The changing face of customs in China - A Comprehensive Assessment
Navigating customs is one important aspect of having an efficient supply chain both into and out of China. With the boom in trade putting more and more pressure on the entire customs structure, it is important that the system develops and improves. To that effect the Trade & Distribution Working Group of the European Chamber is delighted to welcome two expert speakers to discuss the progress that the customs’ authorities have made as well as the issues that still remain.
Mr. Wu HuaDing, Director of Legal Affairs Division, Shanghai Customs
Mr. Wu will provide an outline of the legal system of China Customs, from current regulations to detailed legislation procedures. He will also comment on the regulations clean-up that has been underway for several years, aimed at reforming and improving the transparency of the customs process.
Mr. Bob Fletcher, Customs and International Trade Group, Deloitte
Following on from Mr. Wu's words, Mr. Fletcher will talk further about the practical issues that face companies these days even in the light of the new developments. Issues such as valuations, providing written replies to enquiries and other potentially problematic areas.
Moderated by Titus von dem Bongart, Chairman, Trade & Distribution Working Group.
Agenda
8.00 - 8.30 Registration
8.30 - 9.15 Presentation - Mr. Wu (with consecutive translation)
9.20 - 9.50 Presentation - Mr. Fletcher
9.50 - 10.15 Q&A
Registration
To register for this event, please email this form to Mr. Ian Wallis at iwallis@euccc.com.cn by Tuesday, June 26th, 5pm.
Confirmations and cancellations by phone are not accepted. Please note that we require 48 hours notice for cancellations.
No-shows who fail to cancel before this time will be invoiced for the event.
Registrations done after the deadline will be accepted only if space permits and are charged an additional 50 RMB walk-in fee.
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Name of Attendee(s): 1) 2)
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Event review
Mr. Wu HuaDing, Director of Legal Affairs Division, Shanghai Customs, gave a presentation on the customs legal framework, the customs law making process and the latest developments to improve the transparency of customs in china. He explained the responsibilities of the General Administration of Customs (GAC) which implements the laws and enacts other regulations.
The law making process consists of many steps from drafting, examination, discussion by the GAC with input from other associated bodies, approval and publication. Mr. Wu went on to explain how customs has improved by becoming more democratic in its law making process, being more open and transparent to the public by issuing guidance notes and publicizing information on a more timely basis.
To view Mr. Wu's presentation please click here.
Mr. Bob Fletcher, Customs and International Trade Group, Deloitte, gave an informative presentation on his views on the current status of Customs in China. Reacting to Mr. Wu’s words he discussed the practical implications of China Customs’ developments. He commended customs for their significant improvements including less ambiguity and a push for more transparency compared to a few years ago. While accepting that many problems still exist, Mr. Fletcher admitted that the EU was itself not immune to arbitrary customs decisions.
He stressed that there was a lack of publications, rulings and inadequate access to data on precedents or cases of customs. He stated there was national legislation but no national application or interpretation but many different applications and interpretations across each province. He stressed the key approach was communication with authorities to bridge the gap between industry and officials. This way law makers can better understand the needs of industry.
To view Mr. Fletcher's presentation please click here.
Mr. Titus von dem Bongart, Chairman, Trade & Distribution Working Group who moderated the event thanked the speakers for their valuable insight and stressed to the audience that members should come forward with their concerns on Trade & Distribution issues for the current Lobbying Position Paper.