A practical, step-by-step playbook to classify Indonesian shallots correctly as CN 0703100000 in China, check MFN vs ACFTA vs RCEP tariff options for 2025, and claim 0% with the right origin proof. Plus the quarantine checks, declaration elements, and invoice details that prevent costly delays.
We’ve cleared enough shipments to know this isn’t academic. Tariff codes, origin proof, and quarantine details can make or break a deal. So here’s the exact system we use to get Indonesian shallots into China cleanly, at the best rate, without rework at the port.
Hook: how we cut duties to 0% and stopped rework holds
Three out of five new buyers who come to us are overpaying duty or getting flagged by CIQ. The fix is usually the same: map shallots to the correct 10‑digit CN code, pick the right FTA path, and align documents with GACC’s inspection logic. When we do this, MFN duty becomes irrelevant because ACFTA or RCEP usually takes you to 0%.
The 3 pillars of getting shallots into China smoothly
- Classification clarity. Use the correct 10‑digit CN code and describe the product so officers don’t reclassify it as onions or green alliums.
- Preferential tariff strategy. Choose ACFTA Form E or an RCEP certificate based on what’s faster to issue and simpler to defend.
- Quarantine alignment. Meet GACC’s phytosanitary and packaging expectations to avoid inspection delays.
Week 1–2: classification and validation
What is the correct 10‑digit CN code for fresh shallots in China?
For fresh or chilled shallot bulbs, the correct Chinese tariff code is CN 0703100000. China groups onions and shallots together at the 8‑digit level, and the 10‑digit extension for this line is 0703100000.
Practical takeaways:
- Declare the commodity explicitly as “Shallots (Allium cepa var. aggregatum), fresh, not for sowing.”
- Don’t mix forms. If you’re shipping green tops or leaves, you risk being pushed to 070390 (leeks and other alliaceous vegetables). Keep it as clean bulbs.
- If the goods are for planting, you still sit in 0703100000, but indicate “for sowing” in the declaration elements and be prepared for different quarantine scrutiny.
How do I avoid misclassifying onions as shallots when declaring?
We’ve seen entries kicked back because “shallots” was written as “small onions.” Use these specifics:
- Scientific name. Allium cepa var. aggregatum for shallots. Onions are Allium cepa.
- Visual cues. Shallots are multi‑clove bulbs with segmented lobes. Onions are single bulbs.
- Description on documents. “Shallots, fresh bulbs, cleaned of soil, tops trimmed, size grade XX–XX mm.” Attach packhouse photos when needed.
Week 3–6: pick your tariff path and prepare documents
Are Indonesian-origin shallots eligible for zero duty under ACFTA in 2025?
Yes. Indonesian-origin fresh shallots that are wholly obtained in Indonesia qualify for the ACFTA preferential rate. The applied rate for CN 0703100000 under ACFTA has been 0% for years and remains 0% in 2025, provided your Form E is valid.
Do I need Form E or an RCEP certificate to get the best tariff?
Both ACFTA and RCEP generally give 0% on CN 0703100000 for Indonesia–China in 2025. Choose based on speed and broker familiarity:
- ACFTA Form E. Fast to issue in Indonesia and very familiar to Chinese brokers. E‑Form E with QR verification is widely accepted.
- RCEP Certificate of Origin. Also acceptable and typically 0%. Useful if you plan to use regional cumulation in the future.
Our rule of thumb: if the goods are wholly obtained in Indonesia (they are), ACFTA Form E is the quickest path to 0%. If your buyer prefers RCEP for internal reasons, that’s fine too. Use only one certificate per shipment.
Where can I check the current China tariff for HS 0703.10 online?
We verify in two places before ship date:
- China Customs Tariff Integrated Query. Search “0703100000,” compare “MFN” vs “Agreement” rates, and confirm the 2025 implementation notes.
- China FTA duty tables. Check both “China–ASEAN FTA” and “RCEP” schedules for CN 0703100000.
In recent years, MFN has typically been double‑digit, while ACFTA and RCEP show 0% for eligible goods. Always print or screenshot the rate reference and file it with your shipment pack.
