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The complete guide to importing household massagers: From customs declaration to usage, foreign trade experts teach you how to avoid pitfalls step by step
Home»Import Representation» The complete guide to importing household massagers: From customs declaration to usage, foreign trade experts teach you how to avoid pitfalls step by step
I. Things to know about importing massagers:foreign tradeInsights from an experienced professional
As a seasoned foreign trade veteran with 20 years of experience, I've handled over a hundred batches of massage device import transactions. Today, let's talk about this seemingly ordinary yet special commodity—Importing household massage devices is like obtaining a "cross-border visa" for the product., it must comply with the "exit requirements" of the exporting country while also meeting our country's "entry standards."
Recently, a client inquired: "We want to import a certain Japanese brand of neck and shoulder massager, but we don't haveimport and exportCan it be operated with authority?" This reminds me of a case from three years ago: a company imported massage chairs from South Korea for the first time but failed to complete the necessary procedures in advance.3Ccertification in advance, resulting in over 20,000 yuan in demurrage fees. So today Ive specially compiledthe complete process for importing massagersandthe latest customs consumption tipsto help everyone avoid unnecessary detours.
II. Four-step clearance method for importing massagers
1. Preliminary Preparation: Laying a Solid "Foundation" to Build a Skyscraper
HS Code Positioning:Massagers are typically classified under 9019.10 (electric massage appliances), with 8% tariff and 13% VAT
Special attention is required for license processing:
Products with medical claims require FDA filing
Products with power exceeding 24W require CCC certification (cost approximately ¥15,000-30,000)
Key contract points:Must specify quality standards and return/exchange clauses. Last year, a client found shower-proof products unusable upon arrival due to unstated waterproof standards in the contract
2. International Shipping: These "pitfalls" have been marked for you.
A German order once suffereddue to unperformed IPX6 waterproof testing,Maritime Transportationresulting in circuit board damage from moisture during transit. Recommendations:
Air TransportationSuitable for samples and small batches (cost approximately ¥35/kg)
FCL shipping is more economical (40HQ container can hold 300-400 neck massagers)
Must purchase All Risks insurance (premium about 0.3% of cargo value)
3. Domestic Customs Clearance: The Art of "Dialogue" with Customs
Just handled a case last monthfor US massage pad clearance, the declaration was required to be supplemented because the product name was written as "medical equipment".Medical Equipmentregistration certificates. Key points:
The "Specifications and Models" column in the customs declaration form must indicate the voltage (e.g., 110V requires a converter).
Legal inspection goods require 7-10 working days for CIQ inspection
Common inspection focuses: certification documents, warning labels, Chinese manuals
Delivery and settlement: Dont relax during the final sprint
Remember a 2019 shipment of Thai massage pillows thatwere not dehumidified in warehouseand arrived with mold odor. Recommendations:
Pick up goods within 3 days after clearance (storage fees apply after deadline)
Note tax responsibility differences between CIF and DDP terms during settlement
Retain all documents for at least 3 years (customs audit period)
III. Helpful tips from Customs
The General Administration of Customs recently issued a special noticeConsumer alert for household massagers, I translated the professional term "translation" into plain language:
Before purchasing, follow the "three checks":Check the channel (don't be tempted by cheap purchases from unauthorized resellers selling "three-no" products), check the certification (look for the CCC mark on the device), and check the warranty (overseas versions may not be covered domestically).
Use the "Four Don'ts":Dont wear while sleeping, dont use on wounds, dont use on pregnant women, dont exceed usage time (≤30 minutes per session)
Maintain the "Two Regularities":Regularly clean massage heads (with alcohol wipes), regularly check wires (stop use immediately if damaged)
IV. Special recommendations for importers
Based on our experience serving 200+ importers, weve summarizedThree golden rules:
Sensitive goods +30% time:Massagers with heating functions take 1-2 weeks longer to clear customs than regular models
Carry scanned copies of documents with you: Our sales staff are accustomed to keeping certification documents of customer products on their phones, so they can promptly provide any materials requested by customs.
Test samples first:It is recommended to initially ship 3-5 units by air for trial sales in the first cooperation to avoid discovering market "incompatibility" after a large batch of goods arrives.
Here's a heartwarming case to conclude: Last year, while assisting a client with importing French massage devices, we discovered that the product manual mistakenly printed "contraindication" as "recommendation." We promptly contacted the manufacturer to reprint the manuals, averting a major issue. This also serves as a reminder to us:Foreign trade agency isnt just about paperwork, but also safeguarding product quality for clients.
If your massage device is "on its way to China," feel free to chat with me, the "veteran in foreign trade." After all, ensuring that every massage device can safely and comfortably serve Chinese consumers is the greatest significance of our work.