China Announces Improvements to Qingdao Customs

China’s General Administration of Customs announced 17 measures to improve Qingdao Customs, including port upgrades, “a long-term service docking mechanism” and other updates to create a “smart customs” port, China said in an Aug. 15 press release, according to an unofficial translation. Changes include improvements to Qingdao’s customs clearance process for “bonded and delivered goods” and a reform of customs tax “collection and management.” The changes will also expand the port’s “capacity … and shipping” and is aimed at “promoting the transformation and upgrading of the port,” the press release said.