As global economic integration accelerates, trade interactions between nations have become increasingly frequent. In response to this trend, China has vigorously promoted the construction of Free Trade Zones (FTZs) as a crucial experiment in trade facilitation. Since the establishment of the third batch of FTZs, customs authorities across China have leveraged innovative regulatory approaches and successful experiences to foster rapid development in new trade formats, significantly improving clearance efficiency and trade facilitation.
Zhejiang FTZ: Pioneering Oil Industry Reforms
The Zhejiang Free Trade Zone, a shining example of China's FTZ initiative, has made oil industry chain investment and trade facilitation one of its core missions. Hangzhou Customs has introduced 15 specialized policies for oil trade, including innovative measures like "cross-regional direct supply" and "bunkering at outer anchorage." These reforms have yielded remarkable results, with the latest data showing a 55% year-on-year increase in bonded fuel supply, of which cross-regional direct supply accounts for 36% .
Shaanxi FTZ: Streamlining Customs Procedures
In the Shaanxi Free Trade Zone, customs authorities have implemented several practical innovations, particularly the "self-declaration and self-payment" clearance model. This allows enterprises to flexibly declare taxes based on their specific circumstances, dramatically improving clearance efficiency. Businesses can now complete cargo release in just 1-2 hours , significantly enhancing customer satisfaction and operational effectiveness.
Liaoning FTZ: Boosting Import Efficiency
The Liaoning Free Trade Zone has demonstrated impressive outcomes, particularly in Shenyang Comprehensive Bonded Zone, where imports of fast-moving consumer goods have grown substantially. Customs policies like "one-time filing for multiple uses" have effectively reduced transportation costs while improving clearance efficiency, injecting new vitality into market prosperity.
Sichuan FTZ: Enhancing Global Competitiveness
The Sichuan Free Trade Zone has proven the critical importance of optimizing clearance speed. As efficiency continues to improve, enterprises are seeing significant enhancements in their global supply chain competitiveness. The growing confidence among businesses and improved market participation not only boosts regional economic potential but also demonstrates China's commitment to FTZ development.
Nationwide Impact and Future Outlook
The innovative measures across China's FTZs reflect the nation's strong support for trade facilitation. Continuous policy optimization and reform showcase the coordinated efforts between central and local governments, forming a set of replicable and scalable experiences that will further advance China's trade development and market competitiveness.
In response to an increasingly uncertain global trade environment and anti-globalization trends, China's FTZs have clearly defined their positioning. By reducing burdens through trade facilitation, they help enterprises better navigate international market fluctuations. Customs authorities' efforts not only provide tangible assistance to businesses but also demonstrate China's responsibility as a major global economic power.
Looking ahead, as FTZ construction deepens, the customs system will continue to play a pivotal role through market-sensitive observation and forward-looking policymaking. By establishing robust service mechanisms and improving clearance efficiency, these measures will benefit enterprises nationwide while encouraging further localized innovation.
Customs authorities in FTZs are transforming from mere regulators to policy innovators and service providers. Through continuous optimization of customs services and enhanced digitalization, businesses can operate in a highly efficient international trade environment, injecting new momentum into China's high-quality economic development.
