The export process for Chinese machinery and equipment follows a 10-step closed-loop cycle: Inquiry & Quotation → Contract Signing (Incoterms/Delivery/Payment) → Production & Stocking (FAT/Machine Inspection) → Commodity Inspection (Statutory Inspection List) → Customs Declaration (HS Chapter 84) → Booking & Transport (Sea/Air) → Shipment → Document Delivery (Invoice/Packing List/B/L/CO) → Destination Customs Clearance → Payment Collection & Tax Rebate. The entire process takes 1.5–3 months, with tax rebates being a key factor for profitability.
I.
Commercial Stage
Inquiry & Quotation (FOB/CIF/EXW options); Contract (Incoterms + Delivery + Payment via T/T or L/C + Warranty); Down Payment (30% deposit); Sample Confirmation (for customized models); Certification Confirmation (CE/UL based on target market)—The contract locks in Incoterms and payment milestones (balance collected before shipment; L/C for large orders).
II. Production and Inspection
Stocking/Production (Standard: 10–18 days; Customized: 15–45 days);
FAT (Factory Acceptance Test) (Pre-shipment trial run with materials + video/third-party verification); Commodity Inspection (Equipment on the statutory inspection list requires a customs clearance certificate); Packaging (Moisture-proofing/wooden crates/reinforcement; specialized packaging for export equipment); Shipping Marks (Destination port/consignee/case number)—Pre-shipment inspection and commodity inspection serve as a dual guarantee for quality and compliance.
III. Customs Declaration and Shipping
Customs Declaration (HS Code Chapter 84 + declaration form + commercial invoice & packing list; handled by an agent or in-house); Booking (20GP/40HQ FCL or LCL); Ocean Freight (15–35 days for Europe/US; 5–15 days for Southeast Asia); Insurance (CIF marine insurance); Bill of Lading (document of title)—Note: Customs declaration requires attention to filing for used electromechanical equipment and regulatory conditions for special equipment (export agents should be familiar with HS Chapter 84).
IV.
Customs Clearance and Delivery
Destination Customs Clearance (Buyer presents Bill of Lading + invoice + Certificate of Origin); Duty Payment (Based on HS code/origin-specific tariff rates); Inland Transport (Port to factory); Installation & Commissioning (Manufacturer sends personnel or provides remote guidance); Acceptance (SAT – Site Acceptance Test)—Delivery is considered complete upon passing the SAT (involving a two-stage process: FAT – Factory Acceptance Test and SAT – Site Acceptance Test).
V.
Payment Collection and Tax Rebates
Payment Collection (T/T balance payment before shipment or upon presentation of Bill of Lading; L/C negotiation); Tax Rebates (Export tax rebate: most machinery qualifies for a full 13% rebate; tax base = FOB export invoice price); Document Archiving (Retain declaration forms, Bills of Lading, and invoices for audit)—Rebate calculation: actual cost is approx. 88.5% of the tax-inclusive price (at a 13% rebate rate);
a critical factor for export profitability (Ministry of Finance & State Taxation Administration Announcement No. 11, 2026).
