Anhui Import-Export Documentation Templates — 2026 Reference

1. Introduction

Accurate and complete documentation is the foundation of successful import-export operations in Anhui Province. China Customs (GACC) requires a specific set of standardized documents for every cross-border shipment, and the completeness and accuracy of these documents directly determines clearance speed, duty assessment accuracy, and regulatory compliance. Errors in documentation are the single most common cause of customs delays in Anhui — accounting for over 40% of all customs holds at Hefei Customs according to 2025 data.

This guide provides standardized templates and detailed guidance for the essential import-export documents required when trading through Anhui Province’s customs ports, bonded zones, and free trade zones. Each template includes field-by-field instructions, common pitfalls, and regulatory references. Foreign businesses can use these templates as the foundation for their own trade documentation systems, adapting them as needed for specific product categories and trade flows.

2. Customs Declaration Template

The customs declaration form (进出口货物报关单) is the primary document submitted through the China International Trade Single Window for all import and export shipments. While the actual submission is electronic (not paper), the following template outlines all required data fields and formatting conventions.

2.1 Key Data Fields

2.2 Common Trade Modes in Anhui

3. Commercial Invoice Template

The commercial invoice is required for all import and export shipments through Anhui ports. It must be in both Chinese and English for customs clearance. Below is a standard template structure.

3.1 Required Invoice Fields

• Invoice Number: Your company’s unique reference number for each invoice (e.g., INV-2026-XXXXX)
• Invoice Date: Date of issuance
• Exporter/Shipper: Full company name, address, and contact details (Chinese and English)
• Consignee: Full company name, address, and contact details (Chinese and English for China-bound shipments)
• Notify Party: If different from consignee (often the freight forwarder or customs broker)
• Port of Loading: e.g., Hefei, Shanghai, Wuhu
• Port of Discharge: Destination port
• Country of Origin: For imports into China
• HS Code: 8-digit or 13-digit China Customs HS classification
• Item Description: Detailed description per line item (brand, model, quantity, unit)
• Quantity: Number of units per item
• Unit Price: Price per unit in the agreed currency
• Total Amount: Total per line item and overall invoice total
• Currency: e.g., USD, EUR, JPY, RMB
• Incoterms: Specified Incoterms 2020 rule (e.g., FOB Shanghai, CIF Hamburg, EXW Hefei)
• Payment Terms: e.g., T/T 30 days after B/L, LC at sight
• Marks and Numbers: Shipping marks on packaging

3.2 Incoterms Guidance for Anhui Trade

4. Packing List Template

The packing list provides detailed information about how goods are packed, including weights, dimensions, and package contents. It must reconcile with the commercial invoice and Bill of Lading.

4.1 Packing List Structure

5. Certificate of Origin Templates

Certificates of Origin (CO) are essential documents for claiming preferential tariff treatment under China’s free trade agreements and are also required for certain Letter of Credit transactions. In Anhui, COs are issued by CCPIT Anhui or the Anhui Department of Commerce.

5.1 Standard Certificate of Origin (Non-Preferential)

5.2 FTA Preferential Certificate of Origin (e.g., RCEP)

For claiming preferential tariff rates under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) or other FTAs, a specific FTA Certificate of Origin is required. Key differences from standard CO:

• Must reference the specific FTA (e.g., RCEP, China-Korea FTA, China-ASEAN FTA)
• Criteria of origin must be stated (e.g., “Wholly obtained” or “Product-specific rule met” — WO/PE/CTC/VA)
• FTA preference rate (e.g., 0%, 5% reduction) must be indicated
• E-certificates are accepted under most FTAs for electronic submission to destination customs

6. Free Trade Agreement Preference Documentation

Anhui exporters can significantly reduce tariffs for their overseas buyers by claiming FTA preferences. The following documentation is required:

7. Import License Application Templates

Certain goods require specific import licenses or permits when entering Anhui. The following table outlines the most common regulated products and their documentation requirements:

8. Comprehensive Compliance Checklist

9. Digital Documentation Platforms

Anhui’s trade documentation ecosystem is increasingly digital. The following platforms enable paperless documentation management:

• China International Trade Single Window (单一窗口) — Primary platform for electronic customs declaration submission, duty payment, license application, and status tracking. Fully operational at all Anhui customs offices.
• CCPIT Online CO System — Electronic Certificate of Origin application and issuance. Foreign businesses can register their company online and submit CO applications digitally. E-COs are accepted by customs in 25+ countries.
• Anhui Trade Service Platform — Provincial portal for trade policy announcements, license applications, and trade data submission. Integrated with the Single Window for seamless data transfer.
• Pilot Free Trade Zone Digital Platform — Dedicated platform for businesses operating in Anhui’s FTZ areas. Offers one-click documentation, digital duty payment, and real-time compliance monitoring.

10. Frequently Asked Questions