VAT invoice mismatch caught before export filing
A European machinery buyer had supplier invoices under a different entity name. We corrected the invoice chain before declaration, keeping the export rebate claim supportable.
Your licensed trade entity in China. We handle customs clearance, export tax refunds, import/export agency, and full supply chain —so you scale without compliance risk.
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These are the four most costly problems international buyers face —and exactly why they come to Zhongshen.
"We don't have a Chinese business license —we can't export legally."
As your licensed Exporter of Record, Zhongshen files all export declarations under our entity. No Chinese company, bank account, or license needed —we handle it all compliantly on your behalf.
Learn about Export Agency arrow_forward"Our factory won't open a VAT invoice —we're losing 13% on every shipment."
We purchase directly from your supplier, requiring a proper VAT invoice as a condition of payment. The export VAT refund goes to you —not your factory —processed within 1 business day.
Learn about VAT Refund arrow_forward"Our shipment was held at customs for weeks —no one told us why."
With 23 years of established port relationships at Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou, we pre-check all documentation before lodging —so issues are resolved before they become delays.
Learn about Customs Clearance arrow_forward"We wired payment to a supplier and the goods never arrived."
Zhongshen holds SAFE-authorized foreign exchange settlement and pays your supplier only after goods are verified. Your funds are protected at every step —we absorb compliance liability.
Learn about Import Agency arrow_forwardFrom your first shipment to ongoing supply chain management —one team, one point of contact.
We act as your licensed export entity in China —documentation, foreign exchange settlement, and regulatory filing on your behalf.
Learn more arrow_forwardFull import agency: customs clearance, tariff classification, duty payment, and delivery to your Chinese warehouse or partner.
Learn more arrow_forwardLicensed declaration for all commodity types at Shanghai and major Chinese ports. Priority processing, 24/7.
Learn more arrow_forwardVAT refund submitted immediately after export. Typical refund processed within ONE working day, transferred directly to your account.
Learn more arrow_forwardWe act as your local buying office —verifying suppliers, managing contracts, and consolidating orders from multiple factories.
Get a free quote arrow_forwardOcean, air, China-Europe railway, warehousing, and last-mile delivery —all coordinated under one account.
Get a free quote arrow_forwardWe don't just file paperwork —we take ownership of your compliance, timeline, and results.
Founded in 2003, Zhongshen has handled 5,000+ clients across 125+ countries.
Round-the-clock declarations and a dedicated case manager for every client.
We absorb compliance liability. If we make an error, we cover the cost.
Seamless service across Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and all major Chinese trade hubs.
Real results from businesses who trust Zhongshen with their most critical trade operations.
"Cleared our first container at Ningbo port in under 48 hours. The tax refund was back in our account within 4 days. Remarkable efficiency."
"Zhongshen flagged a documentation issue before it became a costly delay. We've worked with 3 other agents —none came close to this level of service."
"The import agency service saved us from a major compliance headache. Their team knew the regulation before our own lawyers did."
Short examples of the operational checks our team performs before declaration, payment, and release.
A European machinery buyer had supplier invoices under a different entity name. We corrected the invoice chain before declaration, keeping the export rebate claim supportable.
An importer provided a broad product description for mixed electrical parts. Our broker split the declaration lines and matched certificates before submission.
A supplier entering China needed a licensed consignee, duty estimate, and document checklist before shipping. We aligned the IOR, payment flow, and arrival documents in advance.
Prepare the shipment basics first, then send us the completed details for a faster assessment.
Use this checklist before asking for an export agency quote.
Company and shipment basics - Overseas buyer legal name and contact person - Chinese supplier legal name and factory address - Destination country and delivery city - Incoterms requested: EXW, FOB, CIF, DAP, or DDP - Planned shipping mode: sea, air, rail, express, or multimodal Cargo information - Product name and detailed description - HS code if known - Quantity, unit price, and total value - Gross weight, net weight, carton count, and dimensions - Product photos, catalogue, or technical sheet - Dangerous goods status if applicable Core export documents - Commercial invoice - Packing list - Purchase contract or proforma invoice - Bill of lading or air waybill draft - Supplier VAT special invoice if export VAT rebate is expected - Certificate of origin requirement if destination duty preference is needed Regulated goods checks - Export license requirement - CIQ inspection or pre-shipment inspection requirement - Dual-use control screening - Brand authorization or IP documentation if branded goods are shipped
Use this checklist to prepare an export VAT rebate eligibility review.
Product and rate review - Product name and detailed description - HS code if known - Supplier name and VAT taxpayer status - Purchase value excluding VAT and VAT amount - Expected destination country - Planned export date Required document set - Special VAT invoice from the Chinese supplier - Purchase contract or proforma invoice - Commercial invoice for export - Packing list - Export customs declaration - Bill of lading or air waybill - Foreign exchange receipt or settlement record Risk checks before filing - Supplier invoice entity matches the export transaction - HS code on invoice and declaration is consistent - Product is eligible for rebate under the current rate schedule - Exporter of record and payment flow are aligned - No missing certificates for regulated goods Common delay causes - Ordinary invoice instead of special VAT invoice - HS code mismatch - Missing foreign exchange settlement proof - Incorrect exporter or consignee details - Incomplete supplier invoice chain
Use this sheet to prepare an import agency or customs clearance inquiry.
Importer and consignee details - Overseas supplier legal name and country - China consignee or buyer name if available - Whether Zhongshen should act as importer of record - Contact person, email, phone, and preferred language Cargo information - Product name and detailed description - HS code if known - Quantity, unit price, and total declared value - Gross weight, net weight, package count, and dimensions - Photos, catalogue, or technical specification sheet - Brand name and model number if applicable Shipping and arrival details - Port or airport of arrival in China - Estimated arrival date - Shipping mode: sea, air, rail, or express - Incoterms: EXW, FOB, CIF, DAP, or DDP - Delivery address after customs release Compliance and certification - CCC, CIQ, NMPA, food, cosmetics, chemical, or other regulatory status - Certificate of origin if preferential tariff treatment is requested - Labeling requirements for China domestic sale - Dangerous goods or controlled goods status Cost estimate inputs - Freight and insurance value if not included in invoice - Currency used on invoice - Expected duty and VAT payment arrangement - Whether bonded warehouse or deferred duty handling is required
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Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade has consolidated and toughened the rules for Chinese goods transiting its territory — restricting transit to four designated border-gate pairs, capping in-country dwell time at 30 days, and tightening end-to-end customs supervision. Here's what Consolidated Document No. 43/VBHN-BCT actually says, and why it lands squarely in the middle of Vietnam's effort to fend off accusations that it's being used to launder Chinese-origin goods past US and EU tariffs.
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Read Guide arrow_forwardGet a free consultation from our trade specialists within 30 minutes.