Key changes in the 2025 import tax exemption policy

According to the latest Implementation Measures for Import Tax Policies on Major Technical Equipment issued by the Ministry of Finance, the 2025 tax exemption catalog has added two new categories: intelligent medical equipment andNew energyequipment production lines, while canceling the tax exemption eligibility for traditional mechanical processing equipment. The policy presents three major characteristics:

• Industry precision: Focusing on strategic emerging industries such as integrated circuits and biomedicine
• Technical threshold raised: Equipment technical parameter indicators increased by an average of 15%-20%
• Dynamic regulatory updates: Establish annual review and random inspection mechanisms

Complete process analysis of tax exemption qualification certification

Four key steps required for successful tax exemption application:

• Pre - review stage
  • Obtain equipment parameter technical specifications (including certification documents issued by the manufacturer)
  • Prepare project feasibility study report (requires filing with provincial Development and Reform Commission)
• Formal application
  • Submit electronic application through the International Trade Single Window
  • Submit paper materials simultaneously (within 5 working days)
• Technical review
  • Expert evaluation cycle shortened to 20 working days
  • Added third-party testing agency verification process
• Customs clearance
  • Implement the guarantee first, verification later customs clearance mode
  • Require physical verification to be completed within 30 days after equipment arrives at port

Warning about common declaration misconceptions

Customs audit data from the past three years shows that over 60% of declaration issues stem from the following three types of errors:

• Technical parameter mismatch: A company importing precision machine tools was required to pay back taxes due to a 3% spindle speed error
• Insufficient proof of intended use: Medical equipment had its tax exemption qualification revoked due to failure to obtain usage record filing with the National Health Commission
• Lack of follow-up management: Case of administrative penalty triggered by undeclared equipment subleasing to third parties

Value embodiment of professional agency services

Selecting high-quality agencies can increase declaration success rate by 30%

• Policy anticipation: Track tax exemption catalog adjustment trends 6-12 months in advance
• Document Optimization: Prepare declaration material packages compliant with AEO certification standards
• Customs Clearance Guarantee: Establish emergency channels to handle sudden inspection incidents
• Risk Management: Provide full lifecycle compliance management solutions for equipment

A semiconductor company successfully imported an extreme ultraviolet lithography machine worth 230 million yuan in Q4 2024 through professional agency services, saving 41.8 million yuan in tariffs and VAT, and reducing customs clearance time by 45 days compared to self-declaration.

2025 declaration strategy recommendations

• Obtain customs advance rulings before signing equipment procurement contracts
• Prioritize equipment models with type test reports
• Establish a dedicated ledger management system for duty-free equipment
• Regularly participate in specialized AEO certification training for enterprises