The General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) released Circular No. 2025-78 on January 20, significantly expanding the scope of its paperless advance-clearance program. The changes took effect immediately and apply at all major Chinese ports including Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, and Qingdao.
What Changed
Previously limited to a narrow set of commodity categories and authorised economic operators (AEO), the expanded program now covers:
- An additional 1,200+ HS codes across food processing equipment, industrial machinery parts, packaging materials, and consumer goods
- Importers with a clean compliance record over the preceding 12 months (no customs penalties or seizures)
- Shipments valued under $500,000 per declaration
How It Works
Qualifying importers can submit electronic declarations up to 7 days before vessel arrival. Upon risk assessment by the customs system, low-risk shipments receive a green channel clearance — allowing cargo to be discharged and transferred directly to the consignee's designated warehouse without waiting for physical inspection or document countersigning at the port.
According to GACC, participating importers have reported average clearance times of under 4 hours from vessel docking to gate-out, compared with the standard 24–48 hour cycle.
How Zhongshen Can Help
As a licensed customs clearance agent with AEO certification, Zhongshen International Trade can handle the entire advance-declaration process on behalf of clients. Our customs team will:
- Determine your shipment's eligibility under the expanded program
- Prepare and submit electronic declarations in advance
- Monitor risk assessment outcomes and resolve any flags in real time
- Coordinate with your logistics provider for seamless cargo release
Contact our customs clearance desk to assess whether your regular imports qualify.