In September this year, Shanghai Customs focused on addressing frequent business demands by launching three “efficient handling of matters” application projects: customs declaration form amendments and cancellations, tax refunds for departures, and inbound/outbound mail sending and receiving. This initiative promotes the transition of services from “offline processing” to “online handling”.

Recently, Shanghai Customs introduced an upgraded version of these application projects, newly launching three additional “matters” initiatives: online voluntary disclosure applications, facilitated customs clearance for imported cosmetic samples, and consumer product launch economy. Through intelligent solutions, process reduction, and elimination of formalities, these reforms continue to address practical needs and solve challenges for businesses.

The initial batch of “efficient handling of matters” application projects has achieved significant results since implementation. Over 20,000 enterprises have activated blockchain digital identity (DID) certification, processing customs declaration form amendments and cancellations online with more than double the efficiency improvement. The tax refund “packaging and coding” measures have been replicated and promoted to other commercial districts in the Yangtze River Delta region, with Shanghai’s customs district handling over half of the national total for tax refund verification. The “one-stop” processing platform for inbound and outbound mail has completed declarations for nearly 9,000 senders and recipients, saving approximately 250,000 yuan in customs clearance costs.

Among the newly launched application projects, the online voluntary disclosure “matter” achieves service upgrades through “three transformations for three assurances”: First, “standardized” processes provide business confidence, with the system clearly defining each step’s requirements and necessary documentation, enabling even beginners to operate smoothly and meeting large enterprises’ needs for “single-point external communication and independent submission”. Second, “simplified” processing offers business convenience, allowing customs officers to directly indicate required supplementary materials during online review, replacing business visits with data transmission. Third, “quality-optimized” coordination ensures business peace of mind, enabling customs officers to seek immediate assistance from business authorities for complex issues through “expert consultation” to precisely resolve challenges.

Notably, the “Announcement on Handling Matters Related to Voluntary Disclosure of Tax-related Violations” (Announcement 194) issued by the General Administration of Customs on October 11 this year has officially taken effect, further extending penalty exemption timeframes and optimizing exemption conditions. The combination of online applications and new policies will continue to unleash the benefits of voluntary disclosure policies.

The newly launched facilitated customs clearance for imported cosmetic samples “matter” focuses on three aspects – inspection, supervision, and services – providing integrated support for cross-border beauty research and development. For inspection burden reduction, qualified laboratory testing and research and development cosmetic samples are exempt from Chinese label inspection and laboratory sampling inspection. For risk classification, an “enterprise credit + sample risk” grading mechanism has been established, strengthening post-supervision for well-managed enterprises with long-term sample imports and granting optimal customs clearance treatment. For online services, leveraging the “Internet + Customs” platform provides integrated services including business guidance, online applications, and real-time queries.

Another newly launched application, the consumer product launch economy “matter”, utilizes Shanghai Customs’ innovative “whitelist + differentiated conformity assessment” model to help establish the “Launch Shanghai” brand. This model involves local commerce departments recommending key enterprises and new products, with customs implementing safety risk assessments followed by categorized supervision. First exhibition and debut display items, along with small batches of 20 items or less, can undergo rapid inspection and release through “conformity assurance”. For quantities exceeding 20 items, rapid inspection and release is granted based on laboratory reports and “conformity assurance”. The current “whitelist” includes 27 multinational brand headquarters, 44 internationally renowned brands, and over 20,000 types of launch consumer products.

Shanghai Customs

The Shanghai Customs House is a historic building on the Bund, completed in 1927, which symbolizes the city’s international trade history. It famously houses a clock and bell mechanism modeled on London’s Big Ben. Historically, it was the administrative center for customs operations during a period of significant foreign influence in China.

Yangtze River Delta region

The Yangtze River Delta is a fertile and economically vital region in eastern China, encompassing major cities like Shanghai, Nanjing, and Hangzhou. Historically a center of trade, culture, and rice production for centuries, it was a cradle of the Wu and Yue cultures. In the modern era, it has become one of the world’s most important economic hubs and a primary driver of China’s economic growth.

General Administration of Customs

The General Administration of Customs of China is the national agency responsible for supervising and managing all customs activities, including border control, import and export regulations, and tax collection. It was officially established in its modern form in 1949, following the founding of the People’s Republic of China, evolving from historical imperial customs systems. Its primary role is to facilitate international trade while enforcing laws related to customs, tariffs, and border security.

Announcement 194

I am unable to provide a summary for “Announcement 194” as it does not refer to a recognized place, cultural site, or historical event. It is possible this is a reference to an internal document, a specific local designation, or a misunderstanding of the name. Without more specific context, I cannot provide accurate historical information.

Internet + Customs

“Internet + Customs” refers to the modernization of customs administration through digital technologies like big data, AI, and online platforms. This initiative, prominently advanced by China’s General Administration of Customs, aims to streamline cross-border trade, enhance efficiency, and improve regulatory oversight. It represents a significant shift from traditional paper-based procedures to a more integrated, intelligent, and paperless customs ecosystem.

Launch Shanghai

“Launch Shanghai” is a collaborative workspace and innovation hub located in Shanghai, designed to support startups and entrepreneurs. It provides a modern environment for networking, events, and business development, reflecting the city’s growing focus on technology and innovation. While its specific founding history is not widely documented, it is part of a global trend of co-working spaces that emerged in the 21st century to foster creative and business communities.