The customs declaration form is a crucial document in import and export trade. Errors or omissions in filling out the form may result in the detention, delay or even fine of goods. The following are the precautions for filling out the customs declaration form, and are analyzed with examples:

1. Product name and specifications

Precautions：Product names must be accurate and specific. Ambiguous or general descriptions are not allowed. Specification information (such as model, material, size, etc.) must be filled in in detail.

Example Analysis:

• Error example: Fill in Machine Parts for the product name and leave the specifications blank.
• Correct example: For product name, fill in Stainless steel valve, model ABC-123 and for specification, fill in Material: stainless steel, size: DN50.

2. HS Code

Precautions: HS code (commodity code) must be accurate. Incorrect classification may lead to incorrect tariff calculation or customs inspection.

Example Analysis:

• Error example: For export of stainless steel valves, the HS code should be “7326.90” (ordinary steel products).
• Correct example：According to the specific purpose and material of the valve, the correct HS code should be filled in as 8481.80 (valves and their parts).

3. Quantity and Unit

Precautions: The quantity must be consistent with the actual goods, and the unit must comply with international standards (such as piece, kilogram, liter, etc.).

Example Analysis:

• Error example: Fill in 100 for quantity and leave the unit blank.
• Correct example: Fill in 100 pcs for quantity and clearly mark the unit as pc.

4. Value of Goods

Precautions：The value of the goods must be declared truthfully, including the FOB (free on board) or CIF (cost, insurance and freight) amount, to avoid false or underreporting.

Example Analysis:

• Error example: The value of the goods is filled in as US$1,000, but the actual invoice amount is US$1,500.
• Correct example: Fill in US$1,500 for the value of the goods, which is consistent with the amount on the commercial invoice.

5. Origin

Precautions：The place of origin must be filled in truthfully, and a certificate of origin must be provided if tariff preferences are involved.

Example Analysis:

• Error example: The country of origin is filled in as China, but the actual goods are assembled in Vietnam.
• Correct example: Fill in Vietnam for the country of origin and provide a Vietnamese certificate of origin.

6. Consignor and consignee information

Precautions: The name, address and contact information of the consignee and consignor must be accurate to avoid being unable to contact due to incorrect information.

Example Analysis:

• Error example: The consignee’s name was written as “ABC Company”, but it was actually “ABC Co., Ltd.”
• Correct example：The consignee’s name should be “ABC Co., Ltd.”, which is consistent with the contract and bill of lading.

7. Shipping Information

Precautions: Information such as mode of transport (sea, air, land), ship name/flight number, bill of lading number, etc. must be filled in accurately.

Example Analysis:

• Error example: The mode of transport was filled in as sea transport, but it was actually air transport.
• Correct example: Fill in Air Transport for the mode of transport, and accurately fill in the flight number and air waybill number.

8. Packaging Information

Precautions: The type of packaging (such as cartons, wooden boxes, pallets, etc.) and the number of pieces must be filled in truthfully.

Example Analysis:

• Error example: The packaging type was filled in as “carton”, but it was actually a wooden box.
• Correct example: For the type of packaging, fill in “wooden box” and for the number of pieces, fill in “20 boxes”.

9. Special Requests

Precautions: If there are special requirements (such as dangerous goods, refrigerated goods, etc.), they must be indicated in the customs declaration form and relevant supporting documents must be provided.

Example Analysis:

• Error example: The exported dangerous goods were not indicated in the customs declaration form, and no dangerous goods transportation certificate was provided.
• Correct example: Indicate dangerous goods in the customs declaration and provide dangerous goods transportation certificate and MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet).

10. Signature and Seal

Precautions: The customs declaration form must be signed and stamped by the customs broker or the companys authorized personnel to ensure its legal effect.

Example Analysis:

• Error example：The customs declaration form was not signed or stamped and was returned by the customs.
• Correct example: The customs declaration form shall be signed by the authorized personnel and stamped with the company seal.

Conclusion

Filling out the customs declaration form is a key link in import and export trade. Any error or omission may result in the goods being detained, delayed or fined. Enterprises should ensure that:

1. Accurate information: All information must be consistent with the contract, invoice, bill of lading and other documents.
2. Complete documents: Provide necessary supporting documents, such as certificate of origin, dangerous goods certificate, etc.
3. Professional audit：The customs declaration form will be reviewed by professional customs brokers or agents to ensure it is correct.

By rigorously filling out and reviewing customs declaration forms, companies can effectively reduce customs clearance risks and ensure the smooth import and export of goods.