After so many years of doing cross-border e-commerce, do you know which customs declaration model you are using?

The answer from many sellers is, ”I let the freight forwarder mess with it, not really sure.”

But this is something that you can't be unclear about.

This is because the different modes of customs clearance have a direct impact:

• Can you get an export VAT refund (the difference could be hundreds of thousands of dollars)
• Can returns be processed across customs zones (affects operating costs)
• Ability to benefit from platform regulatory incentives (affecting customs clearance timeliness)

Today's article helps you get to the heart of the differences between the three customs clearance models and shows you how to choose.

Let's start with a general picture

💡 Still not sure which customs declaration mode you should choose after reading the comparison table? Or want to know how much less tax you are refunding every year with your current customs declaration mode? Immediately contact us - free diagnosis of your customs declaration mode (micro letter: qcygscszk, cell phone: 18676749275)

Detailed analysis of the three models

Model I: 9610 (cross-border e-commerce direct export)

Core features:

• Replacement of traditional customs declarations with ”manifests” and simplification of information
• Suitable for B2C parcels with low single-ticket value (generally below $800)
• Buyer information is reflected in the listing
• Fast customs clearance and low fees

Tax refund status:

The most important policy update - 9610 Cross Customs Returns:
From 2023 onwards, the 9610 model fully supports inter-customs returns:
Goods exported from Shanghai, returns can be processed back in Shenzhen
Solved the previous pain point of ”return from where it came out”.
Significantly reduce returns processing costs for cross-platform sellers

Is it for you?

✅ Full/semi-managed sellers on Speedway
✅ Independent station parcel outlet
✅ Shopee/Lazada/Lazada Sellers
✅ Low value of single ticket, high frequency of shipments

Model II: 9710 (cross-border e-commerce export - B2B direct export)

Core features:

• Filing on traditional customs declarations with complete information
• B2B transactions from domestic sellers to foreign buyers/distributors
• Support for Renminbi Settlement
• Full access to export tax rebates

Tax refund status:

Is it for you?

✅ Bulk shipments to overseas distributors/buyers
✅ Higher value of goods (above $800)
✅ Desire to maximize export tax refunds
✅ Complete input invoices are available

Model III: 9810 (cross-border e-commerce export - export overseas warehouse)

Core features:

• Goods are exported to overseas warehouses for stocking and then sold on local platforms
• Declared as ”ready for export” at the time of export and no longer declared separately at the time of sale
• Amazon FBA mainstream customs clearance

Tax refund status:

Returns Processing:

Is it for you?

✅ Amazon FBA Sellers (Preferred)
✅ Shopee/Lazada Overseas Warehouse Sellers
✅ Large shipment volume and need to stabilize the logistics timeframe
✅ Have some financial strength to stock up

Core Comparison of Three Models

What's the difference in your tax refund? A case in point

Let's say you export $1,000,000 per month, with a VAT rate of 131 TP3T and a refund rate of 131 TP3T:

💡 Key Findings:If you are a speed seller/independent station seller who goes 9610 but does not operate in a comprehensive bonded zone, you may be missing out on a VAT refund of over 1 million dollars per year.

📞 If you are exporting more than $500,000 per month, but have never systematically evaluated the impact of your customs declaration model on your tax refunds, you are likely losing millions. Feel free to contact us for a one-on-one customs declaration mode optimization solution to help you comply with more tax refunds. (Micro letter: qcygscszk, cell phone: 18676749275)

How to choose? 3-step decision-making process

Step 1: Look at your business model

Step 2: Look at the value of your goods

Step 3: See if you want a tax refund

Special note: Mixed mode

Many sellers can actually use multiple models at the same time:

The three models can run in parallel without affecting each other, and the tax treatment is independent of each other.

Enterprise Caiying: Customs Compliance + Tax Refund Optimization Services

💡 Not sure whether your business is suitable for 9610, 9710 or 9810, or want to access the Comprehensive Bonded Zone to enjoy 9610 tax rebate? Contact us directly - a professional customs consultant will give you a free assessment and give you the optimal combination of customs clearance + tax rebate program.

(Micro letter: qcygscszk, cell phone: 18676749275)

Four Core Advantages of Enterprise Caiying Tax Compliance Service

🔹 1. Licensed team, compliance guarantee

Under the banner of Enterprise Caiying, we haveSelf-employed licensed accounting firmsup toTCSP Licensed Secretarial Company, Hong KongThe team consists of senior CPAs, tax accountants, and compliance experts, with an average experience ofMore than 10 years. We understand not only finance and tax, but also the business logic of cross-border e-commerce - from theHong Kong company audit and tax return, offshore exemption applicationup toU.S. Federal Tax Returns, Form 5472 Filing, Multi-State Sales Tax ComplianceThe entire process is handled by licensed professionals to ensure that each filing is legally compliant and can withstand IRS audits.

🔹 2. Digital empowerment, full visibility

allocate funds20 millionSelf-researching digital systems“E-Tron”, will be the process of tax compliance servicesStandardization, visualization. Customers can track in real time through the system:Audit report progress, tax form filing status, filing deadline reminders, history archivingand other key nodes. IntegrationAI Intelligent WarningIt automatically identifies potential tax risks (e.g. “Hong Kong company has not filed returns for many years”, “US LLC has not filed Form 5472”) and generates compliance and rectification programs, making complex financial and tax affairs clear, transparent and clear.

🔹 3. Global network, one-stop solution

groutOver 500,000+Entrepreneurial resources and domestic and international association platforms (e.g. Shenzhen Cross-border E-commerce Association, Hong Kong Chinese General Chamber of Commerce), to build a network coveringHong Kong, USA, Europe, Southeast Asiaand other mainstream markets with a network of localized tax services. Whether you needHong Kong profits tax return, US sales tax registration, European VAT compliance, or ODI filing for offshore investmentWe are a one-stop shop, no need to interface with multiple service providers, saving time, effort and worry.

🔹 4. Full-cycle accompaniment and worry-free operation

More than just “getting it done,” the service provides companies withFull life-cycle financial and tax support::

• advanceFree diagnosis of existing tax compliance status and assessment of potential risks (e.g., “probability of offshore exemption denial”, “risk level of IRS penalties”);
• mid-term: Assist in the completion ofAnnual Audit, Profits Tax Return, Federal Tax Return, Sales Tax Registration, Form 5472 Filingand other core obligations;
• late stage: ProvidedResponse to tax audits, historical reporting, penalty relief applications, and structure optimization proposalsand other in-depth services to become your cross-border businessLong-term tax partnerThe