LOGISTICS EXCEPTIONS · October 9, 2026
Customs Requests More Information: Coordinate a China Shipment Response
Start with the actual customs request, identify the responsible importer and broker, and map every question to supporting evidence. Submit an accurate, reviewed response through the required channel; sending documents alone does not establish clearance.
Confirm the request, jurisdiction and response owner
Obtain the complete notice or message, including the issuing authority, reference, shipment or entry details, questions, deadline and submission instructions. Confirm its authenticity through the responsible broker or established authority channel. Separate a forwarder’s internal document query from a formal customs request.
For a US example, CBP Form 28 is a Request for Information and states that information may be needed for classification, appraisement or import compliance. Other jurisdictions and request types have different procedures. Use the actual notice and qualified local advice to determine what applies.
US Customs and Border Protection: Form 28, Request for Information
Build a question-by-question evidence list
For each requested item, record the question, evidence needed, document owner, review status and due date. Ask the supplier for the specific supporting material, such as a product specification, material breakdown, manufacturing explanation or invoice clarification, where relevant to the request.
Keep the scope focused. Link each attachment to the relevant SKU, invoice or shipment. Preserve original documents and label explanations and corrected versions clearly. Do not create unsupported certificates, values, origin statements or tariff codes to fill a missing field.
Example: explain a vague product description
Illustrative example: an invoice says “machine parts” and the request asks what the goods do and what they are made of. Obtain the part numbers, intended function, material information and corresponding technical records from the supplier. Ask the importer and broker to review how that evidence answers the question.
If a drawing and supplier statement give different materials, flag the conflict and request a supported explanation before submission. Do not silently choose the description that appears to attract less duty. This example does not determine a classification or duty rate.
Review consistency and control submission
Compare the response with the invoice, packing list, order and prior declaration. Identify differences explicitly and let the responsible importer or adviser determine whether a formal correction is needed. Keep factual supplier evidence separate from legal or classification conclusions.
Have an authorized reviewer approve the response. Record who submitted it, when, through which channel and under which reference, then retain the submission receipt. If evidence cannot be collected in time, contact the responsible broker or authority promptly about the available procedure; do not assume an extension is automatic.
Track cargo status separately from the information request
Ask the logistics provider to confirm the actual cargo status and any storage, equipment or delivery implications. An information request does not by itself tell you whether cargo is held, already released or under later review. Use the actual shipment record.
Keep the case open until the responsible party confirms the outcome and any remaining actions. Record follow-up questions and final decisions alongside the evidence. MORENICE can coordinate supplier documents within an agreed scope; this checklist is not a customs ruling or a promise of clearance.