The smooth export of the first batch of "9610" sea shipments from Shanghai Port. The customs supervision code "9610" represents the "cross-border trade e-commerce" model. [Photo/IC]

To further optimize the business environment at the port and streamline customs clearances, Shanghai Customs has rolled out a raft of 26 new measures designed to accelerate the development of the city's "Five Centers" initiative.

Key measures include:

- Supporting new foreign trade dynamics: Efforts are being made to promote high-quality development in cross-border e-commerce, including pilot programs for inspecting consolidated export shipments before they are loaded and improved management of return products. The initiative also supports collaboration between e-commerce and leading industries. Additionally, the growth of bonded services, such as bonded repairs, remanufacturing and fuel refueling, is being prioritized.

- Enhancing user experience: By addressing the concerns of businesses and local areas, Shanghai Customs has streamlined the customs inspection and operational processes. The focus is on improving logistics efficiency through innovations like the "railway fast-track" model and the "linked unloading" method. The Smart Customs Max-T system will also facilitate easier cross-border travel for business personnel.

- Optimizing import-export structure: Shanghai Customs is fine-tuning policies based on the current import structure — with a particular focus on agricultural products, high-quality consumer goods and biopharmaceuticals. The implementation of measures to simplify customs procedures for biopharma research items is also underway. Additionally, support is being provided to Shanghai's gold exchange to boost the supervision of gold exports.

- Supporting local economic development: Shanghai Customs is also introducing measures to reduce operational costs for businesses and to help them expand overseas. The policies aim to align with international standards and regulations, thereby opening up new international markets. Special support packages are being rolled out for key companies in big industrial clusters — and new business models like forward cargo stations are being developed.

Source: Official WeChat account of the General Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government at "shanghaifabu"