Why do elderly walking shoe imports require professional agency?

As a veteran with 20 years of experienceforeign trade"Old driver," I often encounter clients asking questions like this: "Importing elderly walking shoes seems simple, so why do we need to find a professional agent?" Let me illustrate with a set of data: in 2023, the average customs clearance time for imported footwear products in China was 2.8 days, but37% of delays were caused by incomplete documentation. As special functional footwear, the import process for elderly walking shoes is far more complex than regular shoes.

The value of professional agencies mainly manifests in:

• Compliance risk avoidance: Accurate commodity classification (such as HS code 6403.91 or 6403.99)
• Comprehensive cost savings: Proper utilization of FTA preferential tariffs (such as China-ASEAN agreement rates)
• improving the efficiency of customs clearance: Anticipating customs inspection priorities (such as requiring test reports for functional claims)

Complete breakdown of elderly walking shoe import process

Pre - preparation Stage

This stage is like a "premarital health check," requiring thorough preparation:

• Commodity classification: Recommended classification under 6403, with specifics determined by sole material (rubber/plastic ratio)
• Documentation preparation: In addition to standard contracts, invoices and packing lists, pay special attention to:
  • It is recommended to verify through the following methods:(FORM E eligible for ASEAN preferential tariffs)
  • Test reports (CE certification required for EU, ASTM F2913 testing for US)
• Qualification Handling: Noneimport and exportEnterprises with rights may adopt the "dual-header customs declaration" model.

International Transportation Phase

Choose transportation method based on cargo volume:

• Maritime Transportation: 20ft container can hold approximately 5000 pairs (considering shoebox volume)
• Air Transportation: Suitable for samples or urgent replenishment, freight cost about 15-20% of goods value

Special reminder: Pay attention tofootwear environmental requirements(such as EU REACH regulations on chemical substances)

Key points for domestic customs clearance

Customs clearance is like a "game of breaking through levels," requiring a clearance document:

• Declaration elements: Complete declaration of upper material, sole material, functional claims, etc.
• to transportation plan optimization: General tariff rate 10%, VAT 13% (2023 standard)
• Inspection and quarantine: Commodities subject to legal inspection require CIQ inspection, with key focus on:
  • Formaldehyde content (GB 30585 requires ≤75mg/kg)
  • Anti-slip performance (dry friction coefficient ≥0.5)

Cargo Pickup and Settlement

After customs clearance:

• Arrange domestic logistics (recommend purchasing transport insurance)
• The cost settlement list should include:
  • International freight (note additional charges like THC, DOC, etc.)
  • Tariff and VAT (provide special payment certificate)
  • Agency service fee (typically 1-2% of cargo value)

III. Professional agency selection recommendations

Combining customs consumption tips, we recommend importers pay attention to:

• Product Labeling: Import labels must comply with GB/T 15107 requirements, including at least:
  • Chinese product name (cannot use only foreign language labeling)
  • Domestic distributor information
  • Safety category (must be labeled as "Not a children's product")
• Quality Control: Recommended pre-shipment tests:
  • Flex test (sole must withstand 100,000 bends without cracking)
  • Anti-slip test (wet friction coefficient ≥0.3)

IV. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does customs clearance usually take?
A: With complete documents, 3 working days for general goods; legal inspection goods require additional 3-5 working days.

Q: How to determine if legal inspection is required?
A: Check the Legal Inspection Catalog published by customs. Elderly walking shoes typically involve quality inspection and safety/health inspection.

Q: How to handle sample imports?
A: Up to 6 pairs can be shipped via the sample channel, provided that a sample declaration letter (marked as "Not for Sale") is submitted.

At first glance, importing elderly walking shoes may seem simple, but there's more to it than meets the eye. As a seasoned "veteran trader" with experience in handling thousands of shoe import orders, I recommend:Start preparations 30 days in advance, reserve 15% budget as emergency funds, and choose an agency with shoe import experience.After all, ensuring elders wear safe and comfortable imported walking shoes - this filial devotion deserves professional support.