Import from China without document chaos
A practical guide for entrepreneurs and importers who want to understand documents, customs, taxes and the real steps until customs release.
Customs clearance procedure for China imports
Customs work does not start when cargo reaches the airport. In practice, a good file is prepared before the goods leave China.
1. Product purchase
The client buys the goods from the supplier and must receive the commercial invoice, packing list and cargo details. The product description must be clear. A generic invoice can create questions at customs.
2. Transport to Romania
Cargo can arrive by air, sea, rail or road after entering the European Union. For air freight, aircraft space matters, which is why chargeable weight is used.
3. Customs document preparation
We check the invoice, packing list, EORI code, declared value and possible certificates. If an important document is missing, the file can remain blocked.
4. Import customs declaration
The declaration is submitted together with supporting documents. Data must be consistent: product, value, weight, number of packages and importer.
5. Customs control
Customs may accept the documents, request clarifications or physically inspect the cargo. The final decision belongs to the authority, not the transporter.
6. Duty calculation
Duties are calculated based on the TARIC code, customs value, transport and the applicable product regime.
7. Customs release
After the declaration is accepted and the due amounts are paid, cargo receives customs release and can be collected or delivered.
Documents required for importing from China
For a commercial import, documents must be prepared before cargo arrival.
Commercial invoice
The invoice must include supplier, importer, product description, real value, currency, delivery condition and quantities.
Packing List
The packing list shows how many packages exist, weight, volume and packaging method. It helps physical checks and logistics calculation.
Transport document
For air freight, the AWB is used. For sea freight, the Bill of Lading is used. These documents connect the cargo to the actual transport.
EORI code
Companies importing into the European Union need EORI. Without EORI, commercial customs clearance cannot proceed normally.
Product-specific documents
Some products may require CE marking, technical sheets, declarations of conformity, battery documents, textile data or other risk-related documents.
The required document list may vary by product. Cargo China can check the file operationally, but the final decision belongs to customs authorities.
EORI, TARIC, VAT and customs duties
Import is not only transport. The final cost depends on classification, value and documents.
What EORI means
EORI is the identification number used in relation with European Union customs authorities. For commercial imports, it is a basic element.
What TARIC code means
The TARIC code is the tariff classification used to calculate duties and check measures applicable to a product. Two similar products may have different codes if material or function differs.
How import VAT is calculated
VAT is applied to the customs value, to which transport and customs duties may be added depending on the situation.
How customs duties are calculated
Customs duty depends on the TARIC code and the origin of goods. Some products may have zero duty, others may have significant percentages.
Customs value
The declared value must be real and supported by documents. Undervaluation may lead to checks, delays and fiscal risks.
Incoterms, DDP and import risks
The delivery condition defines who pays transport, where risk transfers and what costs may appear.
EXW
The supplier makes the goods available at the factory. The importer must control pickup, local costs and transport. It is flexible, but requires good coordination.
FOB / FCA
These are clearer options for many B2B imports. Responsibility can be separated more clearly after the goods are handed over at the agreed point.
CIF / CIP
They may look convenient, but local terminal or handling fees may appear on arrival. These costs are not always visible in the suppliers initial quote.
DDP
DDP offered by suppliers may hide fiscal risks. If cargo is not cleared correctly under the importers name, problems may appear during a later audit.
Operational recommendation: work transparently, with clean documents, real values and papers under the importers name.
What can delay customs clearance
Most delays are not caused by the aircraft. They are caused by documents and incomplete information.
Incomplete invoice
If importer data, product description or real value is missing, customs may ask for clarification.
Unclear cargo description
Terms like accessories, samples or goods are not enough. The product must be described concretely.
Wrong TARIC code
Wrong classification can change customs duty and trigger checks.
Missing technical documents
Electronics, batteries, textiles, toys or cosmetics may require additional documents.
Declared values that look unrealistic
If the value seems too low, the authority may request extra proof: payment, order, contract or commercial correspondence.
Check before importing
Use the tools on the site for a quick estimate. They do not replace customs authority decisions, but they reduce uncertainty at the beginning.