By Jane Hu    Photo：CANVA

Key Notes for Yiwu Goods Export Shipment

For mixed goods from Yiwu markets, first consider 1039; for fully documented exports where a VAT refund is sought, consider 0110. For cross-border e-commerce B2B, distinguish 9710 from 9810. Choose the right mode, keep declarations consistent with supporting documents, and prioritize “inspect first, then load” for eligible LCL cargo to reduce shipping errors and delays from container stripping.

Before shipping goods from Yiwu, check three areas where problems can arise: the choice of customs supervision mode, consistency between declaration details and supporting documents, and compliant packaging and shipping marks.

Yiwu is a global hub for small commodities. Its exports feature diverse categories, frequent batches and a high ratio of LCL cargo, involving Market Purchase 1039, General Trade 0110, Cross-border E-commerce 9710/9810 and other regulatory modes. To ensure smooth customs clearance and reduce inspection and delay risks, key points for shipment are summarized below.

 

I. Choose the Right Regulatory Code: 1039, 0110 or 9710/9810

1039 Market Purchase: For multi-item, small-batch goods without VAT invoices. VAT-exempt and no tax refund. Transaction information must be registered on Yiwu’s online platform. Goods must be purchased in a recognized market cluster, with a maximum value of USD 150,000 per customs declaration. Goods excluded from this mode, including goods prohibited or restricted for export, are not eligible.

0110 General Trade: For FCL, export VAT refunds and large, long-term orders; LCL shipments may also use this mode. Prepare the contract, invoice and packing list, plus customs authorization when using a customs broker. VAT refunds are subject to the applicable tax rules.

9710/9810 Cross-border E-commerce: 9710 is for cross-border e-commerce B2B direct export; 9810 is for overseas warehouse stocking for sales through a cross-border e-commerce platform. The separate overseas warehouse business-mode filing has been abolished; overseas warehouse booking-order data must still be transmitted at declaration.

Quick check: Goods consolidated from several Yiwu market traders, without VAT invoices and meeting the market procurement conditions → consider 1039. One factory, a full container, complete documents and a VAT refund sought → consider 0110; LCL shipments can also use it. A sale to an overseas business through a cross-border e-commerce platform, shipped directly → 9710. Stock sent to an overseas warehouse for subsequent sales through a cross-border e-commerce platform → 9810.

 

II.Declaration Standards: Description, HS Code and Value Must Match the Goods

Description, HS code, material, usage, brand, model, value and quantity must be truthful and consistent. Under-reporting, concealment and misdeclaration are strictly prohibited.

Goods subject to statutory inspection, as determined by their HS code, regulatory conditions and applicable rules, must be inspected in advance and obtain the required electronic inspection record before customs declaration.

For mixed shipments, list all items one by one in the detailed goods list. Do not declare in vague terms to avoid rejection and inspection. Eligible market procurement goods may be grouped under the simplified declaration rules.

 

III. Yiwu Local Clearance and Inspection: Inspect First, Then Load

Priority: “Inspect First, Load Later”. Yiwu Customs adopts pre-loading inspection. Eligible loose LCL cargo enters a participating customs-supervised facility. Cargo selected for inspection is checked before loading, and released cargo is then consolidated, greatly reducing container stripping, repeated handling and delays. Public reports indicate an improvement in export efficiency of about 30%.

Small Amount & Small Batch Facilitation: For an eligible single commodity under market procurement trade with the same HS code, a value ≤ USD 1,000 or weight ≤ 50 kg qualifies for automated inspection and quarantine document review and rapid issuance of an electronic inspection record.

Inspection Cooperation: Keep goods in customs supervised premises with intact packaging and clear marks. Provide samples, instructions and certificates promptly during inspection to avoid detention due to no response.

 

IV. Packing, Packaging & Marking

Loading Rules: Heavy at bottom, light on top; large below, small above. Fragile goods separately reinforced with cushioning. LCL goods marked clearly by destination. Take photos before, during and after loading.

