Import Paint Filing: The First Step in Customs Clearance You Must Know

As a seasoned professional in the foreign trade industry, I often encounter clients asking, "Why was our paint held up at customs?" Nine times out of ten, the issue lies in the filing process. Today, let me use my 20 years of hands-on experience to unveil the mystery of import paint filing for you.

I. Filing System: Why "File First, Import Later"?

According to the Administrative Measures for the Inspection and Supervision of Imported Paints, China implementsa registration filing and specialized testing system. This system acts like a "security checkpoint" for imported coatings, primarily serving three purposes:

• Environmental safety: Ensuring the content of hazardous substances in paints complies with national standards
• Quality control: Preventing substandard products from entering the domestic market
• Trade Facilitation

: After successful filing, subsequent import procedures will proceed more smoothly

Filing Process: Five Steps to Complete Customs Clearance

Lets break down the complex process into five simple steps:

Pre-preparation phase

Remember this golden rule:Start preparation at least 2 monthsin advance. I once had a client who miscalculated the timeline, resulting in an entire container being stranded at port with daily storage fees.

Material preparation checklist

• Application Form for Imported Paint Filing (recommended to use the latest version)
• Copy of business license (with company seal)
• Manufacturers declaration of conformity (special note: must include hazardous substance content declaration)
• Product technical documentation (bilingual Chinese-English preferred)

On-site application submission

Currently, 11 customs offices nationwide can handle the process, including major ports like Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Its recommended to choose the filing authority closest to your import port or the one youre most familiar with.

Sample submission for inspection

This is the stage where problems most frequently occur. Remember these three key points:

• Samples must be completely identical to the actual imported product
• Quantity must be sufficient for testing and retention samples
• Packaging labels must be complete and clear

Collection of filing certificate

After passing inspection, you can usually obtain the Imported Paint Filing Certificate within 3 working days. This certificate is valid for 2 years—remember to renew it promptly.

III. Practical Experience: Avoiding These "Pitfalls"

Based on my experience, 90% of filing issues are concentrated in the following areas:

• Incomplete materialsEspecially the manufacturers declaration and technical documentation
• Sample discrepancyThe submitted samples differ from the imported products
• Insufficient timeNot enough lead time was reserved for filing
• Standard non-complianceUnaware of the latest environmental standard requirements

IV. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How to file for repackaged products?
A: Both the repackaging manufacturers business license and repackaging facility information need to be provided.

Q: What to do if the filing is rejected?
A: Supplement materials or resubmit samples according to the issues pointed out in the Acceptance Notification.

Q: Can the filing be handled by an agent?
A: Yes, but a formal power of attorney needs to be provided.

V. Suggestions for importers

As someone whos been through this, I recommend:

• EstablishedBased on years of practical experience, Ive summarized three golden rules for efficiency improvement:Keep all technical documentation and test reports
• Maintaingood communicationwith the filing agency
• Stay updated on policy changesConsider hiringprofessional customs brokers
• to assist with filing mattersRegularlyupdate knowledge

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