Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai

In just a month since the national integrated customs clearance program was rolled out across the country, more than 30,000 orders of imports have crossed into Zhuhai and Zhongshan, benefitting at least 15,000 local companies.

The customs change, hailed as being the most revolutionary change since the Reform and Opening-up in 1978, allows companies to apply for procedures at any customs office across the country, saving time and increasing efficiency.

The new system also allows companies to declare cargo with a single submission at any customs office. After a safety check, the cargo is transported to the next stop, with tax payments not required until later.

Meizu Technology, a consumer electronics company based in Zhuhai's Technological Innovation Coast in Tangjiawan has been one of the beneficiaries.

People go through customs clearance procedures at Gongbei Customs. [Photo courtesy gongbei.customs.gov.cn]

In the past, customs clearance for imported phone components was carried out in Beijing before being transported to Gongbei Customs in Zhuhai. As a result, the company had to send a big file of information and commission a local agent in Beijing to finish the procedures, according to Gao Guangming, an employee in charge of customs declarations for the company.

"Now, we only need a driver and the release notice emailed to Beijing customs. The rest can be done using a synchronized system in Gongbei, despite the 2,300-km distance," Gao said.

Centers for risk prevention and tax collection have also been created to operate in a concerted, integrated and intelligent manner.

Furthermore, a single standard has been implemented at customs for companies under united supervision, to provide a more integrated and convenient clearance.

According to statistics, Gongbei handled about 30,000 customs formalities in the integration clearance system in July, in which only some 200 underwent examinations by the center for tax collection and management established by General Administration of Customs (GAC).

More benefits are expected to come to companies through highly-efficient and streamlined procedures, said one GAC official.