Xiamen Customs inspects the return parcels. [Photo by Lin Yuyang for en.ftz.xm.gov.cn]
A batch of e-commerce return parcels from Taipei in China's Taiwan on Dec 24 entered the Cross-border E-commerce Supervision Center in the Haicang Port Comprehensive Bonded Zone of the Xiamen Free Trade Zone.
Xiamen Customs officials conducted inspections and clearances on the parcels in accordance with the law, marking the opening of an efficient and secure e-commerce return channel for Taiwan at Xiamen Port. The development is to enable seamless returns for e-commerce retail to and from Taiwan.
Unlike regular mainland e-commerce, this kind of e-commerce to Taiwan involves multiple steps and nine main entities involved. This complexity resulted in merchants on both sides acing practical challenges such as complicated procedures and high costs.
Worldwide, returns have become a new situation and a challenge faced collectively by the industry and customs authorities internationally.
The Administration of Haicang Free Trade Port Area stated that the system trial to Taiwan sets a precedent for addressing the challenge of product returns difficulties in cross-border e-commerce.
The realization of e-commerce direct returns between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait allows Taiwan compatriots to enjoy equal treatment, while also further enhancing the competitiveness of mainland e-commerce in Taiwan.
Moving forwards, plans are for the Xiamen FTZ to work together with customs to continuously optimize the mechanism for this category of e-commerce retail export returns.
It will actively support export e-commerce enterprises in improving their after-sales service systems and prudently expand the pilot scope of the "cross-border direct return" project across different customs zones.
Staffs sort return parcels from Taipei. [Photo by Lin Yuyang for en.ftz.xm.gov.cn]