Hengqin to further simplify customs clearance for goods between Macao and Guangdong

Hengqin will accelerate the implementation of the general plan for building the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone and further simplify customs clearance for goods between Macao and Guangdong.

It was mentioned by Lei Wai Nong, Director of the Executive Committee of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, at the meeting with Gongbei Customs on November 1.

In early September, China's central authorities issued a general plan for building the Zone. According to the plan, goods moving inbound and outbound through a "first-tier" between the Zone and Macao will be subject to registration-based management to simplify customs declaration procedures and elements further.

In "second-tier," all tax-exempt(bonded) goods moving from the Zone through "second-tier" into the mainland territory are required to undergo customs clearance procedures as importation goods, and tariffs and import duties will be imposed.

Lei pointed out that this is the most valuable policy of the Zone. Next, the two sides should keep close cooperation and speed up infrastructure construction of the Zone. Also, the two sides should promote the implementation of policies proposed by the plan and create an institutional environment and a living space similar to those in Macao.

The new passenger inspection area of Hengqin Port was opened to the public on August 18, 2020. It adopts a customs system known as "joint inspection and one-time release." The checking machines of Macao and Zhuhai are connected, so travelers can identify themselves through the same inspection channel, cutting clearance time to about 30 seconds.

At present, the second phase of Hengqin Port construction is underway, with the bridge pile foundation of Lotus Bridge's new entry ramps completed. The whole project is scheduled to finish by the end of 2022 when Hengqin Port will take a one-stop vehicle clearance model to facilitate the cross-border flow of vehicles and drivers between Macao and Hengqin. The Zone plans to set up seven customs supervision sites in 5 "second-tier" channels that have been put into use.