New China CIQ Inspection For Imitation Jewelry - Update

Our contacts in Shanghai advise today that the new rule is still in effect and rumors of a delay have not yet been implemented.  Any importers buying in Yi Wu should contact their vendors as soon as possible to determine how the new rule with affect their supply chain.  The local official export/import bureau in Yi Wu does not have experience with this process and are still discussing the procedure they'll use for inspection application.  They are deciding whether to perform a physical inspection at the factory or to take samples only, as well as the criteria for inspection.  While Yi Wu government officials struggle to implement the new rule, shippers may experience delays with export clearance prior to releasing the goods to your forwarder.

In Qingdao, CIQ & China Customs just announced an agreement to delay the new regulation for 15 days.  From now until January 15, suppliers need only to register at CIQ and clear Customs for export as usual.  We recommend that all jewelry importers immediately contact their suppliers to confirm they have completed the registration process and have a plan for securing the inspection certificate for future shipments.

This is a very sudden change in Qingdao without any pre-notice from China Customs.  At this origin location, China Customs is estimating application may take 2-3 days, but no one has tested the process yet.  Our partners at origin can assist suppliers with the application process if their current broker is having issues or is unable to do so.  As in Shanghai and Yi Wu, government officials in Qingdao do not seem to know what they are looking for during these inspections.  CIQ and Customs held meetings today hoping to find a positive solution to the issue.

We will have additional updates tomorrow and will contact you again as soon as additional information is received.