The financial leasing business in the Xiamen Area of the China (Fujian) Pilot Free Trade Zone in East China's Fujian province sees steady growth. [Photo/xmnn.cn]

Customs authorities in Xiamen have introduced a slew of innovative measures to support businesses in the Xiamen Area of the China (Fujian) Pilot Free Trade Zone in East China's Fujian province, local news reported on April 27.

Official data show that a total of 118 innovative measures have been implemented since the area's establishment in 2015, among which 47 were pioneered in the area, and 17 were promoted and replicated nationwide. All these measures have helped the area build a world-class and business-friendly environment governed by a strong legal framework, and promote the development of industries such as aviation maintenance, integrated circuits, and the financial leasing of second-hand aircrafts.

Xiamen Customs opens a green channel to reduce customs clearance time. [Photo/xmnn.cn]

In recent years, Xiamen Customs has worked to optimize its administrative procedures and ensured that its customs clearance is smooth and barrier-free in order to promote trade liberalization and facilitation.

During the peak of China's epidemic prevention and control period last year, Xiamen Customs opened a green channel, adopting a "register before declaration" rapid inspection process, and a "zero delay" channel related to customs clearance for all epidemic prevention materials and equipment.

"Goods can be declared in advance before they reach the Xiamen (district) Customs, and they can also be claimed directly upon arrival, eliminating the need for prior arrangements before picking up goods at the yard," according to an employee at Xiamen Tianma Microelectronics.

According to data from Xiamen Customs, import clearance times last year for the Xiamen Customs Area averaged 34.08 hours, while export clearance times were 2.12 hours, a reduction of 74.18 percent and 93.17 percent, respectively, compared with 2017, which marks a dramatic increase in efficiency.