Shanghai Customs moves forward with institutional innovation

Shanghai Customs views institutional innovation as a vital means to enhance customs clearance efficiency, expand functional services and optimize the business environment. [Photo/Official website of Shanghai Customs]

Over the past decade, Shanghai Customs has viewed institutional innovation as a vital means to enhance customs clearance efficiency, expand functional services and optimize the business environment.

The total import and export value of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone tripled from 700 billion yuan ($95.76 billion) in 2013 to 2.1 trillion yuan in 2022.  

Shanghai Customs has introduced 68 measures, including batch-based entry and exit, centralized declaration, futures bonded delivery, bonded display and trading and third-party inspection results acceptance. Of these, 33 measures have been replicated and promoted nationwide.

Zhang Yi, deputy head of Shanghai Customs, said they have vigorously boosted strategic emerging industries by introducing regulatory measures for the entire integrated circuit industrial chain, issuing The White List of Imported Research and Development Materials for Biomedical Enterprises, and establishing joint supervision of special goods for import and export.  

Since the unveiling of the Lingang New Area of the Shanghai FTZ in August 2019, Shanghai Customs has focused on the high-quality development of this region by constructing the Yangshan Special Comprehensive Bonded Zone.

For example, it has established a new customs supervision system capable of front-line immediate release, second line single-sided declaration, complete cancellation of account books, and extensive use of big data. 

Shanghai Customs has also supported the innovative development of the real economy and advanced manufacturing. For example, it has promoted the establishment of the first domestic bonded liquefied natural gas refueling business for international vessels.  

In 2022, the total import and export value of the bonded zone exceeded 200 billion yuan. In the first seven months of this year, the total import and export value reached 151.8 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 51.9 percent.