In May 2022, Chengdu Customs became a new pilot zone for the Port Departure Confirmation mode in water-to-water transshipment, optimizing customs supervision and operational efficiency of waterway logistics in the Yangtze River Delta region. This model was implemented at two water ports in Sichuan: Luzhou Port and Yibin Port. The advantage of this new model lies in changing the customs transfer procedures and port operations from serial to parallel, allowing enterprises to declare customs transfers without completing cargo tallying or determining domestic transport vehicles.

The Port Departure Confirmation mode applies to the following scenarios:

The customs transfer method is intermodal transshipment.,
The domestic transportation method is waterway transport.,
Import customs transfer declaration form.

The original process was: Containers arrive at the port, cargo manifest tallying status normal → Enterprises declare customs transfer (must fully complete information such as domestic transport company and vehicle name as per customs transfer regulations) → Customs reviews and approves the customs transfer form → Customs transfer goods depart the port.
The Port Departure Confirmation mode is: Transport vehicle arrival confirmation at the port → Enterprises declare customs transfer (may omit domestic transport vehicle information) → Customs reviews and approves the customs transfer declaration form → After approval, a new Port Departure Confirmation step is added → Enterprises supplement domestic transport vehicle information and verify cargo manifest tallying status normal → Upon receiving the Departure Approved confirmation, customs transfer goods can depart the port.

The advantage of the new model lies in changing the customs transfer procedures and port operations from serial to parallel. Enterprises can declare customs transfers without completing cargo tallying or determining domestic transport vehicles, avoiding the need to modify declaration information due to changes in feeder vessel schedules. This not only optimizes the import customs transfer process for enterprises but also enhances the transportation efficiency of the Yangtze Golden Waterway.International LogisticsSince July 2022, Chengdu Customs, in collaboration with port customs, has guided enterprises in piloting the first batch of goods under the Port Departure Confirmation mode. As of June 2023, the customs zone has supervised 268 shipments under this mode. Moving forward, Chengdu Customs will strengthen coordination with port customs, continue promotional and training efforts, and expand the application of the Port Departure Confirmation mode based on enterprise demand, further improving international logistics efficiency on the Yangtze Golden Waterway.

The introduction of the Port Departure Confirmation mode by Chengdu Customs will undoubtedly further optimize customs supervision of waterway logistics in the Yangtze River Delta region and enhance international logistics efficiency on the Yangtze Golden Waterway.

I. Scope of Application for the Port Departure Confirmation Mode