YANTIAN Port has begun to implement a series of customs reforms that will focus on key areas including centralised inspections, risk management, and import and export declarations.

"The reforms will aim at standardising the regulation, operation and procedures of customs, providing one-stop operational services, and enhancing electronic data interchange," said Tang Longjun, a spokesman for Yantian International Container Terminals (YICT).

"We are committed to achieving the most efficient and convenient customs clearance in Yantian Port, to support and promote port development."

The company hopes that import and export companies, shippers and shipping lines using Yantian Port will benefit from the reforms.

One of the changes sees compulsory translation into Chinese on import pre-declaration forms being abolished - which is estimated to save 2-5 days for cargo clearance.

In addition, centralised inspection will be put into practice to reduce the time required both to inspect containers and for containers to stay at the terminal. This will mean that companies will not have to pay storage fees or reschedule shipments as result of inspections, the company said.

For import cargo, customs will allow pre-declaration, and will cancel written manifest review and approval procedures, and in so doing so will cut 1-2 days off of the declaration process. Customs will review pre-declarations, and levy taxes and duties in advance; and then release containers upon landing.

For export cargo, pre-declaration will also be allowed before goods enter the gatehouse. Containers will be inspected or released upon arrival, which will increase empty container turnaround rates for shipping lines and reduce truck turnaround time.

YICT said that is expects all new customs initiatives to be implementedby the end of the year.