From Osaka factory to Shanghai warehouse: A cylinders cross-border journey

In May 2022, when the final batch of SMC cylinders smoothly entered Shanghai bonded warehouse, client Mr. Wang exclaimed on the phone: 10 days faster than our estimated customs clearance time! As the project operator, I want to use this typical case to reveal the customs clearance code for mechanical and electrical product imports.

Three core challenges of cylinder import

When taking over this Japanese cylinder import project, we immediately identified three key difficulties:

• Classification dispute: Cylinders face classification disputes between HS code 8412 (pneumatic transmission devices) and 7312 (steel products)
• The latest tax rebate declaration system in 2025 has achieved full - process electronicization, which is specifically divided into five steps:: The original factory test report provided by the Japanese side lacked RoHS Directive compliance statement
• Inspection risk: The unpacking inspection rate for mechanical and electrical products at Pudong Airport has long remained around 18%

Clearance solution design by 15-year veteran

Based on years of experience, we developed a three-phase prevention strategy:

Initial preparation phase (5 working days)

Key tasks to complete:
- Pre-classification confirmation (finally adopting HS code 8412.31.00)
- Collect supplementary environmental compliance declarations signed by Japanese counterparts
- Prepare bilingual labels (including CE/JIS dual certification marks)

Customs declaration phase (3-5 working days)

Through the two-step declaration model:
1. Summary declaration: Submit only basic documents like B/L and invoice
2. Complete declaration: Supplement technical documents within 48 hours after goods arrival

Emergency handling phase

For potential inspections:
- Prepare product working principle videos in advance
- Arrange real-time technical support from Japanese engineers
- Prepare3CCertification exemption application documents (ultimately unused)

Those devilish details affecting customs clearance efficiency

In actual operations, we identified several easily overlooked details:

Industry truths behind customs clearance data

By comparing Shanghai airport electromechanical product clearance data from January-May 2022:

• Average clearance time: 22.5 days (regular agents) vs 17 days (our company)
• Release time after inspection: 12 days (without professional response) vs 6 days (prepared in advance)
• Classification error rate: Industry average 7.3% vs our cases 0%

Three professional recommendations for importers

1. Utilize the advance declaration system effectivelyInitiating declaration 72 hours before cargo departure can save 2-3 days
2. Establish product technical documentation libraryIncluding visual materials such as working principle videos and exploded views
3. Select agents with multi-port filingOur companys AEO certification in major ports like Shanghai/Guangzhou/Xiamen can provide customs clearance convenience

This cylinder import case reaffirms an industry truth: professional customs clearance agents are not mere document couriers, but comprehensive service providers requiring technical interpretation ability, policy anticipation capability, and emergency coordination skills. If youre planning mechanical and electrical product import projects, feel free to discuss more practical details anytime.