Further Paperless Reforms from China Customs

On December 25, 2017, GAC issued the Announcement on Further Promoting the Paperless Declaration of Goods under Preferential Trade Agreements which went into effect on January 1, 2018. According to the announcement, GAC will promote paperless declaration of goods imported under preferential trade agreements in line with deepening China’s national customs clearance integration reform and to further facilitate clearance of goods. If opting for paperless declaration of imported goods, consignees or agents may submit certificates of origin, commercial invoices, transportation documents, and certificates of non-manipulation electronically. The Announcement also includes a link to download the Operating Standards for Submitting the Certificate of Origin in an Electronic Way for Goods Imported under Preferential Trade Agreements.
 
On January 16, 2018, GAC issued the Announcement on Promoting the Paperless Customs Documents for Price Reviewswhich went into effect immediately. According to the announcement, GAC will promote paperless customs documents for price reviews to support China’s national customs clearance integration reform and to improve the overall efficiency of customs clearance. Imported goods taxpayers can contact customs offices for electronic versions of notices of price concerns, notices of price negotiation, records for price negotiation, and other documents regarding price reviews. Applications for formula pricing and preliminary price review may also be submitted electronically. However, if customs offices request paper versions of documentation taxpayers must comply.