Zhang Zhijie, a customs manager at an integrated circuit company in Xiamen, received a message from the Xiamen International Trade Single Window Platform on Aug 7. It said certain imported raw materials might be eligible for a tax break. He checked online, confirmed the qualification, and filed for a retroactive refund — saving about 10 percent. "This is a big help. We used to figure out policies on our own. Now customs reach out to us through the platform," he said.
This was the first alert sent by the "Smart Beneficiary Butler", a system jointly developed by Xiamen Customs and the Administration of Xiamen Free Trade Zone. It also marked the launch of China's first platform designed to proactively notify businesses of import tax savings opportunities.
The system uses big-data algorithms to identify imported goods that might be eligible for tax preferences but have not yet claimed them. It then sends timely alerts to businesses through the system, guiding them to complete the necessary procedures for duty reduction or exemption. This approach delivers targeted, practical guidance to help companies make the most of available tax benefits.