Guangzhou expedites customs clearing

A program was launched at Guangzhou's airport on Wednesday that provides faster customs-clearing services for goods imported through online vendors, as part of the government's effort to support cross-border e-commerce.

Under this program, online orders, payment receipts and waybills are electronically transmitted to customs when consumers place online orders for imported items. Customs levies import duties on these orders at the rates applicable to personal items.

The system will cut shipping times, including customs clearance, by more than half, said Zhuang Zhihong, general manager of COSCO International Air Freight Guangzhou Co.