The integrated customs clearance reform in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region makes the three customs authorities act as one.

Enterprises can complete procedures at any customs authority in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, and the other two customs authorities will recognize it without requiring duplicate processing. The effectiveness of the reform can be intuitively seen from three enterprise documents involving customs business.

　　**First document: Import logistics data sheet.

In Yizhuang, Beijing, a truck loaded with parts drove into the production base of Beijing Benz Automotive Co., Ltd. The import logistics data sheet shows that 3.5 hours ago, these parts had just arrived at Tianjin Port.

"Normally, from loading the parts onto trucks at the ship's side and leaving the port to entering the production line, it takes less than half a day," introduced the relevant person in charge of logistics at Beijing Benz. Thanks to the "direct pickup at ship's side" method, now the ship docks and the goods are loaded onto trucks, and the customs clearance time is nearly 3 days faster than before.

Previously, because the "direct pickup at ship's side" reform was only piloted for local enterprises in Tianjin, Beijing enterprises could not enjoy it, "the port operation process was long, and the customs clearance cost for enterprises was relatively high," introduced Tang Xuechun, a staff member of Tianjin Port.

The change stems from the three customs authorities in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region promoting the mutual sharing of the "direct pickup and direct loading" reform measures. After the reform, Beijing enterprises can declare locally and enjoy "direct pickup and direct loading" services at coastal ports in Tianjin and Hebei.

The reform "threads the needle" and "leads the thread" at the point of enterprise needs, weaving the "stitches" of convenient customs clearance in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region more densely. "In the first half of this year, the 'direct pickup and direct loading' reform has reduced the average customs clearance time to 1.5 hours," introduced Zhang Hui, deputy director of the Port Supervision Department of Beijing Customs.

　　Second document: AEO certificate.

AEO certification is the highest credit rating certification by customs. Certified enterprises can enjoy facilitation measures such as reduced inspections.

In the past, the customs authorities in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region implemented hierarchical and classified management of enterprise credit ratings by region. Enterprises could only obtain high-qualification credit ratings certification at the local customs. Now, customs have established an AEO certification system in line with international standards. The three customs authorities have innovated cross-customs district certification and established a joint certification model led by one customs and coordinated by two others.

Beijing Easpring Material Technology Co., Ltd. has tasted the benefits of this reform. This enterprise, mainly engaged in lithium battery cathode materials, has a strong interest in applying for AEO certification due to the rapid development of its overseas business.

After receiving the application from Easpring, Beijing Customs, considering that its production base is in Hebei, entrusted Shijiazhuang Customs to carry out cross-customs district joint certification.

"The materials of the production base are reviewed by Shijiazhuang Customs, and the results are directly synchronized to Beijing Customs, so we don't have to run around," said Wang Xiaoming, deputy general manager of Easpring. "With this 'AEO certificate', the company's overseas orders have increased, and the customs clearance time has also become shorter."

　　Third document: Cross-customs district bonded exhibition and trading application form.

Bonded exhibition and trading is a business method in which enterprises, after completing guarantee procedures, transport bonded goods out of the bonded zone for exhibition and trading.

Previously, when Beijing foreign trade enterprises conducted bonded exhibition and trading in Tianjin and Hebei, the bonded goods had to be transported through the comprehensive bonded zones of the three regions. Each time they left the comprehensive bonded zone, they had to deposit a guarantee with customs, and the process was cumbersome. Now, enterprises can complete a single application at Beijing Customs and conduct cross-customs district bonded exhibition and trading in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.

Thanks to the reform, Wangfujing Duty Free Digital Retail Company has undergone new changes. "Now, the company's first store outside Beijing has landed in Tianjin. Bonded goods leaving the zone only require one application, the enterprise's advanced funds are reduced, and operational vitality is stronger," introduced Zhang Yu, director of logistics and supply chain at Wangfujing Duty Free Digital Retail Company. Consumers can experience in the store, place orders online, and receive the goods the next day.

Trade is a window to observe reform and opening up. Since the implementation of the integrated customs clearance reform in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region in 2014, the total foreign trade value of the region has increased from 3.74 trillion yuan to 5.03 trillion yuan in 2023.

Zhang Geping, Party Secretary and Director of Beijing Customs, stated: "Beijing Customs will join hands with the customs authorities of Tianjin and Hebei to earnestly implement the key measures of the General Administration of Customs to support the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, continuously improve the 'three customs as one' cooperation pattern, and help build a pioneering and demonstration zone for Chinese-style modernization."