Streamlined customs clearance takes effect

As the central government calls for closer regional integration between Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei province, customs in the three regions have set up the country's first coordinated and unified clearance system.

With the goal of simplifying customs procedures and reducing trade costs, the pilot system was implemented in Beijing and Tianjin on July 1 and will be extended to Hebei in October, according to the General Administration of Customs.

Li Peilin, chief commissioner of Tianjin Customs, explained how the integrated system works.