A view of Shanghai Port. [Photo/Shanghai Customs]
The 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) will be held in Shanghai from Nov 5 to Nov 10, 2025. To assist exhibitors and stakeholders in navigating the customs clearance procedures and facilitation measures, this FAQ offers clear guidance on key topics. It is designed to boost the effective implementation of the official guidelines and support policies issued by the General Administration of Customs of China for this year's CIIE.
Q1: I am an international exhibitor attending the CIIE for the first time, and I am unfamiliar with the customs policies. What should I do?
A: The GACC has issued two official documents — the Notice on Customs Clearance for the 8th China International Import Expo in 2025 and the Facilitation Measures for Customs Support for the 8th CIIE in 2025. These documents provide comprehensive guidance for international exhibitors.
Q2: Is it mandatory to pay a customs deposit for each customs declaration?
A: For temporary entry exhibits at the CIIE, the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) Co Ltd will provide a bank guarantee or tariff guarantee insurance to the Shanghai Customs, covering the required tax guarantees. As a result, overseas exhibitors or their designated freight forwarders at the main venue are exempt from submitting separate tax guarantees for each customs declaration. This exemption is granted upon presentation of the Certificate for Entry Materials at the 8th CIIE in 2025 and the List of Entry Materials at the 8th CIIE in 2025, both issued by the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) Co Ltd.
Q3: What is the re-export timeline for exhibits under the ATA Carnet?
A: Since the inaugural CIIE in 2018, the customs authorities have aligned the re-export period for temporarily imported goods under the ATA Carnet with the validity period of the carnet itself. This practice is now a standardized measure, simplifying the process for exhibitors.
Q4: How efficient is the customs clearance process at official entry and exit ports for exhibitors and exhibits?
A: The Customs has established VIP courtesy channels, dedicated declaration windows, and specific inspection pathways for CIIE-related goods at major ports. These measures streamline the customs process, such as declaration, inspection, sampling, and testing, enabling rapid clearance and the swift release of goods.
Q5: Can animal and plant products, or food items without quarantine clearance, be exhibited?
A: Animal and plant products, as well as food items of animal or plant origin, originating from non-epidemic areas but lacking import inspection and quarantine clearance, may be allowed for exhibition. If quarantine approval is required, it can be handled under special permission by the Shanghai Customs, with authorization from the GACC.
Q6: How do this year's facilitation measures differ from previous editions?
A: This year introduces a new facilitation measure aimed at expanding bonded exhibition and trading activities. Enterprises located in special customs supervision areas, bonded logistics centers (Type B), or other qualified bonded supervision sites approved by the GACC can move bonded goods outside these areas for display, sale, and related business activities, provided they offer a customs guarantee. This adjustment responds to exhibitor demand and is expected to broaden the scope of eligible exhibits, enhancing the scale and impact of the CIIE.
Source: General Administration of Customs of China
Note: The above content is for reference only. In case of any discrepancies, the Chinese version shall prevail.
