Advisory: Increased Customs Inspection Activity for China-Origin Ship Spares

Marine spare parts are currently considered a higher-risk commodity group due to several factors, including:

• Possible dual-use application of certain items, such as pumps, valves, motors, hydraulic components, transmission parts and electronic components
• Ambiguous or incomplete commodity descriptions
• HS code discrepancies or general declarations such as “marine spare parts” or “mechanical spares”
• Declared value concerns
• Branded goods without clear brand authorization
• Use of third-party export titles or vendors without confirmed export capability

As a result, shipments may be selected for customs inspection more frequently than before. Once selected, customs may open and inspect all packages, request additional supporting documents, or hold cargo for further review.

Recommended Actions Before Purchasing or Shipping from China

To reduce avoidable export disruption, we strongly recommend that China-origin ship spares are purchased only from vendors that can provide the following:

• Valid export license or confirmed export capability
• Accurate commercial invoice and packing list
• Clear commodity description, including product name, material, model, serial number where applicable, and intended use
• Correct HS code and declared value
• Correct shipper / exporter details
• Brand information where branded goods are involved
• Brand authorization from the original maker where applicable

Common branded ship spare items currently subject to increased attention may include, but are not limited to, brands such as Daihatsu, Yanmar, Cummins, Schneider, Danfoss, Mitsubishi, Daikin, Siemens, SKF, NSK, Rexroth, Furuno, NTN and similar brands.

Where goods are purchased from non-authorized vendors, trading houses, or suppliers unable to provide export capability or brand authorization, Marinetrans may still attempt to support export handling where legally and operationally possible. However, customs release cannot be guaranteed.

Before Delivery to Marinetrans China

Before arranging delivery of China-origin cargo to our warehouse, please contact Marinetrans China via: sha@marinetrans.net

This will allow our China team to review the available information and advise whether any additional documentation or preparation is required before cargo is delivered.

Possible Impact if Cargo Is Selected for Inspection

If a shipment is selected for customs inspection, the following may occur:

• Cargo may be opened and physically inspected
• Additional supporting documents may be requested
• Customs may question HS code, value, brand, product description or intended use
• Cargo may be held for several days or, in complex cases, several weeks
• Branded goods may require verification with the original brand owner
• Storage, inspection, handling and re-delivery charges may apply
• Cargo may need to be retrieved, reorganized, repacked or resubmitted for export

In case brand infringement concerns are raised, the verification process can be lengthy and may take several months. Goods confirmed as infringing may be rejected or destroyed by customs.

Cost and Delay Exposure

Any additional costs resulting from customs inspection, storage, re-handling, documentation, re-delivery, repacking or additional export attempts will be reviewed case by case and are for the customer’s account.

Marinetrans will continue to coordinate closely with our China team, customs brokers, suppliers and customers to minimize disruption where possible. However, under the current customs environment, export delays and additional costs cannot always be avoided or predicted in advance.

We will continue to monitor the situation and share further updates when available.