How have customs policies been affected by the FTZ?

The FTZ offers several Customs policies to benefit logistics operations in the Zone. Companies are afforded the option of delivering overseas shipments to the Zone using just a shipping bill, rather than a formal customs declaration. As of March of this year, Shanghai Customs has offered a paperless declaration system in the FTZ, allowing companies to submit electronic documentation rather than apply in person. Enterprises importing goods into the Zone may decide on the timing of the declaration and inspection process—reduced from three days to one day (or even a half day)—before goods are transferred outside the Zone. Conversely, the FTZ allows for exemptions on export goods to be obtained faster when goods are delivered to bonded warehouses within the zone. Whereas previously, China Inspection and Quarantine (CIQ) monitored cargo from multiple angles, in the FTZ only the status of the cargo (bonded or not bonded) is monitored, and goods with different status can be placed together in one warehouse. The requirement to move goods outside of the zone within six months of entry, as applying to other bonded areas in China, has been abolished in the FTZ. Lastly, in April of this year, the General Administration of Customs launched a “single window” pilot project at Yangshan Port integrating functions which outside the zone are separately executed by CIQ, Border Control, and Customs.