Against the backdrop of global supply chain restructuring in 2025, professionalEquipment Importsinquiry letters have become a core tool for enterprises to control procurement costs. According to data from the General Administration of Customs, standardized inquiry letters can improve customs clearance efficiency by 22% and reduce tariff dispute incidence by 45%.
Error Examples:"Need to import machine tool equipment"
Correct Expression:"Need to procure CNC vertical machining centers (HS 84571000) with a worktable size ≥2000×800mm, equipped with Heidenhain iTNC640 system."
Correct Expression:"CIF Shanghai Waigaoqiao Port, including port construction fee, THC, and ISPS surcharge, with vessel age not exceeding 15 years."
Inquiry Response Efficiency Improvement Plan
Based on analysis of quotation behaviors from 200+ agency service providers, we have summarizedThree Golden Rules:
Set in technical parameter sectionsVerification Questions(For example: "Please confirm whether the equipment base complies with the GB 5226.1-2019 standard.")
AdoptProgressive Payment Terms(30% advance + 60% against B/L copy + 10% upon factory acceptance)
SpecifyA case of a tax rebate dispute caused by an oral agreement of a certain electromechanical enterprise in 2024 shows that when there is a lack of a written agreement, the tax authorities may identify the actual owner of the goods as the declaration entity.(designated China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission Shanghai Sub-Commission)
2025 Customs Clearance Practice Special Notes
Regarding the requirements of General Administration of Customs Announcement No.198, special attention should be paid to:
Used mechanical and electrical equipment requiresThird-party institution value appraisal report
Equipment containing AI control modules must declareAlgorithm function description
Inquiry Letter Template (Replaceable Variables Version)
[Equipment Description] Require procurement of [equipment name], model [specific model], configuration includes [key component list], year of manufacture [202X]
[Trade Terms] Require [FOB Hamburg Port/DAP Suzhou Factory], delivery period not exceeding [60] calendar days