I. RetailAutomotive partsMarket conditions and challenges of imports

With China's vehicle ownership exceeding 350 million (2023 data), aftermarket parts demand continues growing, making overseas brand parts imports a profit growth point for retailers. However, industry pain points are significant:
Internationally - recognized Safety StandardsHigh product category complexity: Engine components, electronic systems, exterior modification parts require matching different regulatory standards;
Regional Mandatory CertificationsConcentrated compliance risks: EU e-mark certification, US DOT certification, China3Ccatalog cross-regulation;
Cultural and Religious NormsSupply chain long-tail effect: Small-batch multi-frequency purchasing leads to logistics costs accounting for 25%-30%;
4、Fierce terminal competition: E-commerce platform price wars force importers to optimize procurement costs.

II. Complete auto parts import process breakdown (China example)

Stage 1: Preliminary risk control planning
Internationally - recognized Safety StandardsPre - classification of Goods

• Accurately determine HS codes based on "PRC Customs Tariff" (e.g. other auto parts under 8708.99)import and exportTypical case: Turbocharger (8414.8090) and exhaust system (8708.92) have 8% tariff difference
• Pre-review of access qualifications

Regional Mandatory CertificationsMandatory certification verification: 2023 updated CCC catalog covers 12 categories including brake pads and seat belts

• Mandatory certification verification: The 2023 updated CCC catalog covers 12 categories of auto parts including brake pads and seat belts
• Intellectual property record filing: Preventing OEM part trademark infringement (e.g. BMW filter anti-counterfeiting code verification)

Phase 2: International procurement execution
Internationally - recognized Safety StandardsTrade Term Selection

• Recommended purchase under FOB termsMaritime TransportationInsurance (CIC clauses cover risks of accessory rust damage and packaging deformation)
• DDP terms require calculation of destination port charges (taking 40HQ container as example: port THC + documentation fee approximately ￥3800)

Regional Mandatory CertificationsOrigin strategy optimization

• ASEAN FORM E certificate (some accessories enjoy 0% tariff)
• China-Europe Railway ExpressTransport time comparison: Poland route 21 days vs sea freight 35 days (2023 market quotes)

Phase 3: Core customs clearance nodes
Internationally - recognized Safety StandardsDeclaration element management

• Engine pistons require material declaration (aluminum alloy/cast iron), applicable displacement (e.g. 1.5L≤displacement≤2.0L)
• Modified rims require design drawings as evidence of non-infringement

Regional Mandatory CertificationsAccurate tax calculation

• Comprehensive tax rate formula: VAT 13% + tariff (according to HS code) + consumption tax (only for specific categories)
• Case: Importing Japanese wiper blades (8708.50) comprehensive tax rate approximately 18.7%

Phase 4: Domestic distribution layout
Internationally - recognized Safety StandardsBonded warehouse applications

• Cross-border E-commerce1210 model stock preparation (single item value ≤￥5000 can enjoy postal tax benefits)
• Regional warehouse planning: East China (Shanghai/Ningbo) vs South China (Guangzhou Nansha) logistics cost comparison

Regional Mandatory CertificationsUtilize the China - ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) to reduce tariffs, and a Form E certificate of origin is required.

• Establish EPC electronic catalog (vehicle compatibility database)
• Return and repair solution design (apply for customs bond reduction)

III. Industry experience: 5 practical cost reduction strategies

Internationally - recognized Safety StandardsContainer loading optimization

• Irregular parts using suspended bracket loading (increasing 15%-20% volume utilization)
• Fragile parts packaging standard: ISTA 3E test certification + humidity indicator card

Regional Mandatory CertificationsTariff reduction pathways

• AEO certified enterprises enjoy reduced inspection rate to 0.8%
• Under RCEP framework, South Korean spark plug import tariffs decrease from 8% to zero annually

Cultural and Religious NormsSupply chain financial tools

• L/CFinancing (extend payment terms to 90 days using document submission period)
• Tariff guarantee insurance replacing cash deposit (releasing 90% capital pressure)

4、Digital risk control system

• Blockchain traceability (recording complete supply chain of parts production, transportation, quality inspection)
• Big data alerts (monitoring HS code adjustments, anti-dumping investigation trends)

Settlement and Tax Refund ManagementDifferentiated product matrix

• Long-tail products:New energyAutomotive specialty parts (charging port protective cover)
• High value-added products: Racing-grade modification kits (gross margin exceeding 60%)

IV. Case study: Review of German brake pad import project

Products with paint coatings were detained by the Los Angeles Customs for CPSC lead content sampling inspection:

• Products requiring both EU ECE R90 certification and China GB5763 standards
• Moisture damage claim dispute during sea transport

Solution:

1. Submit technical document comparison report to China Automotive Certification Center (CCAP) in advance
2. Use temperature-controlled containers (20℃±2℃) with additional IPPC fumigation certificate
3. Lock classification conclusion through pre-ruling system (HSCODE 8708.39)

Results:

• Customs clearance time reduced to 2 working days
• Damage rate decreased from 3.2% to 0.5%
• Annual procurement costs reduced by 14%

V. Future trends: Digital transformation reshaping industry ecosystem

Internationally - recognized Safety StandardsIntelligent classification systemAI automatic HS code matching (accuracy rate 98.6%)
Regional Mandatory CertificationsCross-border supply chain visualizationIoT devices real-time monitoring of temperature/humidity/vibration data
Cultural and Religious NormsCompliance automation platformOne-click generation of multinational certification technical documents

Conclusion:
汽車配件進(jìn)口已從”貿(mào)易差價時代”進(jìn)入”供應(yīng)鏈價值競爭時代”。選擇具備全鏈路服務(wù)能力、擁有屬地化清關(guān)網(wǎng)絡(luò)、熟悉汽車產(chǎn)業(yè)政策的代理服務(wù)商，將成為零售商建立核心競爭力的關(guān)鍵。建議企業(yè)在布局時重點(diǎn)關(guān)注”合規(guī)成本控制”與”終端數(shù)據(jù)賦能”雙輪驅(qū)動模型，以應(yīng)對2024年即將實施的歐盟新電池法、美國供應(yīng)鏈溯源法案等監(jiān)管升級挑戰(zhàn)。