A view of the Chuanshan port zone at Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, Zhejiang province. [Photo by Liao Yuting/chinadaily.com.cn]

The Zhoushan port area of Ningbo-Zhoushan Port in Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province, implemented China's newly promoted "two-step declaration" model for imported goods on June 16, which greatly improved cargo clearance efficiency.

A batch of Carajas iron ore fines was the first shipment using this model, which was swiftly cleared through a simplified two-step process.

Under the new system, importers initially submit a basic "summary declaration" with only 11 required items, including transport details, supervision type, and cargo attributes. This replaces the previous requirement of 105 declaration fields, which significantly accelerates pickup by more than 50 percent. 

Lu Leiyi, a customs supervisor at a Zhoushan-based foreign shipping agency, said, "The new model allows us to handle imports more flexibly and even prepare deliveries while sorting cargo. It speeds up clearance and defers tax payments to the second stage, improving cash flow."

To ensure smooth implementation, Zhoushan Customs established a dedicated review center, optimized staffing, and strengthened coordination with enterprises.

Over 60 importers and customs brokers received advance training, and a special service window was launched to support the reform efforts at Ningbo-Zhoushan Port. This initiative also accelerates the development of the bulk commodity resource allocation hub.