An expert of Shengsi Customs describes how to control a UAV to his colleagues. [Photo/ zj.zjol.com]

Customs clearance in Shengsi County, Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, has been greatly improving over the last few years thanks to the application of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

A bulk carrier from Singapore passed through customs in just 90 min on July 8 with the help of a UAV.

"The average customs clearance time was only 1.4 hr in June, ranking second in areas under the jurisdiction of Hangzhou Customs," an official of Shengsi Customs said.

Shengsi Customs, within Hangzhou Customs' jurisdiction, was established on Jan 28, according to the reform plan of China's General Administration of Customs.

Shengsi Customs has completed a draft survey using UAVs 89 times in the first half of this year, saving over 500,000 yuan ($72,800) and more than 45 hrs for enterprises in customs clearance. The UAV is faster than the traditional system because the latter requires customs staff to inspect in person, which costs more money and takes more time.