Customs administration emphasizes epidemic prevention

The General Administration of Customs urged customs houses nationwide to build a strong quarantine line of defense and resolutely prevent the spread of the epidemic through ports to overcome challenges created by the novel coronavirus.

Ni Yuefeng, minister of the GAC, said the administration will intensify the fight against wildlife smuggling with relevant local governments, and continue to provide efficient customs clearance services for goods used in epidemic prevention and control, in a statement released by the GAC late Sunday.

In addition, the GAC will streamline customs clearance procedures, reduce companies' cost in inspections and quarantines, and remove unnecessary charges at ports to support China's foreign trade growth.

It will further support the expansion of imports and exports, speed up the negotiations of market access for food and agricultural products with various parties and help Chinese companies maintain their global market share.

The GAC oversees 42 customs districts which operate through a total of 678 customs houses across China. The administration has a Guangdong office located in Guangzhou for regional coordination.