Which China export customs code should I use: 9610, 9710 or 9810?
📋 Direct Answer
The three codes describe three logistics models. 9610 is for e-commerce retail goods: consumers buy on a platform and parcels clear customs under "list release, summary declaration". 9710 is cross-border e-commerce B2B direct export: a domestic enterprise transacts with an overseas enterprise through a platform and ships the goods directly to that buyer. 9810 is overseas-warehouse export: goods ship to the warehouse first, then platform sales deliver them to buyers from there. 9710 and 9810 were introduced by Customs Announcement No. 75 of 2020 and rolled out to all customs nationwide by Announcement No. 47 of 2021. Pick the code from how the goods actually move; the code does not decide whether you get a VAT refund.
HS Code Lookup
Open HS Code Lookup →E-commerce codes rely on transmitted transaction data. Fabricated orders or manipulated data can turn a routine declaration into a customs or tax offense.
Enterprises bear legal responsibility for the authenticity of declaration data; false declarations can lead to penalties, credit downgrades, and blocked refund claims.
🛡️ Prevention Steps
- ✓Keep platform orders, payment records and logistics records consistent with each declaration
- ✓Use the code that matches the real transaction flow, not the one that looks cheaper
- ✓Keep overseas-warehouse booking and sales records for later refund support
Item by Item
Info9610: E-commerce retail (direct-to-consumer)
- 1Confirm the flow: platform transaction with individual consumers, parcels shipped from China
- 2Register with customs and transmit transaction, payment, storage and logistics data through the e-commerce clearance platform
- 3Clear each parcel under the export list; lists are later summarized into declarations
- 4Then decide the tax layer: refund with invoices, or pilot-zone exemption without invoices
Info9710: Cross-border e-commerce B2B direct export
- 1Confirm the flow: sales to overseas businesses concluded through a cross-border e-commerce platform
- 2File with customs as a declaration entity and mark the cross-border e-commerce enterprise type
- 3Submit declaration data through Single Window or Internet+ Customs and bear responsibility for data authenticity
- 4Small consignments within RMB 5,000 and free of certificates, inspection and tax can clear through the unified e-commerce export system by declaration list
Info9810: Cross-border e-commerce export to overseas warehouses
- 1Confirm the flow: stock pre-positioned in an overseas warehouse, platform sales delivered from there
- 2File with customs as a declaration entity and mark the cross-border e-commerce enterprise type
- 3Complete the overseas-warehouse business model filing at your local customs; once filed, the model works at customs nationwide
- 4Keep warehouse booking and sales records: the refund claim later will lean on them
Common Mistakes
❌ Assuming the code decides the VAT refund
💥 Consequence: Seller skips invoice collection under 9810 and later finds no refund claim possible without invoices
✅ Fix: Treat code and tax treatment as two decisions: invoices and eligibility decide the refund, not the four digits
❌ Using 9710 for consumer parcel sales
💥 Consequence: Declared model does not match the actual transaction; data mismatches invite customs queries
✅ Fix: Consumer retail parcels belong under 9610; 9710 is for transactions with overseas enterprises
❌ Starting 9810 shipments without the overseas-warehouse model filing
💥 Consequence: Declarations cannot be accepted under 9810; goods get stuck or fall back to other codes
✅ Fix: Complete the overseas-warehouse business model filing at the local customs before the first 9810 shipment
Seller Paths
Next Steps
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Related Questions
Sources
- • GAC Announcement 2014 No. 12 (9610)
- • GAC Announcement 2020 No. 75 (9710/9810 pilot)
- • GAC Announcement 2021 No. 47 (nationwide rollout)
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Consult a professional for your specific situation.