Import Surveillance Requirements for Razors, Razor Blades and Razor Blade Blanks Communiqué No: 2026/7

Scope of the Regulation

The regulation applies to goods classified under HS 82.12, including:

• Non-replaceable blade razors,
• Razor blades, and
• Razor blade blanks.

The surveillance requirement is triggered solely by undervaluation relative to the reference unit values set out in the Communiqué. Declarations at or above the applicable thresholds are not subject to certification.

Mandatory Surveillance Certificate

Where the declared customs value is below the reference value, importation is permitted only with a Surveillance Certificate issued by the Directorate General for Imports. The certificate must be obtained before customs declaration registration and properly referenced in the declaration.

Absent a valid certificate when required, the customs declaration cannot be registered.

Application and Review Process

Applications are submitted electronically through the Single Window System, selecting the industrial surveillance document type and referencing Communiqué No: 2026/7. Electronic signature is mandatory; applications may also be filed via the national e-government platform.

If electronic submission is not possible due to technical issues, physical submission is permitted with supporting company registration documentation. The authority may request original invoices, contracts, transport documents, or additional information. Any inconsistency or omission will suspend issuance until rectified.

Customs Value Clarification and Practical Application

The Communiqué expressly provides—in a separate provision—that the surveillance reference values do not determine or replace the customs value calculated under general customs valuation rules.

In practice, for value-based surveillance measures only, importers may legitimately exceed the surveillance threshold by including documented overseas cost elements—such as international freight, insurance, tooling, molds, engineering services, or other dutiable charges—provided these costs are genuine, attributable, and properly supported. Where the final customs value exceeds the reference level, customs clearance without a Surveillance Certificate is accepted in administrative practice, subject to adequate substantiation.

Validity and Legal Effect

Surveillance Certificates issued under this Communiqué are valid for six months. Possession of a certificate does not restrict the customs administration’s authority to verify or reassess the declared customs value under applicable valuation legislation.

Enforcement and Compliance Risk

Given the competitive pricing structure of these consumer goods, undervaluation risk is a primary enforcement focus. Incorrect classification, incomplete cost disclosure, or unsupported valuation adjustments may result in refusal of certification, clearance delays, or post-clearance audits. Consistent classification and robust valuation documentation are essential.

Entry into Force

The Communiqué enters into force on 30 January 2026. Importers with shipments in transit or fixed-price contracts should reassess valuation structures in advance of this date.

Compliance Assessment

This measure targets a high-volume consumer product segment with historically sensitive pricing. Importers should conduct pre-declaration valuation checks to determine whether certification is required or whether lawful inclusion of overseas cost components can elevate the customs value above the threshold. Early planning will materially reduce clearance risk and administrative friction.

See relevant legislative document.