Guiyang's streamlined customs clearance boosts foreign trade

The first China-Europe freight train from Guizhou this year sounds its whistle and sets off. [Photo/WeChat account of Guiyang Release]

Guiyang's implementation of streamlined customs clearance measures has enhanced the efficiency of its import and export processes, providing confidence for enterprises that are venturing into international trade.

On May 17, 2023, Guiyang's first test run of the "One Port Fast Clearance" mode, using the Guizhou-Guangzhou railway and a rapid customs clearance method, departed smoothly from Guiyang International Land Port.

Previously, import and export goods had to go through customs procedures at the declaration site and at Nansha Port. Now, they can be cleared in one go at Guiyang customs.

Last year, Guiyang customs collaborated with Guangzhou customs to introduce the "Inland-Port" collaborative clearance model, which enhances efficiency similar to coastal and border ports. This initiative leverages Guiyang's advantageous position in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement, facilitating seamless customs processes and ensuring tariff benefits for importers and exporters.

Guiyang is strategically located at the intersection of the Belt and Road Initiative, the Western Land-Sea New Channel, and China's window to ASEAN member countries, thus it is crucial for entering international markets. Since RCEP's implementation two years ago, Guiyang Customs has issued RCEP certificates worth 1.15 billion yuan ($159 million), enabling businesses to enjoy approximately 57 million yuan in tariff reductions.

To further disseminate RCEP benefits, Guiyang customs conducts training on origin rules, tariff reductions, and approved exporter systems. The adoption of smart audit and self-service printing in origin management systems has significantly expedited customs processes, with a 91.8-percent self-printing rate for RCEP export certificates.