From "1" to "0.80": A Decimal Point Revolution in Trade Compliance

I remember when I first entered the industry, my mentor taught mecustoms clearanceThere was an "unwritten rule" in single-entry declaration: for gross and net weights under one kilogram, "1" was always filled in. This unofficial practice had been circulating in the industry for over a decade, until April 10 this year, when the General Administration of Customs issued an official announcement, putting an end to this "industry convention."

As a seasoned foreign trade professional with 20 years of experience, I've seen far too many companies have their customs declarations rejected due to decimal point issues. Today, let's talk about this seemingly minor yet highly impactful change in declaration requirements.

The history of gross/net weight

In accordance with the Specifications for the Completion of Import and Export Goods of the Peoples Republic of China (General Administration of Customs Announcement No. 18 of 2019):

• Gross weight: Total weight of goods + packaging, unit in kilograms
• Net weight: Actual weight of the goods themselves, unit in kilograms

Over the past five years, an unspoken rule has emerged in the industry: anything under one kilogram is recorded as "1." While this practice is convenient, it has led to three issues:

• Affects the accuracy of customs statistics
• May cause deviations in freight calculations
• Contradicts international trade conventions

Three major changes in the 2024 new regulations

The General Administration of Customs Announcement No. 202430 is like a spring breeze, dispelling years of declaration confusion:

• Precision to two decimal places: 0.80kg means exactly 0.80, no more rounding
• Elimination of redundant fields:Inspection of vaccinesStreamlining of related fields
• Unified naming conventions:"Destination Customs" replaces the old term.

Taking Company As import of precision instruments as an example:

• Old rule: Gross weight 0.80kg → Declare as 1kg
• New rule: Gross weight 0.80kg → Declare as 0.80kg

This seemingly minor change reflects the shift in customs supervision from "extensive" to "refined."

Five considerations for enterprise declarations

After the implementation of the new regulations, my recommendations to business friends are:

• Update declaration systems: Ensure decimal point input capability
• Calibrate weighing equipment: Precision to 0.01kg
• Train customs declaration personnel: Breaking Free from the "Fill-in-1" Mindset
• Review historical data: Avoid inconsistencies in declarations
• Pay attention to special commoditiesPrecious metals, pharmaceuticals and other weight-sensitive commodities require extra attention

Last year, I came across a case where a company exported 99 grams of gold products but declared them as "1kg," resulting in overpayment of tens of thousands in tariffs. Looking back now, if there had been a requirement for precise declaration at the time, this "tuition fee" could have been avoided.

The deeper meaning behind customs reforms

This adjustment is not an isolated incident, but part of the customs' "streamline administration, delegate power, and improve regulation and services" reform:

• Aligning with international standards: Western countries have long required precise declarations
• Smart Customs construction: Provides accurate raw materials for big data analysis
• Optimizing the business environment: Reducing corporate compliance costs

As I often tell my clients: "Every reform by customs is aimed at making compliance smoother for businesses."

Three pieces of advice for foreign trade professionals

As a "veteran in foreign trade" who has weathered multiple policy adjustments, I'd like to particularly remind you:

1. Regularly check Customs General Administration announcements: Recommend visiting the official website monthly
2. Establish a policy update mechanism: Designate personnel to track regulatory changes
3. Make good use of customs consultation services: The 12360 hotline is a helpful resource

Remember, in the marathon of import-export trade,complianceIt is the shortest runway. The era of casually filling in "1" is over, and a new era of precision to two decimal places is arriving.

Next time when you face declaring 0.80kg, I hope youll smile knowingly: true trade compliance lies hidden in these two small decimal places.