A Complete Guide to Import Customs Clearance for Used Printing Presses: Required Documents & Key Considerations
A printing press is a machine used for printing text and images. Modern printing presses generally consist of mechanisms for plate loading, inking, impression, and paper feeding (including folding). Its working principle is: first, the text and images to be printed are made into a printing plate, which is installed on the press. Then, ink is applied manually or by the press to the areas of the plate with text and images. This ink is then directly or indirectly transferred onto paper or other substrates (such as textiles, metal sheets, plastic, leather, wood, glass, and ceramics), thereby reproducing copies identical to the printing plate.
Required Qualifications for Import Declaration of Used Printing Presses:
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Import and Export Business Scope
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Customs Registration
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Signed Agreement for Paperless Customs Clearance
Documents Required for Customs Declaration of Used Printing Presses:
A. Ocean Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
B. Invoice
C. Packing List
D. Contract
E. Product Information (Declaration Elements for Importing Used Printing Presses)
F. Preferential Certificate of Origin (if applicable for preferential tariff rates)
G. CCIC Report (if pre-shipment inspection is required)
H. Import Permit for Mechanical and Electrical Products (if involved)
I. Product Documentation (equipment photos, nameplate photos, functional principles, usage information)
J. Valuation Documents, Price Basis (Foreign Exchange Settlement Slip, invoice for a new machine, reference quotes for similar equipment of the same brand, etc.)
Customs Clearance Process for Used Printing Presses (General):
Exchange Bill of Lading -> Customs Declaration (can be done simultaneously with bill exchange) -> Commodity Classification & Valuation -> Tax Payment -> Inspection (if selected) -> Goods Pickup -> Destination Inspection -> Ready for Use
PS: Goods subject to destination inspection cannot be used until the inspection is completed.
Some Related Questions Regarding Used Printing Presses:
① Are there any special qualifications required for the consignee company importing used printing presses?
② How should the company cooperate if the used printing press is selected for inspection?
③ What are the general trade duty and tax rates for used printing presses?
④ How to calculate the overall logistics cost components for used printing presses?
⑤ What is the typical timeline and key time points for customs clearance of used printing presses?
⑥ Other issues regarding the declaration of used printing presses?
⑦ What documents are needed for the valuation of imported used printing presses?
⑧ What is the basis for Customs valuation of used printing presses?
⑨ Are there any restrictions on the age of imported used printing presses?
For Reference:
Sea Freight Clearance Costs for Importing Used Printing Presses:
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Bill of Lading Exchange Service Fee
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Bill of Lading Exchange Fee
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Bonded Warehouse Charges (e.g., for LCL shipments)
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Customs Declaration & Inspection Fee
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Valuation Service Fee
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Inspection Service Fee
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Customs Inspection Fee
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Demurrage Charges (e.g., for FCL shipments)
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Port Miscellaneous Charges (e.g., for FCL shipments)
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Storage Fees (e.g., for FCL shipments)
Air Freight Clearance Costs for Importing Used Printing Presses:
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Airport Warehouse Fees
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Customs Declaration & Inspection Fee
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Valuation Service Fee
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Inspection Service Fee
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Customs Inspection Fee
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Other Miscellaneous Fees
Key Considerations for Customs Declaration of Used Printing Presses:
(一) For uncertain goods, consult online via the "Import Quality and Safety Management Information Service Platform for Used Mechanical and Electrical Products" for confirmation.
(二) Declaration information must be consistent, complete, and accurate compared to the arrived goods.
(三) Used mechanical and electrical products subject to pre-shipment inspection can only be imported after passing such inspection.
(四) Key points for pre-shipment inspection:
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External Inspection of Goods:
(1) Verify if the imported used mechanical and electrical product conforms to national approval items. Check compliance with compulsory product certification systems, import quality licensing management, and other requirements per current regulations.
(2) Inspect the appearance and packaging of the imported product for defects or damage.
(3) Verify if the product's name, specifications, model, quantity, origin, manufacturing date, condition (new/used), price, etc., match the contract or agreement.
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Safety Item Inspection according to China's compulsory standards for electrical and mechanical safety:
(1) Check external safety labels and warning marks.
(2) Check the safety of protective devices, electrical components, and mechanical components when the equipment is stationary.
(3) Test the safety, reliability, and stability of the equipment during operation.
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Health and Environmental Protection Inspection according to China's relevant compulsory standards:
(1) Check the hygiene status of the goods.
(2) Test whether noise, dust levels, radiation, and emissions during operation meet standards.
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Verify the effectiveness of technical and corrective measures taken for non-conformities found during the pre-shipment inspection.
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Other inspection items can be carried out according to regulations for similar mechanical and electrical products.
(五) After customs clearance, promptly contact the inspection and quarantine department of the local customs for goods inspection.
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Daily Customs Knowledge:
Port of Saint John is a major port in New Brunswick, Canada:
Basic Overview:
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Location: Southern New Brunswick, Canada, north shore of the Bay of Fundy, at the mouth of the Saint John River. Coordinates: 45°15'16" N, 66°1'56" W.
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Management: Managed by the Saint John Port Authority, it is a deep-water, ice-free port year-round with advanced terminal facilities in North America.
History:
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Early Development: First visited by Samuel de Champlain in 1604, later became a trade route for Britain and France. Developed rapidly after the influx of United Empire Loyalists in 1783, driven by the timber trade and shipbuilding.
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Prosperity: In 1889, the Canadian Pacific Railway opened a line from Montreal to Saint John, making it Montreal's winter port. Served as a transshipment point during WWI.
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Subsequent Changes: Its status declined after the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway and the introduction of icebreaking services. CPR left after selling the line in 1994 but returned through an acquisition in 2020.
Port Facilities:
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Terminal Distribution: West side includes Rodney Container Terminal, interprovincial ferry terminal, etc.; East side has Long Wharf, etc.
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Lifting Equipment: Added 6 cranes between 2017 and 2024, enhancing cargo handling capacity.
Port Scale:
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Number of Berths: 17 berths with a total quay length of 3,900 meters.
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Yard Area: Storage yard area is 105,523 square meters; open port area is 46.9 hectares.
Cargo Transport:
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Main Cargoes: Primarily handles petroleum, forest products, potash, etc. It is a significant base for syrup production in Canada.
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Traffic Data: Container handling volume increased by 10% in 2021 to 86,949 TEUs. Cargo tonnage increased by 11% compared to 2020, reaching 28,822,218 tons.
Economic Impact:
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Regional Development: Serves as the trade, industrial, and commercial center for New Brunswick, driving economic development in the local and surrounding areas and creating numerous job opportunities.
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Industrial Promotion: Supports industries such as shipbuilding/repair, sugar refining, oil refining, and papermaking, contributing to their prosperity.






