FedEx Express has announced the official launch of the FedEx Online Import Customs Declaration Tool in mainland China.

Complementary to the existing online export declaration tool, the new offering provides Chinese customers with a digital import and export customs clearance service that is more comprehensive and efficient.

 [Source: FedEx]

FedEx said in a statement that the FedEx Online Import Customs Declaration Tool allows customers in China to submit trading data electronically about low-value shipments (Cat-C*) and high-value shipments (Cat-D**).

The new tool will allow customers to easily access the declaration information they need according to the specific Harmonized System (HS) code; default templates streamline the declaration process; the smart fill-out feature allows customers to select historical information automatically stored by the system to quickly complete their declaration; and visualizations of the customs clearance process.

In addition, after customers upload data, the FedEx clearance team will kick off the review process in advance to minimise the risk of any customs clearance delays.

"FedEx strives to provide both transportation services and digital solutions, making supply chains smarter for all our customers," said Poh-Yian Koh, vice president of operations at FedEx China.

"The launch of FedEx Online Import Customs Declaration Tool is our latest move that fulfils this vision. This will further empower our Chinese customers, especially small and medium-sized businesses with more flexible demands, with streamlined customs clearance processes, facilitate transport, and promote cross-border trade for our customers with the help of more efficient, convenient, and accurate digital tools," Koh added.

FedEx noted that as China advances its high-level opening-up, the size of China's foreign trade has been taken to a new level.

Meanwhile, due to the ongoing recovery of production and the steady growth of consumption nationwide, imports of bulk commodities and goods related to people's daily lives have expanded.

FedEx added that in the first quarter of 2024, China's foreign trade exceeded RMB10 trillion for the first time when compared with the same period in history, including RMB4.43 trillion of imports that increased by 5% year on year.

"Improving customs clearance efficiency will help boost the growth of imported commodities," it added.

FedEx has been actively embracing digital transformation and using innovative tools to streamline customs clearance for customers and improve import and export efficiency. In October 2023, FedEx introduced FedEx Ship ManagerTM Lite (FSM Lite), a new mobile shipping solution, in mainland China. Additionally, they integrated the FedEx Online Export Declaration Tool to simplify customer operations and enhance export efficiency.

Furthermore, FedEx Electronic Trade Documents (ETD) allows customers to upload international shipment documents electronically, which helps streamline the printing process and reduce carbon emissions.

The logistics behemoth marked the 40th anniversary of its presence in China this year.