Packaging Strength: Meet stacking, moisture-proof and shatter-proof requirements for sea, air and land transport. Outer cartons must have no damage, old marks or dangerous goods signs unrelated to the current contents. Dangerous goods must carry the required marks and labels.

Shipping Marks & Labels: Include the consignee code, port of destination, carton number, G.W./N.W. and volume as required by the customer, carrier and warehouse. Applicable requirements such as EU CE marking, US FCC equipment authorization and Saudi SABER conformity procedures must be confirmed in advance, with correct labeling.

 

V. Logistics & Booking

Inland Transport: From Yiwu to Ningbo/Shanghai/Hangzhou Airport/Yiwu West Railway Station, book trucks in advance and avoid peak congestion. Ensure goods-document consistency and register license plates as required by the terminal or customs transit procedure.

Port/Airport Receiving: For sea freight, arrive before terminal and customs cutoffs. Check weight limits and confirm carrier arrangements for heavy containers in advance to avoid delivery or loading problems. For air/rail, deliver on time with complete documents and comply with the carrier’s piece weight and dimension limits.

Manifest & Bill of Lading: Key cargo information on the B/L, manifest and customs declaration must be consistent. Check the consignor/consignee, description, packages, weight, measurement and destination, and how the documents correspond. Confirm telex release, original B/L or sea waybill in advance to prevent destination clearance issues.

 

VI. Prohibited/Restricted Items & Risk Control

Prohibited/Restricted Items: Counterfeit or infringing goods, obscene materials and other goods prohibited for export must not be shipped. Check firearms, ammunition, controlled knives and similar items against the applicable prohibitions and restrictions; do not ship until all requirements are met. Never conceal or fail to declare dangerous goods.

Sensitive Goods Control: Check the transport classification and carrier requirements for batteries, liquids, powders, cosmetics and magnetic goods in advance. Follow the applicable procedures, with the required reports and compliant packaging.

Intellectual Property: No counterfeit or other infringing goods. Verify the lawful source and required authorization documents for branded goods to avoid seizure, fines and credit damage.

 

VII. Complete Documentation & Timing

Customs documents: customs declaration form, contract, invoice, packing list and declaration elements; customs authorization when using a broker; electronic inspection records for goods subject to statutory inspection. Cross-border e-commerce requires order, logistics or overseas warehouse booking data according to the declaration mode. Export list declarations do not require transmission of electronic payment receipt data.

During peak seasons (Christmas, back-to-school, pre-fair), book space and prepare customs documents 7 to 15 days in advance to reserve time for inspection and amendment. File the actual declaration according to terminal entry plans and customs deadlines.

 

VIII. Destination Clearance Preparation

Provide compliant clearance documents in advance and confirm import qualification, tariffs and certification requirements with the consignee.

For special goods (food, cosmetics, medical devices), complete the required import permits, registrations or notifications under the destination country’s rules to avoid return shipment.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a VAT refund under Yiwu market procurement 1039?

No. 1039 is VAT-exempt with no export VAT refund. Fully documented goods for which a VAT refund is sought can be exported under general trade 0110, whether FCL or LCL; refund eligibility depends on the applicable tax rules.
 

Must Yiwu LCL cargo be inspected before loading?

Not all Yiwu LCL cargo must use this model, but eligible shipments should give it priority. Cargo enters a participating customs-supervised facility; goods selected for inspection are checked before loading, then consolidated after release, reducing delays caused by stripping a loaded container for inspection.
 

What is the difference between 9710 and 9810?

9710 covers direct exports following a transaction with an overseas business through a cross-border e-commerce platform. Under 9810, goods first go to your own or a third-party overseas warehouse for subsequent sales through a cross-border e-commerce platform. The separate overseas warehouse business-mode filing has been abolished; warehouse booking-order data must still be transmitted at declaration.
 

How early should I book in peak season?

Before Christmas, back-to-school periods and major trade fairs, book space and prepare customs documents 7 to 15 days ahead to allow time for inspection and amendments. Schedule the actual declaration according to terminal entry plans and customs deadlines.

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