Import Customs Clearance for Stone & Mineral Raw Materials (for Guangzhou, China)

1. Tariff Information: According to China's Customs Practical Handbook, the most-favored-nation tariff rate for marble ranges from 3% to 10% (depending on shape, processing degree), with a 17% value-added tax (VAT).

2. Regulatory Conditions: No special customs supervision requirements apply.

3. Declaration Elements:

• Product name

• Processing method (natural state, rough trimming, sawing, cutting, etc.)

• Appearance characteristics

• Apparent density

• Quantity (in cubic meters or square meters)

• Color and variety (in both Chinese and English)

• Specifications (length, width, height)

4. Clearance Flow:
   Cargo arrival → Document exchange → Health inspection → Customs declaration → Document review → Price verification & inspection (random) → Tax payment (duty + VAT) → Customs release → Cargo pickup

• Official certificate of origin from the exporting country

• Color specification

• English name of the stone

• Packing list

• Bill of lading

1. Document exchange / document retrieval

2. Commodity inspection:
   Granite, limestone, sandstone, marble, etc., require radioactivity testing (on-site testing + laboratory analysis). For containerized stone, 100% container inspection is required; for bulk stone, 30% sampling applies. Laboratory analysis is mandatory for high-risk samples. Upon passing, the Stone Import Quarantine Certificate will be issued.

3. Customs declaration:
   Submission of stone specifications (indicating origin, purpose, radioactivity level, and application scope). Provisional tariffs for imported rough stone are zero. Customs reviews documents, verifies prices, conducts inspections (if required), and grants release.

Attention must be paid to pricing methods, settlement models, price adjustments, and inspection standards. Specific considerations include:

1. Required Documents:
   Certificate of origin, quality certificate (with composition analysis), bill of lading, packing list, commercial invoice, and trade contract (preferably original). Contract date and signing date are critical for price verification, as mineral prices often fluctuate significantly over time.

2. Cargo Characteristics:
   Determine if the mineral is granular or sandy, and whether it arrives in containers or bulk. Large, stable shipments are typically stored in off-port warehouses for safety (varies by port).

3. Post-Import Procedures:
   Commodity inspection usually issues quality and weight certificates. Most clients use customs-issued foreign exchange certificates for payment (processing time may take up to one month).

• Customs duties and taxes: Based on the applicable HS code (e.g., 0% duty for rough granite, 17% VAT)

• Commodity inspection fee: 0.15% of the cargo value

• Customs declaration and inspection fees: Determined by cargo specifics

• Port fees: Actual expenses incurred

• Transportation fees: Based on destination and cargo conditions

• Agency fees: Determined by cargo specifics

• Rapid customs valuation inquiries for stone and timber imports

• Technical assistance with packing lists and documents for clients lacking complete data or import/export rights

• Strategic declaration support to optimize tax costs within regulatory guidelines

• Expedited disinfection, fumigation, and quarantine services to minimize port storage fees

• Strong customs relationships ensuring safe inspections and efficient clearance

• Cost savings on port fees, container rental, and timely cargo pickup