Clearance procedures at Zhuhai ports are to be streamlined for the third consecutive year while efficiency is increased, "smart" levels implemented, and costs reduced in order to keep facilitating cross-border trade.

The 2021-23 work plan to further optimize port business and facilitate trade was approved Oct 11 by the Municipal People's Government during an executive meeting. Zhuhai is already among the top ports in China for clearance efficiency. Last year it ranked 20th among 80 major domestic cities and 4th in the province in a national cross-border trade convenience assessment.

On-board inspection by staff of Wanzai Customs [Photo courtesy WeChat account: ggwst1112]

Under this year's plan, international vessels will be allowed to go through preclearance before customs inspection. Shipside delivery of import commodities and loading of export commodities upon arrival will also be promoted.

Local port frontier inspection stations will offer 24-hour customs clearance and publicize water port operation procedures, durations, and fees. Supervision will be increased to prevent unreasonable charges. More foreign trade enterprises that clear inspection will be exempt from hoisting, relocation, and warehousing charges.

Commodities such as imported automobile spare parts and exported mechanical and electrical products will be prioritized during inspection and quarantine. Minerals will go through preclearance before customs inspection and enterprises may apply for inspection based on demands. And non-invasive inspection methods and "smart" visualization systems will increase efficiency while a total tax guarantee is implemented to reduce the burden on enterprises.

The Port of Zhuhai has seven main seaport locations: Gaolan, Wanshan, Jiuzhou, Xiangzhou, Tangjia, Hongwan, and Doumen. There are also ports at Gongbei, Qingmao, Hengqin, Wanzai, the Cross-Border Industrial Zone, and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge.