Return policy

The return policy of international commodity trade varies greatly due to the type of goods, transaction terms and laws and regulations of different countries. In China, the return management of imported goods is mainly based on the "Regulations on the Direct Return of Imported Goods by the Customs of the People's Republic of China".

China Government Network

According to this regulation, after the imported goods enter the country and before the customs clearance procedures are completed, if one of the following circumstances occurs, the consignor or consignee or its agent may apply to the customs where the goods are located for direct return:

Due to the adjustment of the national trade management policy, the consignee is unable to provide relevant documents;

The goods are mis-shipped, mis-unloaded or over-unloaded, and the consignor or carrier can provide written proof;

The consignor and consignee both agree to return the goods by mutual agreement and can provide written proof of their agreement to return the goods;

Due to trade disputes, they can provide an effective court judgment, arbitration decision or undisputed valid certificate of goods ownership;

The goods are damaged or fail to pass the inspection and quarantine, and relevant inspection certificates can be provided.

In addition, the customs will order the parties to directly return the imported goods out of the country under certain circumstances, such as when the goods are items prohibited from import by the country, or violate national inspection and quarantine regulations.

Chinese Government Website

 

It should be noted that the return policy of international commodity trade is not only affected by the laws and regulations of the importing country, but also depends on the return terms agreed upon by the buyer and seller in the contract. Therefore, when conducting international commodity transactions, it is recommended to understand the laws and regulations of the relevant countries in detail and to specify the return conditions and procedures in the contract to protect the rights and interests of all parties.