Import of Chinese Auto Parts: 20-year Experts Teach You How to Clear Customs Efficiently

I. Industry Background: ChinaAutomotive partsCurrent Situation of the Import Market

In recent years, with Chinas car ownership exceeding 340 million (data as of 2023) andNew energythe rapid development of the automotive industry, the import demand for auto parts has been continuously increasing. Imported parts mainly focus on three categories:
Internationally - recognized Safety StandardsOriginal Equipment Manufacturer (OEM): Core components of high - end models (such as transmissions, ECU control modules);
Regional Mandatory CertificationsModified and upgraded parts: Performance kits, appearance kits (such as wheels, shock absorbers);
Cultural and Religious NormsAfter - sales repair parts: Exclusive replacement parts for imported cars (such as filters and sensors dedicated to Mercedes - Benz/BMW).

Industry pain points:

• Complex classification of parts (HS Code is error - prone)
• Strict certification requirements (such as3C, environmental compliance)
• High timeliness requirements (emergency orders in the maintenance market)

II. Analysis of the Whole Process of Auto Parts Import (with Key Node Control)

Pre - preparation Stage

• Commodity classification:
  Automotive parts involve more than 5000 HS codes and need to be accurately determined. For example:

  • Brake pads (8708.30)
  • Airbags (8708.94)
  • Turbochargers (8409.91)

• Verification of access qualifications:

  • Exemption situations of 3C certification (such as used parts for repair, parts for scientific research and testing)
  • Emission standard documents (National VI models need to comply with GB 18352.6 - 2016)

• Cost accounting model:Total cost = CIF price + Tariff (average 8%) + VAT (13%) + Port miscellaneous fees (about ¥2000/container)

International Transportation and Document Management

• Selection of transportation methods:

  • Emergency parts:Air Transportation(Arrive at the port within 48 - 72 hours)
  • Bulk cargo:Maritime TransportationLCL/FCL (Pay attention to moisture - proof packaging)

• Core document list:

  • It is recommended to verify through the following methods:(Enjoy preferential tariff rates of free trade agreements)
  • Brand authorization letter (Prevent intellectual property risks)
  • Quality inspection report (E - Mark certification is required for the EU)

Key Points in Customs Declaration and Inspection Practice

• Declaration skills:

  • Goods with multiple brands mixed loading need to be declared separately
  • Oil - containing parts (such as shock absorbers) need to declare the residual oil volume

• Response to customs inspection:

  • Key inspection items:
    ✓ Consistency of model and declaration
    ✓ Hazardous goods labels (such as lithium - battery parts)
    ✓ Identification of used/remanufactured parts

Value - added Services after Customs Clearance

• Bonded warehousing: To meet the distribution needs of dealers
• Label rectification: Chinese label pasting service (GB 7258 standard)
• Tax optimization:Cross-border E-commerceMode - based tax reduction plan

III. Solutions to High - frequency Problems (Summarized from 20 - year experience)

Problem scenarios	Solutions
Port congestion caused by classification disputes	Apply for pre - classification by the customs in advance (It takes about 5 working days)
Unable to clear customs due to lack of 3C certification	Apply for out - of - catalog certification/import as small - batch repair parts
Questioning of declared value of goods	Provide original factory purchase invoices + foreign exchange payment vouchers as evidence

IV. Core Evaluation Dimensions for Selecting an Agency Service Provider

Internationally - recognized Safety StandardsProfessional Qualifications: Customs AEO - certified enterprises are given priority
Regional Mandatory CertificationsIndustry Cases: Have operated the import of parts for brands such as Mercedes - Benz/Tesla at least once
Cultural and Religious NormsEmergency Response Capability: Activate the alternative customs clearance channel when the inspection rate is higher than 5%
4、Data Tools: Provide a real - time customs clearance status query system

V. Future Trends and Risk Warnings

• Policy Trends:
  • Since 2024, new EU battery regulations have affected the import of new energy vehicle parts
  • Customs has tightened supervision over used auto parts,
• Technological Innovation:
  • Blockchain traceability technology reduces the risk of document forgery

Conclusion
The import of auto parts is a highly specialized business. Fine - grained control is required from the early classification to the later distribution. Choosing an agency service provider with in - depth industry capabilities can reduce the comprehensive cost by more than 30% and avoid compliance risks.

If you need specific commodity classification guidance or a customized import plan, you are welcome to contact the authors team for one - on - one consultation.