Customs Cooperation to Work on International Logistics Channels

Chongqing - Customs in Chongqing and Nanning signed a memorandum of cooperation to jointly support the construction of the New International Land-sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC) on May 5, playing the leading role in developing the corridor further. 

According to the memorandum, the customs of both places will conduct practical cooperation to smooth the logistics channel, improve the customs clearance facilitation, and strengthen the intelligent customs and service guarantee. 

Customs in Chongqing and Nanning worked together to support the Chongqing-made new energy vehicles going overseas via the ILSTC. (Photo/Chongqing Customs District)

Fourteen measures have been rolled out, such as promoting the efficient connection of international logistics channels, exploring collaborative innovation in customs supervision in the pilot free trade zone, and conducting statistical analysis of foreign trade to ASEAN countries. 

The ILSTC transportation network has covered 393 ports in 119 countries and regions worldwide. Its transportation volume has increased by more than 30% annually in the past three years. 

As an inland international logistics hub and port, Chongqing is connected by the Belt and Road and the Yangtze River Economic Belt. It is also the main initiator, promoter, and builder of the ILSTC. 

Chongqing Customs District takes its location advantages to improve the open platform with a leading system in the central and western regions, which consists of one pilot free trade zone, six comprehensive bonded zones, four bonded logistics centers, and four open ports. 

Furthermore, Chongqing Port has been approved to set up 14 designated regulatory sites, building a port function platform with the most significant number and comprehensive variety in the inland area.

Customs in Chongqing and Nanning implemented regulatory reforms to reduce customs clearance time by more than one day. (Photo/Chongqing Customs District)

Nanning, at the intersection of South China, Southwest China, and the China-ASEAN economic circle, is the core coverage area of the ILSTC. 

In recent years, Chongqing and Nanning customs have strengthened their cooperation to facilitate customs clearance, and the trains between the two places saw steady growth last year. 

In 2022, Chongqing-Qinzhou rail-sea intermodal transport trains operated 2,553, an increase of 24%. Chongqing-Pingxiang international railway (China-Vietnam) trains operated 266, an increase of 245%.