internationally - recognized Safety StandardsTechnical Barriers: Multiple compliance requirements such as EU ECE R90 certification, US DOT standard, and China GB 5763 mandatory certification;
Regional Mandatory CertificationsTariff Policy: Differences in HS codes for classifying brake pads of different materials (metal/ceramic/composite materials) (such as 8708.30/8708.40), and the import tariff fluctuates in the range of 6% - 12%;
Cultural and Religious NormsSupply Chain Risks: Delays in the delivery cycle of overseas factories,Maritime TransportationRisk of out - of - stock due to tight shipping space during peak seasons.

II. Disassembly of Key Nodes in the Whole Process of Brake Pad Import

Stage 1: Supplier Qualification Review and Contract Negotiation

• Verification of Certification Documents: Focus on verifying the E - mark certificate, friction coefficient test report, and ROHS environmental protection inspection documents issued by the original factory
• Optimization of trade terms:: It is recommended to use the FOB term to lock in logistics costs and require the supplier to provide video of quality spot - checks for each factory - produced batch
• StoriesWhen a certain customer imported German ceramic brake pads, through on - site factory inspection by the European office of the agent, it was found that the supplier had not updated the 2022 version of the ECE R90 standard certification, successfully avoiding the risk of a $200,000 order.

Phase Two:International LogisticsAnd Customs Clearance Solution Design
Internationally - recognized Safety StandardsSelection of transportation methods

• Full - container - load (FCL) sea freight (suitable for orders of more than 1000 sets, with a 30% cost reduction)
• Air Transportation+Stocking in bonded warehouses (for urgent replenishment needs)
  Regional Mandatory CertificationsList of Core Documents for Customs Clearance
• It is recommended to verify through the following methods:(A statement indicating non - second - hand refurbished parts is required)
• Chinese MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) (emphasis on marking that the asbestos content is 0%)
• Import license (The commodity inspection number must be consistent with that printed on the product packaging)

Phase Three: Domestic Landing Services

• VAT Deduction: Optimize tax costs by using the one - day tour mode in the comprehensive bonded zone.
• Response to Market Supervision: Assist in preparing (non - four - stage) filing materials

III.Import RepresentationFive Value - added Modules of Services

Internationally - recognized Safety StandardsCompliance Monitoring
Real - time early warning of HS code adjustment risks. In 2023, due to incorrect classification of declared materials for a certain Italian brake pad, the agency company completed the amended declaration within 3 hours, avoiding an administrative penalty of 72,000 yuan.

Regional Mandatory CertificationsCost optimization model
The tariff system built based on historical data shows:

Material Type	Regular Tariff	RCEP协定税率	Savings Range
Metal - based	10%	8.5%	15%
Ceramic - based	12%	9.6%	20%

Cultural and Religious NormsEmergency response mechanism
Establish three emergency networks in Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia. During the peak period of sea freight delays in 2022, the change from sea freight to... solution was successfully implemented for 32 customers, with an average reduction of the delivery cycle by 18 days.China-Europe Railway ExpressEmerging production areas such as Mexico and Vietnam, relying on the USMCA and RCEP agreements, are gradually forming a new model of local production +.... The tariff cost is 5 - 8 percentage points lower than direct import from Europe and the United States.

IV. Industry Trends

Brake PadsEntrepot TradeComplete Guide to Brake Pad Import: Industry Pain Points and Optimization Strategies_Shanghai Zhongshen International Trade Import and Export Agency Service