BEIJING: The government yesterday announced an amendment to the country’s customs inspection regulations aimed at streamlining the clearance process.
The amendment includes measures to facilitate inspections, optimize inspection procedures and punish violations, according to the decision by the State Council, which was posted on the government’s official website.
Customs inspections are intended to ensure the authenticity and legitimacy of exports and imports.
The amendment states that customs officials have the right to collect goods from industry associations, government organs and companies, as well as information on foreign trade activities from associations.
The authorities can now tailor an inspection based on a company’s credit and risk level, and the amendment raises the penalty for violations.
The decision also sets the the conditions for carrying out inspections without prior notice in certain emergency situations, such as when highly suspicious items are entering the country, and when goods and related documents could be transferred, hidden or destroyed.
The amendment comes into effect on October 1. China first unveiled inspection regulations in 1997.
