54 new measures introduced to promote innovation, development in Nansha

On Nov 29, a press conference was held in Guangzhou to introduce 54 new measures by customs to support the innovative development of Guangzhou's Nansha district.

The 54 new measures mainly cover four areas: facilitating the exchange of cross-border elements, creating a hub for rule connection, improving customs supervision models, and strengthening technological empowerment. Meanwhile, customs will work closely with local departments and units to implement 35 cooperation projects.

The first aspect is to promote the construction of an international shipping hub, the aim being to elevate the level of international shipping services. The "railway rapid clearance" model will be promoted and applied, supporting the China-Europe Railway Express and sea-rail transport. Bonded liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering will be carried out. Support will be given to the development of transshipment and consolidation logistics, exempting transshipment goods from inspection in accordance with laws and regulations, and supporting cross-border e-commerce enterprises in establishing central hubs for cross-border business. Efforts will be made to facilitate the customs clearance of scientific research materials.

The second aspect is to promote the development of industrial clusters. Key industries will be advanced by providing a "one-stop" service for export declaration, inspection, customs clearance, and release of new energy vehicles and power batteries. Medicines and medical devices will be processed through convenient customs clearance measures. The expansion of the bonded leasing business in the Nansha Comprehensive Free Trade Zone will extend from import to export, and from aircraft to ships, large equipment, and other goods.

The third aspect is to support Chinese enterprises in "going global". Support will be given to the import of key components and important raw materials for key enterprises in industrial robots, commercial aerospace, biomedicine, and marine science. Technical training, policy advice, and other services will be provided to enterprises for export. A green channel for the rapid customs clearance of fresh agricultural products will be established.

The fourth aspect is to promote the construction of smart customs and smart ports. Smart customs construction business scenarios will be applied in Nansha, and the application of projects such as "empty container rapid release" and "inspection visualization" will be advanced, continuously promoting the intelligent supervision of maritime logistics. Digital ports, paperless operations, and port customs clearance information services will be included in the construction of smart ports to achieve data sharing and resource sharing among port departments. A core technology testing center in the Greater Bay Area is set to be built.

Since June 2022, the total value of Nansha's foreign trade imports and exports has consistently achieved positive growth. The annual customs supervision of import and export containers has increased by more than 20 percent. The cross-border e-commerce import and export transaction volume of Nansha port has exceeded 100 billion yuan ($13.73 billion) for two consecutive years, ranking among the top in the country. The value of automobile exports at Nansha port has increased more than tenfold.