China Update: New Outbound Processing Procedures, Expedited Export Processing Pilot

China’s General Administration of Customs (GAC) issued notices announcing changes to its outward processing program and simplified entry and exit for certain goods in its comprehensive bonded zones, according to KPMG’s monthly China customs update. The agency also announced the expansion of a pilot program for TIR carnets, and Shanghai customs announced that export declarations will now be accepted as part of a pilot for advance declaration and expedited processing. Highlights are as follows:

Outbound processing. China GAC formally began its “e-books” program for outbound processing on April 1, KPMG said, citing a March 25 notice. E-books may now be opened through the China International Trade Single Window website, KPMG said. Companies that have opened e-books do not have to follow the requirement that outbound processing goods be exported and re-imported at the same port, but can instead select ports for export or import that suit their business needs, it said.

CBZs. China GAC issued a notice March 22 creating simplified entry and exit procedures for comprehensive bonded zones, KPMG said. The simplified procedures apply to domestic goods not subject to export tariffs, import and export licenses or tax refunds, and are not covered by customs statistical reporting requirements, it said. “Goods and articles eligible for the simplified administrative mode are allowed to enter and leave CBZ without submitting customs declaration documents or record-filing lists. Enterprises in the CBZ must maintain daily records of the goods and articles entering and leaving CBZ to ensure their entry and exit are traceable.

CCC program. China’s State Administration for Market Regulation is now issuing China Compulsory Certifications, taking over the role from local Chinese customs authorities, according to an unofficial translation of a notice issued March 13. As of April 1, SAMR has been responsible “for the implementation, supervision and administration of the CCC regime,” the Hong Kong Trade and Development Center said in an April 24 update. “The GAC will be responsible for the authentication of imported products subject to CCC,” KPMG said. “All relevant declaration units may continue to use the designated online management system for products not subject to CCC, as well as for goods imported as special-purpose items,” HKTDC said.

TIR pilot. China has expanded its TIR Convention pilot program to include Jeminay Port, Baktu Port, Alashankou Port and Dulata Port, KPMG said, citing a notice issued by China GAC. The pilot is already active at Khorgos Port, Irkeshtan Port, Erlianhaote Highway Port, Manzhouli Highway Port, Suifenhe Port and Dalian Port, KPMG said.

Shanghai advance declaration pilot. Shanghai customs is launching the export declaration mode of its advance declaration pilot at the Waigaoqiao port, according to an unofficial translation of a notice from Shanghai customs. “if the goods to be exported are complete and containerised, and electronic data of the manifest has been obtained, exporters and customs brokers may declare them to customs within three days before the arrival of them at the customs supervised premises,” KPMG said. “Customs will inspect the goods upon their arrival at the customs supervised premises, and complete the clearance procedure.”