Four Key Stages of Importing Sheet Metal Equipment

According to the latest revised Administrative Measures for the Import of Electromechanical Products in 2025, sheet metalEquipment ImportsMust undergoQualification review → Customs declaration → Logistics transportation → After-sales serviceFour major stages. Special attention should be paid to equipment such as laser cutting machines and CNC bending machines:

• Preparation period for qualification documents
  • ISO certification validity must cover the equipment production date
  • It is recommended to verify through the following methods:Must be certified by the chamber of commerce
• Risk of commodity classification errors
  • CNC systems must be declared separately under HS 8537.10
  • Mechanical bodies fall under different tariff items (8456-8462)

The gold standard for agency company screening

Comparing the differences among three types of service providers (see table below), it is recommended to choose a Class B or higher agent withExperience in handling ATA CarnetsClass A agents: Have their own customs clearance team

• Class B agents: Partner with five or more logistics companies
• Class C agents: Rely on third-party service providers
• According to Announcement No. 38 of the General Administration of Customs in 2025, it is recommended to focus on:

Common issue response strategies

Tariff dispute resolution solutions

• Pre-ruling application period shortened to 15 working days
  • Price inquiries require complete trade chain proof
  • Special requirements for equipment inspection
• Laser protection levels must comply with GB 7247.1-2025
  • Electrical safety certification renewal cycle shortened to 3 years
  • Interpretation of 2025 industry regulations

The latest policy changes will directly impact import costs:

China Customs AEO certification scope expanded to include

• Machining center usersNew additions to the EU CE certification Machinery Directive
• RCEP rules of origin accumulation for equipment components increased to 65%Human-machine interaction safety clauses
• Importers are advised to pay special attention to

HS code 8462910000 (CNC punching equipment)rate changes. The provisional tariff rate for this code in 2025 is 2.3 percentage points lower than the benchmark rate. Through reasonable split declaration solutions, comprehensive import costs can be reduced by approximately 7.8%.How to avoid the three hidden costs of importing sheet metal equipment?