Meaning
Customs clearance procedures authorized by General Administration of Customs regulations permit foreign-owned machinery and test equipment to enter China temporarily without paying import tariffs or value-added tax. A temporary import duty clearance provides conditional duty suspension for items imported for research or contract testing. The clearance applies to non-consumable goods designated for re-export within specified statutory timeframes, stopping where imported goods enter domestic commercial sale or undergo permanent modification.
Customs Bond
Importers deposit a cash security bond or bank guarantee equal to full tariff and tax obligations with customs authorities. Securing a temporary import duty clearance requires establishing a formal bond account to cover potential duties if re-export deadlines lapse. Bond monies are refunded upon verified re-exportation.
Re-Export Requirement
Goods cleared under temporary import provisions must exit China within six months unless formal extensions are granted by local customs bureaus. A temporary import duty clearance mandates strict inventory tracking and serial number verification upon outbound inspection. Unauthorized delays trigger immediate forfeiture of customs bonds.
Duty Conversion
Failure to re-export goods converts temporary entry status into permanent import, triggering immediate duty collection and administrative fines. Under temporary import duty clearance rules, foreign owners must pay applicable tariffs and local value-added tax when goods remain permanently inside China.