Imagine a shipment of precision instruments from Europe destined for Southeast Asia, with Beijing Capital International Airport serving as its brief transit point. Ensuring smooth customs clearance for such air transit cargo requires careful preparation and understanding of specific procedures. This article outlines the complete customs clearance process for air transit goods at Beijing Airport, highlighting key steps and considerations.
Definition of Transit Goods
Transit goods refer to shipments where both origin and destination are outside Chinese territory, with the goods passing through China via land transportation. Whether or not the mode of transport changes, any goods passing through Chinese territory are classified as transit goods.
Detailed Customs Clearance Process
The following procedure applies to air transit cargo clearance at Beijing Capital International Airport:
1. Preparation Phase: Document Verification
- International shipping documents: Obtain and verify the air waybill, commercial invoice, packing list, contract, inspection application, and certificate of origin.
- Waybill notation: Ensure the import air waybill clearly states "Shipped from [origin country] to [destination country] via China."
2. Inspection and Quarantine
- Submit documents for inspection, obtain quarantine clearance stamp on the import air waybill, and record the quarantine reference number (typically marked with "F" and noted as "transit").
3. Cargo Manifest Processing
- Verify manifest information. If unavailable, initiate manifest entry procedures.
4. Customs Declaration Preparation
- Customs declaration form: Prepare five handwritten transit declaration forms with accurate product descriptions, HS codes, and converted RMB values.
- Supporting documents: Prepare three copies each of commercial invoice (with translated product names and values), packing list, and contract. Four copies required for land transshipment.
- Power of attorney: Provide customs declaration authorization from the domestic consignee.
5. Special Circumstances
- For warehouse transfers, prepare supervised transport vehicles and related documentation (except for Air China direct transfers).
6. Customs Declaration
- Submit complete documentation at designated customs counters.
- Obtain customs clearance stamp, request lead seals for supervised vehicles, and register vehicle documents.
- Leave documents and declarant credentials with customs officials.
7. Cargo Transshipment
- Supervised vehicles transport goods to export warehouses under customs supervision.
8. Export Documentation and Final Clearance
- Prepare export air waybill with weight variance not exceeding 3% from import waybill.
- Complete final customs procedures, retain necessary documents, and obtain customs seals.
- Submit export waybill with customs clearance stamp to conclude the process.
Key Considerations
- Ensure all documentation is accurate, complete, and authentic.
- Stay updated on current customs regulations to prevent delays.
- Maintain open communication with customs officials throughout the process.
- Consider engaging experienced customs brokers to streamline operations.