Home»Import Representation» Case Study: Import Clearance of Korean Plasma Cleaning Machines—How a 22-Year-Old Agency Completed Shanghai Airport Clearance in 3 Days?
In March 2023, when this batch of Korean-made plasma cleaning machines worth $280,000 arrived at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, the clients biggest concern was that the two-week inspection cycle would affect their production line upgrade plan. However, we completed the entire process from aircraft landing to factory delivery in just 72 hours. This case fully demonstrates the professionalImport Representationvalue chain management capabilities.
II. Core Challenges in Importing Plasma Cleaning Machines
As precision instrument equipment, plasma cleaning machines face three key challenges in import:
HS classification disputes: Customs has differing determinations between plasma surface treatment equipment for semiconductor manufacturing (HS 8486) and industrial cleaning equipment (HS 8424)
We implemented four innovative services for this project:
Pre-classification Service
Submitted to customs 3 weeks in advancePre - classification application, ultimately confirming HS code as 8486.4020 with 8% tariff rate, saving 2% tariff cost compared to category 8424.
2. Blockchain document management
Through our self-developedTradeDoc intelligent system, integrating 8 parties including Korean exporters, freight forwarders, and customs brokers into a collaborative platform, achieving:
: The Thai customs conducts a 10% spot - check on mechanical equipment, focusing on verifying the consistency between the serial number and the declaration.
Days 15-18
8 hours
97%
V. Advanced recommendations for equipment import
Based on 15 years of experience in importing medical equipment, we recommend that buyers pay attention to:
Trade Term Selection: For precision instruments, it is recommended to use DAP terms to avoid blind spots in transportation responsibility under CIF conditions
Intellectual property filing: Complete customs record filing in advance to protect equipment patent technology
Post-Clearance Supervision: Establish an imported equipment ledger to respond to subsequent customs audits
The success of this case demonstrates the value of professional agents in complex equipment imports - not only in improving customs clearance speed, but more importantly, through whole-process risk control, ensuring that equipment worth millions is safely, compliantly, and efficiently put into production. When you need to import special equipment next time, consider: Does your chosen partner have such systematic service capabilities?