Flags flutter in front of the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai. [Photo/VCG]

The General Administration of Customs recently rolled out a set of measures to streamline conditions for overseas exhibitors at the Second China International Import Expo (CIIE), local media reported on July 14.

The 13 measures – focusing on customs clearances, negotiations on market access, simplifying approval and quarantine procedures and conducting inspections  – come amid a broader effort to improve services and meet the different needs of companies and businesses.

According to the guideline, organizers will set up a special customs office at the Shanghai Convention and Exhibition Center to coordinate resources and ensure the supervision and services of the expo.

Dedicated assigned staff will be on the venue to review, examine and approve imported products and provide consulting services.

Digitalized and intelligent supervision services for exhibitors and exhibits via the big data platform are among the top priorities, officials said.

Organizers said it was worth mentioning that Shanghai Customs will shorten the examination and approval time for special items, including imported food and traditional Chinese medicine from 20 working days to three days, given the products meet required specifications.

VIP access and exclusive passageways will be available for overseas exhibitors and their exhibited products, which will enjoy priority in customs procedures such as declarations, inspections, sampling and testing.

A total of 172 countries, regions and international organizations as well as 3,617 enterprises last year participated in the first CIIE held on Nov 5 to 10 in Shanghai. Potential deals were struck there worth more than $57 billion.