I. Case Background: When Korean precision roller cores meet Chinese manufacturing

In July 2021, we received a challenging commission - to act as import agents for a batch of precision roller cores manufactured in South Korea for a high-end manufacturing enterprise in East China. As core components of industrial equipment, these products demand extremely high material precision and surface treatment standards, while the import process also faces multiple challenges including HS classification, document verification, and inspection criteria.

As a senior consultant who has been deeply engaged inImport RepresentationAs a professional institution with 15 years of experience, we immediately formed a dedicated team and developed a Yangshan Port Fast Customs Clearance Plan for these roller cores worth approximately $280,000. Ultimately, while ensuring compliance, the entire process from port arrival to release took only 15 working days, 30% faster than the industry average.

II. Breakdown of the Customs Clearance Process: The Devil is in the Details

1. Preliminary Preparation Stage (Critical 72 Hours)

Before the shipment departed, we initiated the pre-clearance procedure:

• Confirmed HS code as 8455.90.00 (Rolls for metal rolling mills) with 8% tariff rate
• Verified whether the KOREAIt is recommended to verify through the following methods:format provided by the South Korean manufacturer met customs requirements
• Pre-reviewed the matching degree between technical parameters in the product manual and declaration elements
• Prepared special goods declaration (roller cores contain special surface coating)

2. Yangshan Port Operation Stage (Complete Timeline)

III. Three Major Risk Control Points for Metal Product Imports

1. Documentation Compliance Traps

In this case, the certificate of origin initially provided by the client didnt include roller diameter parameters. We promptly contacted the South Korean supplier to complete the information. Based on experience, common documentation issues for metal products also include:

• Material certificates not matching declarations (especially alloy composition)
• Overly general usage descriptions (need to specify equipment models)
• Missing hazardous material labels (some metal chips fall under Class 4 dangerous goods)

2. Inspection Response Strategies

For metal product items of particular customs concern, we prepared in advance:

• Third-party testing reports (surface hardness tests issued by SGS)
• Production process flow charts (proving no risk of waste material inclusion)
• Importer quality commitment letters (clarifying subsequent supervision responsibilities)

3. Logistics Time Control

Implemented a three synchronizations strategy to compress timelines:

• Customs declaration and document exchange proceed simultaneously
• Tax payment and inspection appointment are synchronized operations
• Arrange transportation fleet in advance during the testing period

IV. Industry Insights: Changing Trends in Metal Product Imports

Based on this case, we have observed three significant changes in recent years:

1. Customs supervision intelligence: Yangshan Port has implemented CT-based intelligent image review, making internal structures of metal products clearly identifiable
2. Trade compliance front-loading: The advance declaration system implemented since 2021 has moved document review nodes forward
3. Inspection focus shift: Transition from traditional appearance checks to substantive verification of material composition and functional purposes

Practical suggestions for importers

Based on 200+ metal product import cases, we have summarized the following experience:

• Select correct declaration elements: For roller core products, three core parameters must be declared simultaneously: diameter, roller surface width, and material
• Utilize free trade policies effectively: Yangshan Ports split shipment with consolidated declaration model can reduce logistics costs for frequent imports
• Establish emergency plans: It is recommended to reserve a 10% time buffer for potential laboratory testing
• Emphasize post-clearance management: Maintain complete import records to facilitate Customs AEO certification applications

The success of this case lies not only in our familiarity with Customs latest Announcement on Optimizing Import Inspection Procedures for Roller Products (No. 12, 2021), but also in our deep understanding of the metal products industry. When the clients production line received these roller cores as scheduled, their comment Truly a professional organization was the best affirmation of our work.

In theimport and exportIn this field, every product has its unique customs clearance code. If youre planning to import precision instruments or metal products, feel free to consult us—15 years of industry experience might bring you unexpected solutions.