SpecialEquipment ImportsHidden Thresholds

Under the framework of the revised draft of the "Special Equipment Safety Law" set to be implemented in 2025, the import of eight categories of equipment, including pressure vessels and lifting machinery, will face stricter technical verification requirements. A certain construction machinery importer failed to obtainASME CertificationThe case, which resulted in the entire batch of equipment being detained at the port and direct losses exceeding 2 million RMB, highlights the unique risks associated with operations by non-professional teams.

The Three Core Values of Professional Agencies

• Pre-qualification verification mechanism
  • Determine whether the target equipment falls under the regulatory scope of the "Special Equipment Catalog."
  • Conduct synchronous verification of the equivalence between the exporting country's certification system and China's standards.
  • Prepare in advance the conversion plan for international certifications such as CE/UL.
• Technical Document Compliance Framework
  • Construct a three-dimensional declaration system in accordance with GB/T 31032-2025.
  • Translate design drawings into technical parameters recognized by customs.
  • Prepare a traceability document package that meets AEO certification requirements.
• Standard Operating Procedure for Emergency Response
  • Establish a 48-hour on-site emergency response mechanism
  • Professional electromechanical engineers are assigned to participate in customs verification.
  • Preset Technical Dispute Resolution Solution Repository

Key evaluation points for selecting an agency

A medical equipment importer successfully reduced the customs clearance time for CT machines to 5 working days by screening agencies through the following evaluation system:

• Review the case database of similar equipment operations from the past three years.
• Confirm whether a certified safety engineer is assigned.
• Verify the AEO Advanced Certification qualification from customs.
• Review the actual drill records of the emergency response system.

2025 Policy Outlook and Response Strategies

According to Announcement No. 83 of the General Administration of Customs, starting from January 2025, the import of special equipment will be subject toElectronic Seal Tracking SystemProfessional agencies have begun implementing the following response measures:

• Establish an intelligent matching system between equipment parameters and HS codes.
• Develop an electronic instruction manual template that complies with WCO standards.
• Establish a pre-verification fast track in collaboration with testing institutions.

Against the backdrop of the EU's upcoming upgrade to the Machinery Directive (2025/42/EU), a German machine tool import project was successfully completed through professional agency services.Dual-track reporting mechanism, simultaneously completing the EU CE certification renewal and domestic special equipment registration, reducing technical compliance time by 60%. This case demonstrates the irreplaceability of a professional team in a complex trade environment.