| |
 |
Breaking away from old customs
|
Winton Dong
AS part of a major effort to speed up border crossings, Shenzhen Customs will institute a new declaration system on a trial basis at Huanggang, Wenjindu and Shatoujiao checkpoints on January 1.
The new system differs from the traditional methods in that it uses advanced computer technology to check cargo data and assure the validity and accuracy of transportation, classify documents of various enterprises, exchange data with other divisions and collect duties according to the network data so as to ensure objectivity and avoid man-made mistakes.
Based on the new system, one-stop service will be offered, thus reducing the time-consuming and complex clearance procedures from the current half hour to two minutes for each vehicle.
According to insiders, Shenzhen Customs' area of responsibility covers land and sea borders with Hong Kong which greatly complicates their work. To safeguard State interests, originally Customs, port, quarantine, frontier defence and other concerned authorities had to co-inspect every vehicle coming and going. Since these local authorities are under different departments of the Central Government, co-ordination was difficult.
According to Wu Rongchang, deputy director-general of Shenzhen Customs, the introduction of the new system aims to keep pace with the city's surging economy. Shenzhen is now the only city in China that must deal with imports and exports by air, land and sea.
“This is only the first step of our reform,” Wu said. “If the trial proves to be successful, the new system will be implemented at all Customs branches in Shenzhen.”
|
|
|
|