Sample declaration elements and invoice description for shallots
China declarations require specific “申报要素.” Here’s a template that works:
- Product name: 红葱头（Shallots）, 鲜
- HS code: 0703100000
- For sowing: 否
- State: 鲜/冷藏（choose one）
- Scientific name: Allium cepa var. aggregatum
- Size and grade: e.g., 20–30 mm, Class I
- Packaging: 10 kg net paper cartons, ventilated
- Brand: N/A or your brand
- Country of origin: 印度尼西亚
- Intended use: 食用
- GTIN: 无（if none）
- Batch/lot: clearly shown
Invoice and packing list should mirror this language. Include net weight per carton, total cartons, total net weight, harvest date range, and pack date. Consistency across CO, invoice, and packing list is what stops “element mismatch” holds.
Week 7–12: quarantine, on-site inspection readiness, and scale
Are there GACC market access or quarantine restrictions for Indonesian shallots?
Here’s what matters in practice:
- Phytosanitary Certificate. Issued by Indonesia’s NPPO, noting the botanical name and any required declarations. No soil. Free of quarantine pests.
- Packaging. New, clean, and free of plant debris. Any wood packaging must be ISPM 15 compliant.
- Pesticide MRLs. China’s updated GB 2763‑2024 is in force. Work with your growers on a spray program that meets MRLs for alliums. We test pre‑shipment for high‑risk actives.
- Temperature. Not a mandatory cold chain product. We ship at 0–2°C with ventilation to maintain firmness and shelf life. Agree on setpoints with your broker if inspection requires temp logs.
- Registration. Decree 248 factory registration typically isn’t required for fresh vegetables like shallots. If a bilateral protocol ever mandates registered packhouses, your exporter must appear on GACC’s list. We monitor this before every season.
Ports that routinely handle fresh alliums: Shanghai, Ningbo, Qingdao, Tianjin, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. For airfreight, Shanghai Pudong and Guangzhou are smooth when documents are tight.
The 5 biggest mistakes that kill duty savings and cause delays
- Vague descriptions. “Small onions” invites reclassification. Use “Shallots, fresh bulbs, Allium cepa var. aggregatum.”
- Missing origin detail. The CO says “WO” but the invoice shows mixed origins. Keep country of origin consistent everywhere.
- Choosing the wrong certificate. Don’t submit both Form E and RCEP CO. Pick one, ensure QR verifiability, and match quantities exactly.
- Dirt and debris. Visible soil is a quarantine magnet. Dry brush and polish bulbs. Keep roots trimmed.
- Ignoring MRLs. GB 2763‑2024 tightened several limits. We’ve seen consignments detain for a single outlier pesticide. Pre‑ship testing is cheap insurance.
Resources and next steps
- Quick MFN vs ACFTA vs RCEP check. Before you book space, verify CN 0703100000 in the China tariff system and save a screenshot in your shipment file. We do this for every lot.
- Origin documentation. For Indonesian-grown shallots, choose ACFTA Form E with “WO” as the criterion. RCEP CO also delivers 0% in 2025, but stick to one path per shipment.
- Advance ruling. If you’re shipping mixed alliums or unusual trims, request a pre‑classification ruling with China Customs. Provide samples, photos, and production notes. It typically takes 2–3 weeks and prevents surprises.
- Scale with mixed loads. Many buyers consolidate shallots with onions or other chilled vegetables. If you plan a program, align declaration elements across lines and keep carton labels bilingual. If you need consolidation, we can pair shallots with items like Onion or Carrots (Fresh Export Grade) to optimize reefer space.
Need help choosing between ACFTA Form E and an RCEP certificate for your next shipment? In our experience, the right choice depends on your timeline and your broker’s workflow. Share your draft documents and we’ll sanity-check them before you ship. You can Contact us on whatsapp for a quick review.
A final note on scope. This guide is focused on fresh Indonesian shallots. Shallot seeds are classified separately under Chapter 12 (sowing seeds). Dried or processed alliums, pickled products, or products with green tops fall under different CN codes and different inspection logic.
We’ve learned that clean wins. Clean code, clean paperwork, clean product. Do those three consistently and China entries become repeatable. And when you’re ready to expand beyond shallots, you can View our products to see other Indonesian vegetables we export under robust quality programs.