China Issues Notice on Express Freight Clearance for Railways

China announced procedures to “fast track” entry and exit customs clearances for certain railway trains, the country’s General Administration of Customs said Jan. 14, according to an unofficial translation. The notice details how “railway operating enterprises” and others can apply for “express” services and submit information and data electronically. The changes aim to “further unblock the large international logistics channel that opens to the west,” promote China-Europe freight trains, and improve the efficiency of domestic railways for freight transportation. The railway rapid customs clearance initiative is called Fast Pass.