Semiconductors in 2025equipment. For example, Indonesia has the SNI certification, Thailand has the TISI certification, and the Philippines has the BPS certification. It is necessary to confirm in advance the equipment voltage (such as 380V/50Hz in Thailand), the compatibility of the CE certification, and the proof of environmentally friendly materials.Industry New Trends

As the global semiconductor industry accelerates its transition to sub-3nm processes, the latest data from China Customs shows a 37% year-on-year increase in imports of precision etching machines from January to June 2025, but the return rate rose by 12 percentage points. Current import processes exhibit three key characteristics:

• Technology Restrictions Escalation: The Wassenaar Arrangement 2025 revision added controls on five categories of lithography machine components
• Tariff Structure Optimization: Provisional import duty rates for equipment under HS code 8542 reduced to 5%
• Inspection Standards Refinement: Customs Announcement No. 37 specifies radiation protection testing standards for wafer transfer systems

Common Operational Mistakes and Cost Analysis

In March 2025, a wafer fab incurred 47 days of port detention for $230 million worth of deposition equipment due to classification errors, resulting in additional storage fees of 3.8 million yuan. Such cases reveal three typical mistakes:

• Mistake 1: Self-handling Licenses
  • Confusing the application scope between Key Used Mechanical and Electrical Products License and Automatic Import License
  • Overlooking dual-use declaration requirements for EUV lithography machines
• Mistake 2: Single Price Comparison Procurement
  • Failing to calculate compliance costs under U.S. EAR export control regulations
  • Omitting ASML equipment-specific technical maintenance clauses
• Mistake 3: Neglecting After-sales Service Binding
  • 90% of return cases involve unregistered third-party maintenance services
  • Hitachi assembly equipment must match original factory calibration certificates

The value realization path of professional agency services

Comparison between a memory chip manufacturers self-import and agency service data:

• Time Cost: Customs clearance period reduced from 58 days to 22 days
• Risk Control: Compliance defect rate dropped from 43% to 6%
• Professional support: Comprehensive tax rate decreased by 2.7 percentage points

Practical guide to customs clearance operations

For 2025s latest regulatory requirements, we recommend building a three-step defense system:

• Pre - classification stage
  • Utilize customs classification precedent databases to compare adjudication cases from recent three years
  • Pay special attention to the 9012/8428 classification dispute for wafer transfer robots
• Document preparation stage
  • Japanese manufacturers must provide copies of METI export licenses
  • Korean equipment requires KTL-certified EMC test reports
• On - site inspection stage
  • Prepare original vacuum chamber pressure test data in advance
  • Temperature and humidity recorder models compliant with General Administration of Customs requirements

Agency selection strategy

Four capability identification criteria for high-quality agents:

• From the perspective of qualifications: Possess AA-class customs declaration qualification with hazardous materials transportation filing
• Industry experience: Have handled at least 3 complete import projects for 12-inch wafer fabs
• Service network: Maintain emergency response centers in Rotterdam, Yokohama, and San Francisco
• Response speed: Provide 7×24 technical document pre-review services

When importing thin-film deposition equipment valued over $5 million, professional agency services can reduce unforeseen costs by 18%-25%. Companies are advised to engage compliance consultants during supplier screening to establish a comprehensive risk control system spanning from commercial negotiations to equipment acceptance.