This is among key developments that the Chinese government have introduced to facilitate China’s import process. This overhaul of China’s customs clearance system, to be faster and more efficient, is a pre-emptive move that responds to the expected influx of imported foreign products set to hit China in the upcoming years.

China Inspection and Quarantine

The CIQ is responsible for the inspection of import and export commodities in China. Its principal task is to confirm that imported commodities adhere to Chinese regulation and provide certification that proves your right to trade. Their inspection include:

• checking for correct documentation, packaging and labelling
• making sure ingredients and formulations are China-standards compliant
• making certain that imports and exports don’t pose a risk to consumers
• the quarantine and, if necessary, disposal of items that aren’t up to par

One application for one application

Before the merge, enterprises exporting to China would have to apply separately to the CIQ and GACC, and commodities would endure two separate inspections.

The new system under the merger means that enterprises need to only apply once for a comprehensive inspection of their products, receiving all relevant certifications from both bureaus upon completion.

What does this mean for you?

Simplifying procedures and minimising inspections will result in three key areas of improvement:

• Reduced administrative costs for the exporter which can then be reinvested into product development and marketing capabilities
• Reduced risk of damages inflicted on products due to less product handling at inspection stage
• Reduced waiting times as a consequence of accelerated customs clearance, and an enhanced efficiency which sees your product on the market faster

What next?

China has a rapidly expanding middle class (expected to be 700 million within the next decade) with a growing disposable income to spend on imported childcare items, entertainment, food & drink, personal transport, and technology among many others.

This is a great development, because as our CEO says, it’ll positively streamline trade with China.

With the Chinese government’s encouragement of international trade, merging CIQ with GACC marks the beginning of a simplified import procedure that will be much easier to navigate for foreign entities.