Processing Trade Handbook: The 'Customs Passport' for Enterprise Import/Export

As an enterprise engaged in processing trade, the handbook is like our 'customs passport.' According to Article 33 of the Customs Law, processing trade enterprises must register with and establish a manual with customs. In practice, I have found that many enterprises have misconceptions about handbook management, either being overly cautious leading to inefficiency or too casual causing compliance risks.

There are mainly two types of processing manuals:

• Paper manual: Suitable for single contract operations
• Electronic manual: Suitable for bulk operations of networked supervision enterprises

The 'Admission Ticket' for Enterprise Networked Supervision

To enjoy the convenience of networked supervision, enterprises must meet three mandatory requirements:

• Possess processing trade operation qualifications
• Have completed customs registration
• Be a production-oriented enterprise (excluding enterprises in special supervision zones)

In my professional experience, I once assisted an electronics manufacturer in applying for networked supervision. By preparing complete production capacity certification and ERP system integration plans in advance, we completed the approval in just 3 working days, 40% faster than the promised timeframe.

The 'Customs Clearance Code' for Handbook Setup

The following key materials are required to establish a processing manual:

• Processing enterprise production capacity certification
• Processing contract (if applicable)
• Foreign trade contract

Special Attention:Customs will reject manual establishment under the following five circumstances:

• Involving commodities prohibited from import/export by the state
• Processed products are prohibited from domestic production
• Imported materials are unsuitable for bonded status
• Enterprise is listed as prohibited from conducting processing trade
• Existing overdue uncanceled manuals

The 'Express Channel' for Electronic Processing

Currently, over 90% of notebook business operations can be processed online through the 'Internet + Customs' platform or the 'Single Window' system. According to Article 143 of the General Administration of Customs:

• Manual establishment: Completed within 5 working days
• Manual amendment: Completed within 5 working days

I recommend enterprises prioritize electronic manuals, which not only have faster approval but also enable:

• 24-hour online declaration
• Real-time progress tracking
• Automatic receipt of customs feedback

The 'Double-Edged Sword' of the Deposit System

Customs may require enterprises to provide deposits or guarantees under the following circumstances:

• When suspected of smuggling under investigation
• Under customs rectification period
• First-time processing trade operation
• Manual extension exceeding two times
• Processing trade operation in different locations

In practice, we recommend new enterprises opt for bank guarantees instead of cash deposits, which can significantly reduce capital occupation. I once assisted a garment company in replacing deposits with tariff guarantee insurance, saving 70% of capital costs.

The 'Final Battle' of Handbook Verification

Many enterprises focus on manual establishment but neglect verification procedures. According to the Processing Trade Goods Supervision Measures, enterprises must:

• Re-export within specified time limits
• Pay duties for domestic sales of bonded materials
• Submit licenses for restricted commodities

Practical suggestion: Establish a verification alert mechanism, preparing verification materials 30 days before manual expiration to avoid overdue records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What to do if manual establishment gets rejected?
A: First check customs rejection reasons, usually due to incomplete materials or data errors. I recommend enterprises establish dedicated customs positions for preliminary material review.

Q: How to prepare production capacity certificates?
A: Need to detail enterprise equipment, personnel, and production capacity. Recommend referencing industry benchmark templates but ensure data authenticity.

Q: What to note for electronic manual changes?
A: Key is ensuring changed data matches actual situations. Recommend keeping complete approval records for each change.

Processing trade manual management may seem complex, but with proper methods, it can become a powerful tool for cost reduction and efficiency improvement. Hope this guide helps foreign trade colleagues navigate processing trade more steadily and further.