Shanghai Customs has processed 64,000 cross-border visits by personnel and 3,574 cargo vehicle trips at the Shanghai Eastern Hub International Business Cooperation Zone (IBCZ) this year as of March 11, according to statistics released on March 13.

A customs officer works alongside a robot patrol inspector at the AWE exhibition in the Eastern Hub International Business Cooperation Zone. [Photo/chinanews.com.cn]

The 2026 China Appliance & Electronics World Expo (AWE), which opened in Shanghai on March 12, was the first major event held in the zone after the Eastern Hub was put into use. The event set up a 30,000-square-meter high-tech exhibition area in the Eastern Hub, in addition to its main venue at the Shanghai New International Expo Center.

To ensure the event runs smoothly, Shanghai Customs launched tailored services including on-site consultation, robot patrol inspectors and streamlined entry of exhibits into the venue. A smart robot equipped with cameras and voice interaction capabilities provides real-time monitoring and remote policy consultation for exhibitors.

"For customs' inquiries, we used to have to go to the declaration hall. Now the robot answers questions right at our booth, making services available anytime, anywhere," said Wang Yiru, a company representative.

After the exhibition, overseas participants will be able to stay in China or proceed directly to the airport for departure through simplified, hassle-free customs procedures, enjoying truly seamless clearance.