Customs Affairs for Importing Goods from China

Customs Procedures for Importing Goods from China

In today’s fast-paced world of international trade, understanding the requirements for importing goods from China is essential for any importer. Although importing from China can be highly profitable, it comes with specific customs complexities—lack of awareness can result in unnecessary costs and significant delays.

General Process of Importing Goods

Importing goods from China involves several legal, administrative, and customs steps. The process begins with product research and identification and continues through to final delivery at your destination. A solid understanding of each step allows importers to minimize costs and optimize delivery times with effective planning.

Main Steps for Importing Goods from China

1. Product Research and Identification

The first step is to accurately identify the desired product and ensure it meets all relevant standards. This includes evaluating the quality and price, as well as confirming that importation is allowed under current regulations.

2. Obtaining Required Permits

Before starting imports, you must obtain necessary licenses from relevant authorities. These can include an import license, product standard certificates, and other specialized permits.

3. Contract Signing and Payment

After confirming quality and price, a purchase contract is signed with the Chinese supplier and payment is arranged according to agreed terms.

Why Is Import Order Registration Important

Import order registration is not just a legal requirement—it is a key turning point in the import process. It solves many administrative and legal challenges for importers by enabling:

• Currency and Economic Controls

  Registering orders allows authorities to monitor outgoing currency, helping to maintain economic stability and prevent unauthorized capital outflow.

• Quality Assurance

  Detailed technical and quality specifications for the goods are recorded. If delivered goods do not match the registered specifications, the importer has legal recourse.

• Faster Customs Clearance

  Goods with a valid import order registration are cleared through customs more quickly and easily.

Steps for Import Order Registration

1. Obtain a Proforma Invoice

   The importer receives a valid proforma invoice from the Chinese supplier, including full product details, pricing, and delivery terms.

2. Complete the Import Order Registration Form

   This form must be accurately filled out based on the information from the proforma invoice, with careful attention to Chinese import regulations.

3. Review and Approval

   The relevant authorities review the registration form. Upon approval, an import order registration number is issued.

Types of Import Order Registration

1. Import Registration against Export

Imports in this category use an export license and are offset against the value of other goods exported from Iran to other countries.

2. Import Registration Without Currency Transfer

There are two categories of goods eligible for import without currency transfer:

• Group One: Unassembled parts and components for licensed manufacturing units (with approval from the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade).
• Group Two: 18 specific items, including clothing, cigarettes, computer parts, auto parts, and other designated goods.

3. Deferred Letter of Credit (LC) Registration

This method allows import authorization upon the promise of payment, to be made up to 12 months after the date of the bill of lading, through a signed commitment form.

4. Sight Letter of Credit (LC) Registration

Here, the bank pays for the goods upon reviewing and verifying the proper documents and in compliance with all required regulations.