Taizhou Customs issues first certificate of origin under China-Maldives FTA

Taizhou Customs issued the city's first certificate of origin under the China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement on March 28 for a batch of aluminum-plastic composite panels exported by Jiangsu Xinjiyuan New Material Technology.

Located in Taixing, Xinjiyuan specializes in producing various types of aluminum-plastic composite panels known for their eco-friendliness, lightweight strength, impact resistance, and heat resistance. The exported products will benefit from a tariff reduction of about 19,000 yuan ($2,601) upon arrival in the Maldives.

The China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement came into effect on Jan 1, giving Chinese companies better market access than other countries. Under the agreement, both sides will gradually eliminate tariffs on over 95 percent of items. Taizhou's exports to the Maldives mainly include electromechanical products, clothing, and furniture, which will enjoy tariff reductions ranging from 5 percent to 20 percent, saving Taizhou exporters around 1.5 million yuan annually.

Qian Hao, an officer with Taizhou Customs, said: "We are reaching out to companies, promoting FTA policies, and sharing case studies to help more businesses understand the benefits available to them. Meanwhile, we are deepening reform and innovation, expanding services like self-printing, intelligent review, and self-declaration to make the process more convenient and efficient."