Title: Decoding the Complete Chain of Wine Import: 12 Key Steps to Avoid Pitfalls from Industry Expertscustoms clearanceDescription: This article systematically analyzes the core processes of wine import in 2023,

covering full-cycle management from qualification preparation to customs clearance and cargo pickup. Combining the latest customs policies with practical cases,Import agentit reveals 5 common compliance pitfalls and countermeasures, helping importers reduce 30% of clearance costs.

Main Text:

As a senior consultant with 20 years of experience in import/export trade, I have led over 200 batches of wine import projects and witnessed the industrys transition from extensive operation to refined management. This article will combine the latest Customs General Administration Order No. 122 and WTO Wine Product Trade Agreement to reveal a compliant and efficient import clearance methodology.

Market Prospects and Industry Challenges

20231- June China Wine Import Volume Reached 210 Million Liters, Up 18.7% YoY, But Return Rate Simultaneously Rose to 6.3%. Main Pain Points Concentrated On:

• Incomplete Customs Declaration Documents (Accounted for 42% of Dispute Cases)
• Label non-compliant with GB 7718 standard (accounts for 31% of customs seizures)
• Dutiable value declaration deviation (triggers subsequent audit risks)

Standardized Operational Procedures (12-Step Clearance Model)

Phase 1: Preliminary Preparation (Key Success Factors)

Phase 2: Customs Declaration Practice

1. Transportation terms selection: Recommend requiring suppliers to provide under CIF termsSWIFT BLElectronic Bill of Lading
2. Three Verification Principles for Document Management:
   • Consistency between commercial invoices and L/C terms
   • Consistency between HS codes on Certificate of Origin and declaration
   • Sanitary certificate testing items must cover GB 2758 standard
3. Smart declaration strategy: Utilize the Customs Single Window system for classification advance rulings

Phase 3: Customs Clearance and Cargo Pickup

• Cold chain monitoring: Maintain temperature between 12-18℃ throughout transportation (Bordeaux AOC level requirement)
• Bond management: Flexibly use tariff guarantee insurance to replace traditional deposits

III. Key Compliance Updates for 2023

Three Essential Elements of Label Management

• Mandatory Chinese back label additionAllergen informationMarking (implemented on March, 2023)
• Alcohol tolerance range narrowed to ±0.5% vol

Tax Optimization Pathways

IV. Analysis of Common Risk Cases

Case 1: Wood Packaging Violation (2022 Shenzhen Port)

An importers entire container shipment was detained for 14 days due to failure to provide IPPC mark, resulting in demurrage charges of USD 3,800. Solution:

1. Establish supplier packaging material review checklist
2. Require detailed packaging photos before shipment

Case 2: Commodity Classification Dispute (2023 Tianjin Customs)

An Italian sparkling wine triggered a tax supplement dispute due to HS code errors (2204.1000 vs 2204.2100), ultimately saving RMB 127,000 in tariff expenses through the pre-ruling procedure.

V. Industry Trend Outlook

• Digital customs declaration: The application of blockchain technology in customs will reduce document processing time by 40%.
• Green logistics: Starting from 2024, EU exports will require carbon footprint declarations.
• Smart traceability: RFID technology enables end-to-end tracking from vineyards to shelves.

Conclusion:
Wine importation is a highly technical professional field. It is recommended that enterprises establish a 3+1 risk control system (three-phase review + annual compliance audit). When selecting agency service providers, priority should be given to evaluating their AEO certification qualifications and pre-classification capabilities, which can effectively reduce overall operational costs. Over the next three years, digital customs declaration capabilities will become an industry differentiator, and it is advisable to proactively implement intelligent customs systems.