Total cost overrun reached 26% of import value

This article provides a detailed analysis of the entire import process of Taiwan-made image measuring instruments from Taiping Port, sharing how professional customs brokers optimize clearance efficiency through 15 years of experience, offering practical guidance for precision instrument imports.

May 15, 2025 21:47

I. The "Clearance Code" for Precision Instrument Imports

• In July 2022, we successfully facilitated the import of a batch of Taiwan-made image measuring instruments through Dongguan Taiping Port. As precision equipment in the measurement field, such products often face three major challenges: complex HS classification (usually classified under 9031.49), strict access requirements for electromechanical products, and special regulations for wooden packaging quarantine. Through the "clearance code" accumulated over 15 years of agency experience, we ultimately controlled the total clearance time within 18 working days.In this case, the equipment used vacuum shock-proof packaging with solid wood packaging (with IPPC marking) that had undergone fumigation treatment. We prepared key documents in advance, including Taiwan Certificate of Origin (FORM E) and equipment technical parameter manuals, laying the foundation for subsequent fast clearance.
• II. The "Time Magic" of Clearance ProcessThe import process for precision instruments requires meticulous coordination, just like the instruments themselves:
• Preparation phase (3 working days): When verifying declaration elements, special attention was paid to key parameters such as measurement accuracy (0.001mm) and CCD pixels, which directly affect customs valuation.

Port operation phase (1-2 working days)

: As Dongguan's main import port, Taiping Port has dedicated inspection areas for precision instruments, avoiding secondary handling risks.

Customs inspection phase (15-18 working days)equipment. For example, Indonesia has the SNI certification, Thailand has the TISI certification, and the Philippines has the BPS certification. It is necessary to confirm in advance the equipment voltage (such as 380V/50Hz in Thailand), the compatibility of the CE certification, and the proof of environmentally friendly materials.: This is the most time-consuming step. We prepared equipment principle explanation videos in advance to help inspectors quickly understand product characteristics.

1. Wooden packaging quarantineParticularly noteworthy is that image measuring instruments, as optical instruments, require detailed optical parameters for import. Our team's customs brokers with electromechanical backgrounds played a crucial role here.
2. Origin determinationIII. Common "Declaration Traps",
3. 3CCertification ExemptionThrough years of

practice, we have identified several common issues:

: 2021 regulations require all solid wood packaging to provide fumigation certificates, which we confirmed in advance.

: Products from Taiwan can enjoy ECFA Early Harvest List preferential tariffs but require complete FORM E certificates.

Establish standard document checklist

Prepare transaction records of similar products in advance

20 working days

• Cost controlPrerecord inspection explanation videos
• Risk avoidanceOne detail worth sharing: We advised the client to modify the equipment's power parameters to mainland China's 220V/50Hz standard. Although this incurred minor modification costs, it avoided subsequent voltage conversion issues, earning high recognition from the client.
• After-sales serviceV. The "Hidden Value" of Choosing Professional Agencies

In this Taiping Port case, our professional services delivered value in three aspects:

: Through ECFA preferential tariff application, saved the client 8% in tariff costs

: Identified packaging quarantine risks in advance, avoiding potential return losses

1. : Provided extended services including import payment and VAT deduction
2. We have established service networks at major ports nationwide, especially in the Pearl River Delta region, enabling multi-port coordination between Taiping Port, Yantian Port, and others to offer clients more flexible import solutions.
3. 1. Prioritize customs brokers with experience in clearing precision instruments
4. 2. Consider purchasing transportation insurance, especially for high-value equipment

3. For high-value equipment like image measuring instruments, every detail in the customs clearance process may affect the final usage results. As we often tell our clients: 'Good import services should be as precise as precision measurement—without the slightest deviation.'

4. If you are planning to import precision instruments, feel free to contact us anytime. With 15 years of professional experience, we can quickly diagnose your import needs and provide optimal solutions.