China Update: Art, Auto Parts Import Requirements Streamlined, TIR Carnets Adopted

China recently updated its customs regulations and policies related to imports of art and auto parts, according to KPMG’s monthly China customs update for the month of May. China has also announced that it is fully implementing the TIR Carnet system, and announced new AD duties on phenol from the U.S., KPMG said. Highlights are as follows:

Art imports and exports in CBZs. The General Administration of Customs and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism are streamlining approval and supervision procedures for importation and exportation of art to and from Comprehensive Bonded Zones, KPMG said. According to an unofficial translation of the April 29 China customs notice, approval documents may be used multiple times for the same batch of works of art, among other changes.

Auto parts. China customs is streamlining certification requirements for certain auto parts, KPMG said. Effective May 16, importers will be able to self-certify that their goods are exempt from China Compulsory Certification (CCC) requirements, at which point the goods may be taken away from the port, according to an unofficial translation of the China customs notice. The importer must then submit supplementary information via one of China’s electronic customs portals for verification by China customs, after which point the goods may be sold or used. On the other hand, if the importer can’t obtain the exemption certificate for submission after the goods are cleared at the ports, the goods must be returned or destroyed.

Carnets. China is fully implementing the TIR Convention after completing its pilot program on the carnet system, KPMG said. Announced May 15, implementation will take effect June 25, according to an unofficial translation of the China customs notice.

AD -- phenol. China began collecting antidumping duties on phenol from the U.S., European Union, South Korea, Japan and Thailand effective May 27, KPMG said. AD rates range from 125.4% to 129.6% for U.S. exporters, according to an unofficial translation of the Ministry of Commerce notice.

AD -- seamless tubes. China is conducting a sunset review of its AD duties on heat-resistant, pressure-bearing seamless alloy steel tubes from the U.S. and the EU, KPMG said. The Ministry of Commerce will continue to impose AD rates set in 2014 while it conducts the review, said the MOFCOM notice, according to an unofficial translation.