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A complete guide to importing walking - stick stools: From purchase to customs clearance, foreign trade experts will teach you how to avoid pitfalls step by step
Home?Import Representation? A complete guide to importing walking - stick stools: From purchase to customs clearance, foreign trade experts will teach you how to avoid pitfalls step by step
For imported walking - stick stools, theseforeign tradeare the knowledge you must know
As an old hand in foreign trade with 20 years of experience, I often encounter customers consulting about the import of walking - stick stools. This product, which combines the functions of a walking stick and a stool, indeed brings convenience to the elderly. However, there are many minefields hidden in the import process. Today, let me take you through the entire import process of walking - stick stools in the most down - to - earth way.
I. Pre - import preparation: Laying a solid foundation for customs clearance
I remember a customer last year whose entire batch of goods was held up at the customs for half a month due to incorrect HS code classification. Thereforethe first step must be to confirm the HS codeWalking - stick stools are usually classified under 9013.1000 (other walking sticks), with a tariff of approximately 8% and a VAT of 13%.
Essential document checklist:
Commercial invoice (the amount should be reasonable to avoid disputes over customs valuation)
Packing list (indicating the material, quantity, net weight/gross weight)
Product instruction manual (in both Chinese and English, including usage instructions)
Special reminderNote: If there are metal parts, a material certificate is required; if the seat surface is made of leather, an animal quarantine certificate is also required.
II. International transportation: These details determine the cost
Walking - stick stools are small in size but fragile. It is recommended toChooseAir Transportation+ use cushioning packagingLast year, when helping a customer import from Germany, the packaging solution of honeycomb cardboard + bubble film was adopted, and the damage rate was reduced to zero. Pay attention to the following during transportation:
Confirm the regulatory conditions of the port of destination in advance (some ports have a fast - track for elderly products)
Purchase full - journey cargo insurance (especially for high - value carbon - fiber - material products)
Sensitive - word reminder: Avoid words related to medical use such asmedical on the waybill
III. Domestic customs clearance: The wisdom of dealing with the customs
Last month, we just handled a case where goods were detainedbecause the anti - slip mat did not meet the standards.The customs inspection rate for elderly products is as high as 30%. Key concerns are:
Safety performance: The diameter of the anti - slip mat must be > 35mm (it is recommended to attach a test report)
Height marking: The product should indicate the applicable height range
Warning label: There must be Chinese instructions for use and precautions
Legal inspection process: Declaration → Tax payment (tariff + VAT) → Inspection (1 - 3 working days) → Release. It is recommended toreserve 5 - 7 days for customs clearance, especially for new customers importing for the first time.
Goods pickup and settlement: The final last - minute effort,
Dont relax immediately after customs clearance! There was once a customer whose batch of bamboo walking stick stools cracked due to the high temperature in the warehouse. When picking up the goods, pay attention to:
Warehousing environment: Avoid humid and high - temperature environments
Cost accounting: In addition to regular expenses, possible additional costs include:
Customs laboratory fees (if material testing is required)
Container demurrage fees (generated when the inspection exceeds the time limit)
Label rectification fees (when the Chinese label is unqualified)
Practical suggestions for importers
Based on years of experience, I have summarized3 guidelines to avoid pitfalls:
Before purchasing, require the supplier to provideaging test reports(especially for plastic parts)
Sample import: For the first cooperation, it is recommended to import samples first (you can use the express channel to save costs)
Double - header customs declaration: Customers withoutimport and exportthe right can borrow our companys qualifications for customs declaration
Finally, a reminder: Importing walking stick stools is not just a simple goods transaction; it is more about the safety of the elderly. Choosing suppliers with CE/SGS certification is the long - term solution. If you have any import questions, you can always talk to me, your old friend in foreign trade.