A: Three things, none of them good.

• Delays: Your shipment sits at the port. Storage fees add up daily.
• Fines: Customs can penalize you for incorrect or missing declarations.
• Seizure: In extreme cases (e.g., false origin claims), goods can be confiscated.

Bottom line: You, the buyer, are legally responsible for the accuracy of customs declarations, even if you hire a broker.

A: You need three core documents. Without these, your shipment won't clear.

Pro tip: Make sure all three documents match exactly. Inconsistent information is a top reason for customs queries.

A: Here's a real example for a cashmere scarf shipment.

INVOICE NO: WE-2026-001
DATE: 2026-04-20
SELLER: Weave Essence Co., Ltd. (China)
BUYER: [Your company name and address]

PRODUCT: 100% Cashmere Knitted Scarf
HS CODE: 6214.20 (US) / 6117.10 (EU knit)
FIBER: 100% Grade A Cashmere
DIMENSIONS: 180×30cm
QUANTITY: 200 pcs
UNIT PRICE: $32.00 FOB Ningbo
TOTAL VALUE: $6,400.00
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: China
INCOTERM: FOB Ningbo

For woven scarves, use HS code 6214.20. For knitted beanies and scarves, use 6117.10.

A: It depends on whether you want to pay reduced duties.

• No certificate: You pay the full "general" duty rate.
• Generic CO: A statement on your invoice is enough for non-preferential claims.
• Form A (GSP): For preferential rates when importing from China to the EU. This saves you money.
• Specific FTA certificate: Required for agreements like USMCA or China-Australia FTA.

Always check if your country has a free trade agreement with China. If yes, get the specific FTA certificate. If not, a generic CO on the invoice usually suffices.

A: Requirements differ significantly. Here's the breakdown.

For detailed labeling rules, see our Textile Labeling Regulations Guide.

A: This is where mistakes happen most often.

• Knitted or crocheted scarves, beanies, and accessories: 6117.10 (use this for 90% of knitwear)
• Woven silk scarves: 6214.10
• Woven wool or cashmere scarves: 6214.20
• Woven synthetic scarves: 6214.30
• Woven cotton scarves: 6214.90

Important: A 6-digit HS code is accepted globally, but some countries require 10 digits. Always check with your customs broker.

A: Here are five mistakes that will get your shipment stopped.

1. Wrong HS code: Leads to incorrect duty calculation and potential penalties.
2. Missing country of origin: "Made in China" must be on the product and invoice.
3. Value discrepancy: If the invoice value doesn't match what customs finds, you'll face an audit.
4. Missing certificate of origin: You'll pay higher duties for no reason.
5. Inconsistent information: The commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading must tell the exact same story.

A: Before you place an order, get these answers in writing.

• ✓ Can you provide a commercial invoice with the correct HS code and origin?
• ✓ Can you provide a detailed packing list with carton weights and dimensions?
• ✓ Can you provide a certificate of origin (Form A or FTA-specific)?
• ✓ Do you have OEKO-TEX, GOTS, or GRS certificates for compliance?
• ✓ Can you provide test reports (fiber composition, color fastness) for this order?

If a supplier hesitates on any of these, consider it a red flag. Read our guide on 5 Red Flags When Evaluating a Knitting Factory.

A: Use this checklist before every shipment.

• ☐ Commercial invoice (accurate HS code, value, origin)
• ☐ Packing list (carton details, weights, dimensions)
• ☐ Bill of lading (sea waybill or original)
• ☐ Certificate of origin (if claiming preference)
• ☐ OEKO-TEX certificate (for EU market)
• ☐ Test reports (fiber composition, pilling, color fastness)
• ☐ REACH declaration (for EU)
• ☐ FTC labels (for US)
• ☐ Children's Product Certificate (if applicable)