China-BRICS SSTL route surpasses 80m yuan in exports
The bustling Xiamen Port. [Photo/Xiamen Daily]
A new milestone has been reached for the only "Secure and Smart Trade Line Pilot Program (SSTL)" route between China and BRICS countries, with total export value surpassing 80 million yuan ($11.8 million).
A shipment of goods including IP phones and Bluetooth headphones, valued at over 6 million yuan, departed aboard the Seaspan Tokyo from Xiamen to Durban, South Africa, on May 26. Launched in August 2025, the route has significantly boosted Xiamen's trade with Africa.
The China-South Africa SSTL route benefits from information sharing, mutual recognition of customs oversight, and mutual law enforcement assistance. Xiamen Customs works closely with Durban Customs in South Africa. Under this pilot program, participating companies receive priority customs clearance at both ports. Goods inspected in the exporting country are generally exempt from re-inspection by the importing country.
According to pilot company estimates, the model has reduced clearance times and enhanced logistics efficiency for exports to South Africa by more than 60 percent, helping businesses become more competitive in overseas markets.
As of the end of April this year, Xiamen Port had opened 22 shipping routes to BRICS countries, reaching 19 ports in seven nations.
Why Xiamen
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Xiamen is one of the most economically competitive cities in China and was one of the first Special Economic Zones on the Chinese mainland. As a vice-provincial city independently listed on the State development plan, it has provincial-level authority in economic administration and local legislative power. In 2010, the Xiamen SEZ was expanded to cover the entire municipality. Today, Xiamen is a modern and international port city.