Do you know all these procedures for importing plastic tableware?

As an old hand with 20 years of experienceforeign tradeVeteran, I often encounter clients asking: What exactly are the processes for importing plastic tableware? Today Ill take you through the complete process in the most down-to-earth way,Import Representationprocess, while sharing some pitfall avoidance tips that customs wont tell you.

I. Four-step core process for import agency

Pre - preparation Stage

• HS Code confirmation: Plastic tableware usually falls under HS code 3924, but tariff rates vary significantly by material. For example, PP products have a 6.5% tariff while PS products face 10%
• Regulatory Condition Verification: Food-contact products require Imported Food Contact Product Registration - dont overlook this!
• Documentation preparation: Besides standard contracts and invoices,It is recommended to verify through the following methods:can help save significant tariffs (especially for ASEAN countries)

International Transportation Phase

• Maritime TransportationRecommend choosing full container load (FCL) shipping as these lightweight goods often incur dead freight charges
• Air TransportationPay attention to pallet dimensions - Ive seen too many clients charged extra fees for oversized shipments

Key Points of Domestic Customs Clearance

• Commodities subject to legal inspection must undergo CIQ testing - last year a client had an entire shipment returned due to lack of testing
• The 13% VAT is fixed, but tariff reductions are available through free trade agreements
• Customs inspection rate is about 15%, recommend allowing 3-5 days buffer time

Post-Delivery Considerations

• Warehousing requires light protection and moisture prevention - one shipment was claimed for deformation due to warehouse leaks
• Customers with the right to can adopt double - header customs declaration. We have handled hundreds of such orders

II. Customs Wont Tell You These Purchasing Tips

Based on customs consumption alerts, Ive summarized several practical experiences:

The Science Behind Packaging

• Dont be too happy when you see the QS mark, now you should look for the SC code (production license number)
• Pay special attention to temperature indicators on packaging - microwave-safe PP material costs about 30% more than PE

Secrets of Material Selection

• PET has high transparency but poor heat resistance, making it suitable for cold drink cups
• PS is cheap but fragile, with potential transportation breakage rates up to 5%
• Professional advice: PLA biodegradable materials are more popular for exports to Europe and America

Essential Inspection Skills

• Use alcohol swabs to wipe - immediately reject any products with color bleeding
• Fold test: Poor quality products will show white creases
• Hot water test: Pour 90℃ hot water - reject any items with severe deformation

III. Top Three Pitfalls Importers Often Fall Into

Certification Traps

Last year, a client imported a batch of eco-friendly tableware, but it was detained at customs for 2 months due to lack of FDA certification. Remember: the European and American markets require FDA/LFGB, while Japan requires PSE certification.

Labeling Traps

The most unfair case Ive seen: A whole shipment worth 100,000 RMB required relabeling because the outer packaging lacked Chinese text. Now I always require suppliers to provide bilingual Chinese-English labels.

Shipping Traps

Plastic tableware is most vulnerable to crushing deformation. I recommend using special containers with honeycomb cardboard partitions - though shipping costs 15% more, breakage rates can drop from 8% to below 1%.

IV. Special Advice for Beginners

For first-time imports, use dual-header customs declaration until youre familiar with the process

Allow 2 weeks extra clearance time for products from sensitive regions (e.g. areas near Japans nuclear radiation zones)

Hire professional testing agencies for migration testing - a 2,000 RMB test fee might prevent 200,000 RMB in claims

Finally, Ill leave you with an industry saying: For importing plastic tableware, 30% depends on the product, 70% depends on the process. Grasping these key points will make your import journey much smoother. Feel free to reach out if you have any specific questions!