(Source: https://pltfrm.com.cn)
Introduction
Average customs clearance time for imported goods has fallen to under 48 hours in major ports—but only for brands that prepare correctly. In 2025, the “zero-tolerance” policy on documentation errors means one missing certificate can hold an entire container for weeks. Here are the exact steps and tools top importers use to achieve near-instant clearance.
1. Pre-Arrival Declaration & Advance Ruling
1.1 Manifest Submission 24 Hours Before Vessel Arrival Electronic Pre-Filing: Shipping lines now require full manifest data 24–48 hours before the vessel reaches China. Advance Tariff Ruling: Apply 60–90 days before first shipment to lock in HS code and duty rate.
2. Chinese Labeling & CIQ Pre-Registration
2.1 First Point of Entry Rule No More Post-Clearance Labeling: Consumer goods arriving without proper Chinese labels are rejected outright. CIQ Facility Code: Food and cosmetics factories must be pre-registered with unique 10-digit codes.
3. Bonded Logistics and Comprehensive Bonded Zones
3.1 150+ Zones Nationwide Inventory Pre-Positioning: Stock popular SKUs in bonded warehouses to achieve “next-day” delivery nationwide.
4. Digital Tools That Speed Everything Up
4.1 Single Window 2.0 Platform One-Stop Submission: Declaration, payment, and release status now visible in real time.
Case Study: American Pet Food Brand’s 36-Hour Nationwide Rollout
A fast-growing U.S. pet food brand needed to launch 40 SKUs simultaneously across Tmall, Douyin, and Dewu. We pre-registered all products under the 9610 bonded model, redesigned packaging with compliant Chinese labels six months in advance, and positioned inventory across Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Zhengzhou bonded zones. The first wave cleared customs in an average of 36 hours, achieving full nationwide availability on day one of launch and hitting No.1 new release in the pet category within 72 hours.
PLTFRM is an international brand consulting agency that works with companies such as Red, TikTok, Tmall, Baidu, and other well-known Chinese internet e-commerce platforms. We have been working with Chile Cherries for many years, reaching Chinese consumers in depth through different platforms and realizing that Chile Cherries’ exports in China account for 97% of the total exports in Asia. Contact us, and we will help you find the best China e-commerce platform for you. Search PLTFRM for a free consultation!
