Pilot Reform on “Self-Declaration of Tariff Preferences” Launches in Zhejiang

China Inspection and Quarantine Times- On September 24, staff from United Nova Technology Co.,Ltd. logged into the China International Trade Single Window, selected the "Self-Declaration of Tariff Preferences" option, and declared a Customs declaration for imported goods eligible for duty reduction and exemption. This marked the first shipment in Zhejiang Province to directly benefit from duty reduction and exemption under the new "Self-Declaration of Tariff Preferences" model at the import declaration stage.

To further optimize the port business environment and enhance the facilitation of tax incentive policies, the General Administration of Customs launched a pilot reform of the "Self-Declaration of Tariff Preferences" model on September 24, 2025, across 12 directly subordinate Customs authorities, including the Hangzhou Customs. Eligible enterprises under specific import tax preference policies, such as those for the integrated circuit sector, are no longer required to submit applications to Customs for duty reduction or exemption prior to importing goods that qualify for such preferences. Instead, they may self-assess whether the imported goods qualify for exemption criteria directly during the declaration process. By selecting the "Self-Declaration of Tariff Preferences" option in the interface of China International Trade Single Window and uploading supporting documents, enterprises can enjoy tariff reduction and exemption immediately. Customs will conduct post-clearance verification and supervision of the duty reduction or exemption after goods are released.

"The Self-Declaration of Tariff Preferences model significantly accelerates the delivery of policy benefits," said Logistics Manager Lu of United Nova Technology Co., Ltd. "Previously, duty-free import declarations could only be submitted after all reduction and exemption procedures were completed. Now, goods release and duty reduction and exemption declarations are processed simultaneously, speeding up the clearance of imported equipment and components while saving time and labor costs."

According to a representative from the Tax Administration Division of Shaoxing Customs, a subsidiary of Hangzhou Customs, Customs authorities have upgraded the China International Trade Single Window and related information systems to improve the user experience for enterprises. "We have identified eligible enterprises within our jurisdiction based on policy applicability and actively recommended them for the pilot program. Moving forward, we will strengthen policy promotion and guidance to ensure the smooth implementation of the reform."(Correspondents: Jiang Yingxi and Shen Jingzhi)