General Administration of Customs Reports Record Trade Oversight Since the 14th Five-Year Plan

August 25 — At a press briefing hosted by the State Council Information Office, officials presented key accomplishments under the 14th Five-Year Plan, with customs authorities emphasizing enhanced border security and unprecedented trade volumes. Over the course of this period, the General Administration of Customs managed an annual average of 5.2 billion tonnes in imports and exports, valued at RMB 41.5 trillion—ranking as the highest globally—while maintaining operational stability and regulatory control.

Enforcement efforts focused on intercepting prohibited items and mitigating health risks. Authorities confiscated 5.15 million units involving political contraband, firearms, and explosives; identified over 70 infectious diseases across 180,000 cases; and processed more than 200,000 batches of goods that failed to meet compliance standards. Tax collection efforts generated RMB 9.7 trillion in revenue, and 23,000 smuggling investigations were conducted, targeting illegal trade in foreign waste, endangered wildlife, narcotics, and restricted substances.

China’s “Single Window” platform for international trade has evolved into a comprehensive digital portal, offering 964 services across 25 categories that span the entire cross-border process. In parallel, the “Smart Passenger Inspection” system has been implemented at 80 percent of the country’s aviation ports, streamlining customs clearance for travelers.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan, 40 new ports were established, increasing the national total to 311. A multidimensional network of land, sea, and air gateways now connects eastern, central, and western regions. Special customs zones, such as comprehensive bonded areas, occupy less than one-fifty-thousandth of China’s landmass but account for one-fifth of total trade value. China currently ranks among the top three trading partners for 157 countries and regions.

Director Sun Meijun of the General Administration of Customs confirmed that preparations for the Hainan Free Trade Port are progressing steadily. Regulatory frameworks have been drafted, inspections at secondary ports have been completed, and a smart supervision system is now operational. Institutional guidelines—including customs declaration procedures for secondary ports—are scheduled for release ahead of the December 18 launch.

The “Provisions on Credit Management for Customs Clearance at Secondary Ports of the Hainan Free Trade Port,” set to take effect on December 18, 2025, will introduce a credit-based oversight model. According to Wang Xuehao, Deputy Director of the Hainan Provincial Business Environment Development Office, credit ratings from various agencies will be harmonized into a unified classification system. Enterprises will be categorized as advanced certified, whitelist, or key watchlist entities, while individuals will be placed on either a whitelist or key watchlist, each subject to differentiated regulatory treatment.