On Jan. 11, 2018, as a follow up action of last sub-committee meeting, core team of IPAC hazardous chemical safety management sub-committee, led by Mr. XIE Dong, sub-committee chair, took a visit and meeting with Shanghai Chemical Industry Park Branch of Shanghai Jinshan Customs (SCIP Customs) to address members’ concerns, which are especially for clarification of requirements for chemical import customs clearance.
The focus point of Customs is HS code classification, which is critical for import duties and customs clearance. It is the importer’s responsibilities to ensure the HS code of imported goods complies. Any information that might impact the HS code classification may be requested by the customs and the importer is obliged to provide it to the customs. Customs is legally obliged to keep confidential of confidential business information (CBI) submitted by companies. If companies have concerns of submitting CBI through agencies, they may elect to communicate directly with the customs. Some difficulties that industry met are related to the communications with local CIQs. The sub-committee will continue the follow up and extend the talks to bridge such communications among industry and authorities to improve the aligned practice among stake holders according to the regulation.