Complete Export Document Checklist
Every FCL or LCL shipment of roller skates requires the following core documents. Our export team prepares all of them as part of the standard service — no additional charge.
| Document | Purpose | Required For | Prepared By |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bill of Lading (B/L) | Carrier receipt & title document | All shipments | Shipping line (we coordinate) |
| Commercial Invoice | Declared value for customs duty | All shipments | Qolo export team |
| Packing List | Carton count, weights, CBM | All shipments | Qolo export team |
| Certificate of Origin | Preferential tariff qualification | GSP / FTA countries | China Council (CCPIT) |
| EN 13843 / EN 13899 Report | EU safety compliance proof | EU / UK / EEA | SGS / TÜV (we submit samples) |
| CE Declaration of Conformity | Manufacturer's self-declaration | EU / UK | Qolo (as manufacturer) |
| CPC (Children's Product Cert) | CPSC compliance for kids' products | US (kids' skates only) | Qolo + Intertek/UL |
Certificate of Origin Types
Different trade agreements offer different tariff benefits. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO), correctly applying preferential rules of origin can reduce import duty by 5–15%.
| Certificate Type | Trade Agreement | Eligible Destinations | Tariff Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form A (GSP) | Generalized System of Preferences | EU, Norway, Switzerland, Turkey | 0–5% reduced duty |
| Form E | China-ASEAN FTA | ASEAN countries (Thailand, Vietnam, etc.) | 0% duty on most goods |
| RCEP Certificate | Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership | Japan, S. Korea, Australia, NZ, ASEAN | Graduated tariff reduction |
| General CO | Non-preferential | All countries | MFN rate (standard duty) |
HS Code Classification for Roller Skates
Correct HS code classification is critical for accurate duty calculation. Misclassification can trigger audits, penalties, and retroactive duty payments.
- 9506.70.20: Ice skates and roller skates, including skating boots with skates attached
- 9506.70.40: Parts and accessories for ice skates and roller skates
- Import duty rates vary by destination: EU (~4.7%), US (~0–3.4%), UK (~4.7%), Australia (~5%)
Common Customs Clearance Pitfalls
- Missing safety certificates: EU customs will hold containers without valid EN test reports — demurrage costs $200–$500/day
- Undervalued invoices: Customs authorities use reference pricing databases — inconsistent values trigger audits
- Wrong Certificate of Origin type: Form A won't work for ASEAN destinations — you need Form E
- Expired test reports: Some labs issue reports with validity periods — check before shipment
- Missing CPC for US kids' products: CPSC requires Children's Product Certificates for all products intended for children 12 and under
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Form A Certificate of Origin?
Form A is a Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) document that certifies goods were manufactured in a developing country (like China). It allows importers in eligible countries to claim reduced or zero tariff rates. Not all countries accept Form A — check your destination country's GSP schedule.
What documents are needed to import roller skates into the EU?
Essential documents include: Bill of Lading (B/L), Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin (Form A or EUR.1), EN 13843/13899 safety test report from an accredited lab, and a CE Declaration of Conformity. Missing any document can result in customs holds and demurrage charges.
Does the factory prepare all export documents?
Yes. Our export team prepares all documentation including B/L coordination, commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and safety compliance certificates. Documents are provided in digital format 3–5 days before container loading.
What is the difference between Form A, Form E, and RCEP certificates?
Form A covers GSP countries (some EU, US — though US suspended China GSP in 2020). Form E is specifically for ASEAN-China Free Trade Area countries. RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) covers 15 Asia-Pacific countries including Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, offering duty reductions.