Customs recordation means that import consignees, export consignors or entrusted Customs brokers shall submit a declaration form (paper document or electronic document) to report the actual situation of imported and exported goods to Customs and accept its review, in accordance with the Customs Law of the People's Republic of China and relevant laws, administrative regulations and rules.

According to the provisions of the Customs Law, import consignees and export consignors can file with Customs on their own, or they can choose to entrust a Customs broker. Import consignees, export consignors and Customs brokers shall obtain market entity status when applying for recordation. Additionally, consignees and consignors of import and export goods shall also obtain the Registration of Foreign Trade Operators.

The declaration of export goods shall be made by the consignor upon the arrival of the goods at Customs supervision areas and 24 hours prior to loading. The declaration of imported goods shall be made to Customs by the consignee within 14 days from the date of the declaration of the arrival of the means of transport.

The submitted material should include an original document of the "Information Form for Recordation of the Customs Declaration Entity". An electronic version is required for online processing, and a paper version is required for window processing.

Applicants applying for recordation via the "Integrating Certificates into One" model do not need to provide any materials. They can log on to the website of the Chinese International Trade Single Window or the website of the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China to fill in the relevant information and submit the application to the Customs.

Where the following entities engage in non-trade import and export activities, they shall apply for temporary recordation:

1.Permanent offices established in China by foreign enterprises, news agencies, economic and trade organizations, and cultural associations;

2.Entities bringing small quantities of sample goods into or out of China;

3.State organs, schools, research institutions, red cross societies, foundations, and other organizations;

4.Entities that accept donations, gifts, and international aid, or provide donations and international aid;

5.Other entities that may engage in non-trade import and export activities.

For temporary recordation, an entity shall submit to local Customs an original document of the "Information Form for Recordation of the Customs Declaration Entity" and a copy of the "Certification Materials for Non-Trade Import and Export Activities".

Upon examination, the recordation materials should be complete and meet recordation requirements, and Customs shall put the information on record within three working days. The recordation information shall be published on the website of the "Credit Publicity Platform of the Import and Export Business of Customs of the People's Republic of China"(http://credit.customs.gov.cn/).

Source: shanghai.customs.gov.cn