China Launches Changes for Customs Bonded Zones

China announced a host of changes for its comprehensive bonded zones this week that it said will optimize customs inspections, improve cargo release procedures, reduce on-site investigations and other measures to cut red-tape. China expects the "reform measures" to slash “import and export customs clearance time” and “operating costs” and improve “logistics efficiency,” according to an unofficial translation of an Aug. 16 announcement by China’s General Administration of Customs. The agency also said it wants to “promote the construction of smart” bonded zones that use technology to expedite customs procedures. The announcement includes a set of questions and answers on the changes.