Streamlined customs clearance for CIIE exhibits

Editor's note: As the 7th China International Import Expo approaches, the International Services Shanghai presents a special column, CIIE at Your Service. This series offers practical guides to enhance your CIIE experience, covering everything from event registration and customs clearance to payment solutions and dining options. This installation focuses on customs clearance.

Shanghai Customs has compiled practical tips to address exhibitors' main concerns regarding customs clearance. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions.

Q1: I am an overseas exhibitor participating in CIIE for the first time, and I am not clear about the customs policies. Where should I look first?

The General Administration of Customs has released the Customs Clearance Guide for the 7th China International Import Expo and Facilitation Measures for the 7th China International Import Expo. These documents provide detailed guidelines to assist foreign exhibitors.

Q2: Do I need to pay a customs bond for every customs declaration?

For temporarily imported exhibition goods at CIIE, the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) Co Ltd can provide either a bank guarantee or customs duty insurance to Shanghai Customs to cover tax liabilities.

Overseas exhibitors or their logistics agents holding the Certification for Import Goods for the Seventh China International Import Expo of 2024 and List of Overseas Exhibits 2024 issued by the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) Co Ltd are exempt from submitting customs bonds for each declaration.

Q3: How long can exhibition goods under the ATA Carnet stay before they must be re-exported?

Since the inaugural CIIE, customs clearance for temporary imports under the ATA Carnet has aligned the re-export deadline with the carnet's validity period.

Q4: Are home appliances to be exhibited and sold during CIIE subject to CCC certification and energy efficiency labeling requirements?

Products used for exhibition are exempt from CCC certification and energy efficiency labeling. If they are to be sold, Customs will conduct inspections to ensure compliance with China's technical standards.

Q5: Can we offer exhibits for trial use, tasting, or distribution on-site?

Exhibitors should submit a written application on the projected trial use, tasting or distribution of exhibits in advance to Shanghai Customs.

Exhibitors must also provide the compliance certifications (official certificates from the exhibiting country/third-party testing reports/self-certification of compliance).

Once these documents are approved by Customs, the exhibits can then be used for trial purposes, tasting, or distribution at the event.

Q6: Can goods consumed at CIIE be exempt from taxes?

For imported goods used for exhibition, customs authorities will assess their quantity and total value on a case-by-case basis. Tax exemptions may be granted for the following items:

(1) Small samples used during the exhibition (excluding alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, and fuel).

(2) Materials consumed or damaged while demonstrating machines or components on display.

(3) Low-value goods used to decorate or set up temporary exhibition stands.

(4) Promotional items distributed to visitors for free during the event.

(5) Documents, forms, and other materials used for the exhibition.

If these goods fall within reasonable limits, they are eligible for exemption from customs duties, value-added tax, and consumption tax upon approval by Customs.

Q7: How can travelers bring exhibits into the country and clear customs?

For exhibits brought into the country by travelers, the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) or its authorized on-site transportation service provider must first apply for customs clearance at the exhibition customs office.

Q8: Can imported exhibits sold during CIIE benefit from tax incentives?

Exhibitors can enjoy tax incentives for the sale of certain categories and quantities of goods.

The eligible products fall into five categories. The quotas for each category are as follows:

1. Machines and instruments (excluding medical or surgical instruments and equipment): up to 12 items per exhibitor.

2. Tractors: up to two items per exhibitor.

3. Ships and floating structures: up to three items per exhibitor.

4. Medical or surgical instruments and equipment: up to five items per exhibitor.

5. Artwork, collectibles, and antiques: up to five items per exhibitor.

For other categories, exhibitors can enjoy tax exemptions for sales up to $20,000.

The exemptions do not apply to tobacco products, liquors, automobiles, products related to endangered animals and plants, goods prohibited by China, and those listed in the Catalogue of Major Technical Equipment and Products Not Eligible for Import Tax Exemptions.

Q9: Are plant and animal products or foods without quarantine access allowed for exhibition?

Plant and animal products as well as food of plant and animal origin from non-epidemic areas, but without quarantine access for import, can be exhibited at CIIE.

Q10: What materials are required for quarantine approval of animals, plants, and their products, as well as food of animal and plant origin entering the country?

To import animal and plant products, or food of animal and plant origin from non-epidemic areas that have not yet been approved for quarantine access into China, the following materials are necessary for special quarantine approval:

(1) Relevant certification documents for inbound goods.

(2) An application submitted by the Embassy (or Consulate) of the exporting country in China, or by the CIIE Bureau and its designated main transport agents.

(3) The application form for exhibition of animals, plants, and their products, as well as food of animal and plant origin without quarantine access.

(4) A Biosafety Risk Self-Assessment Report for the relevant exhibits, covering biosecurity measures during pre-entry, transportation, temporary storage before the exhibition, during the exhibition, and post-exhibition periods.

(5) Any other necessary explanatory materials.

Q11: What is the process for handling quarantine approval procedures for inbound plants, animals, and their products, as well as food of plant and animal origin?

(1) Company registration

First, visit the "Internet+ Customs" integrated platform to complete the registration of the applicant company. Customs will review and approve the registration.

(2) Online Application

The registered company needs to fill out and upload the required materials online to submit the quarantine approval application. During the application, it's necessary to indicate "Exhibits for the 7th CIIE" in the "Purpose Statement" section.

(3) License usage

Once the approval certificate is issued, it can be used within the validity period and for the approved quantity. When declaring customs, select the appropriate supervisory certificate and fill in the license number in the system's "Product Qualification" section.

For licenses obtained via special approval, the company should apply for cancellation in the approval system after the CIIE concludes.