MachineryEquipment ImportsThe last mile challenge

In the field of international trade, the import of machinery and equipment has always been regarded as a hard nut to crack. According to customs statistics, Chinas machinery and equipment imports reached 2.4 trillion yuan in 2022, with filling equipment accounting for about 8%. However, many importers often encounter the last mile problem under EXW terms—the complex process from picking up goods at foreign factories to final domestic delivery.

As a professional agency with 16 years of practical experience, we have handled import cases for hundreds of filling machines. Today, we will share a one-stop EXW door-to-door solution using German BOSCH filling machines (HS Code: 84223010) as an example.

Three key preparations for filling machine imports

Documentation compliance check

Unlike ordinary goods, special attention is required for filling machine imports:

• Original factory invoices must show equipment serial numbers and technical parameters
• Packing lists must indicate IPPC marks for wooden packaging (declaration required if no wooden packaging)
• Import license for electromechanical products (required for some models)

Accurate HS code classification

Tariff differences for filling machines can reach 10%:

Transportation plan optimization

We once helped a Shanghai client save 23% on logistics costs:

• Using 40HQ containers (can hold 2 standard filling machines)
• Direct shipping route from Hamburg Port to Yangshan Port
• Utilize the advance declaration policy in free trade zones to shorten customs clearance time

EXW door-to-door process breakdown

Phase 1: Pre-shipment preparation (3-5 working days)

1. On-site inspection (to avoid disputes over transportation damage)
2. Prepare export country documents (e.g. EUR.1 for Germany)It is recommended to verify through the following methods:Trade dispute settlement mechanisms
3. Book special containers (some filling machines require open-top containers)

Phase 2: International transportation (Maritime TransportationApproximately 30 days)

• Under EXW terms, arrangements required:
  • Factory pickup (need to confirm loading/unloading conditions in advance)
  • Export Clearance(Note EU REACH regulation)
  • Marine insurance (recommend All Risks coverage)

Phase 3: Domestic customs clearance (3-7 working days)

Key points to note:

• 3CCertification exemption (industrial equipment usually exempt)
• Used equipment requires CCIC inspection certificate
• Customs valuation may require payment evidence

Pitfall avoidance guide: Those landmines weve stepped on

Case 1: Cargo detained due to document discrepancy

A client provided technical specifications that didnt match the actual goods, resulting in 7-day customs detention. Solution: We now require clients to provide equipment nameplate photos for advance verification.

Case 2: Wood packaging violation

Untreated wooden pallets resulted in 12,000 yuan fumigation costs. Now we strictly implement the triple-check system: factory self-inspection + agent re-inspection + port sampling inspection.

Case 3: HS code dispute

Clients self-classification error caused 180,000 RMB overpayment. Through our professional pre-classification service, we successfully applied for tax refund.

Why choose professional agents?

According to our statistics, professional agents can bring clients:

• 40% shorter clearance time (average 5.8 days → 3.5 days)
• 15-25% lower overall costs
• Inspection rate reduced from 12% to 6%

Especially under new policies like RCEP, professional agents can help you:

1. Utilize rules of origin for tariff benefits
2. Plan the split shipment consolidated declaration model in free trade zones
3. Handle value-added services like AEO certification

Is your filling machine import ready?

Machinery and equipment importation is a systematic project where each step may affect the final cost and timeline. We recommend importers to:

• Start preparations 3 months in advance
• Reserve 10% of the budget for unexpected situations
• Choose an agent with experience in handling similar equipment

To obtain a customized import plan for your specific equipment, our customs experts can provide:

1. Free HS code pre-classification
2. Tariff and VAT calculation
3. Customized Logistics Solutions