As a senior consultant who has been deeply engaged inforeign tradeservice expert with 20 years of industry experience, this article will systematically analyze the core points of clothingExport RepresentationAs a 20-year industry veteran, I have witnessed the explosive growth in demand for imported auto parts in Chinas aftermarket. As the core component of automotive power transmission, drive shaft imports involve complex qualification reviews and technical compliance requirements. This article will systematically analyze drive shafts based on practical experienceImport RepresentationKey points for license processing and comprehensive risk control strategies.

I. Core Value of Drive Shaft Import Licenses

According to the Regulations on the Administration of Goodsimport and exportof the Peoples Republic of China, the import of automotive drive shafts (Customs Code 8708.99 category) requires completion of the following qualification filings:
1.Compulsory Product Certification (3CLarge batches:: Drive shafts involving power transmission safety must pass testing by CNCA-designated laboratories, requiring submission of product structure drawings, material certificates, test reports and other documents.
2.Import License for Mechanical and Electrical Products (O Certificate): When drive shafts are refurbished parts or special-purpose products, application must be made to provincial commerce departments for the Import License for Mechanical and Electrical Products.
3.Environmental compliance certification: Some drive shafts containing hydraulic devices require RoHS test reports to ensure compliance with the Management Methods for the Restriction of the Use of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Products.

Case study: In 2023, drive shaft imports for a certain German car model were detained at Tianjin Port for 28 days due to failure to submit equivalency assessment reports certified by German TüV, resulting in demurrage fees exceeding 120,000 yuan.

II. Breakdown of Import Agency Process (Including Timeline Control)

Stage 1: Preliminary Technical Compliance Confirmation (5-7 working days)

• Verify product HS code (recommended to use pre-classification services)
• Confirm whether 3C certification exemption is needed (e.g.: spare parts for repair may apply for exemption)
• Collect manufacturers ISO/TS 16949 quality system certification documents

Stage 2: License Processing (10-15 working days)

• 3C certification processing flow:

Type testing → Factory inspection → Certificate issuance (cycle approximately 45 days, can be shortened to 30 days with expedited processing)
 

• Import license application materials:
  • Original sales contract and translated copy
  • Manufacturer authorization letter (requires consular authentication)
  • Product technical parameter specifications (including key data such as torque, materials, etc.)

Stage 3: Customs Clearance Practical Operations

• Key declaration elements:
  • Drive type (front-wheel drive/rear-wheel drive/four-wheel drive)
  • Applicable vehicle models (must specify exact model year)
  • Does it contain universal joint components
• Valuation dispute resolution: It is recommended to prepare the original factory price list and payment vouchers in advance

III. High-risk areas and solutions

1.Technical standard conflicts
EU countries often adopt the DIN 808 standard for drive shafts, which differs from the Chinese national standard GB/T 14691 in dimensional tolerances. It is recommended to request the foreign party to provide compatibility test reports from CNAS-accredited laboratories.

2.Intellectual Property Infringement
Among the cases of infringement seized by customs in 2022,Automotive partsaccounting for 37%. Verification required:

• Whether it involves OEM original trademarks
• Patent status (can be checked through the China Patent Publication Announcement System)

3.Logistics link losses
Drive shafts are precision components. Recommendations:

• Choose constant temperature container transportation (temperature controlled between 15-25℃)
• Require suppliers to use anti-corrosion vacuum packaging
• Insure against clash and breakage risks (not covered under FPA clauses)

IV. Core value of choosing professional agents

Mature import agency service providers can reduce comprehensive costs for enterprises by 18%-25%, specifically reflected in:
1.Application of policy dividends
Seek tariff preferences through free trade agreements (such as RCEP). The ASEAN import drive shaft agreement rate has been reduced to 5% in 2023.

2.Supply Chain Financial Support
the ASEAN Single Window (ASW)L/CUse financing, tariff guarantee insurance and other tools to alleviate financial pressure.

3.Emergency response mechanism
In an urgent case handled by our company in 2023, the two-step declaration model reduced the resolution time of a car manufacturers production line supply crisis from the conventional 14 days to 72 hours.

Conclusion

The technical barriers and policy thresholds for drive shaft import business continue to rise. Enterprises should focus on the following when selecting partners:
? Whether it has a dedicated customs clearance team for auto parts
? Whether it has successfully handled technical barriers to trade (TBT) cases
? Whether it can provide a full-chain digital tracking system