Jinan customs unveils 12 supporting measures on Feb 8 to help local private enterprises amid the novel coronavirus pneumonia outbreak. [Photo/dzwww.com]

Jinan customs unveiled 12 supporting measures to help local private enterprises in foreign trade amid the novel coronavirus pneumonia outbreak on Feb 8, local media reported.

Small and medium-sized companies will benefit from measures including a reduction in taxes, streamlining of trade procedures, and extension of tax deadlines.

1. A green channel will be opened for medical supplies

Jinan customs will open a green channel to ensure the speedy clearance of medical supplies. For raw materials and products needed by enterprises to resume production, customs will provide arrangement clearance service within 24 hours.

2. Customs clearance process will be streamlined

In order to streamline the customs clearance process, the import “declaration in advance” mode will be made available to all enterprises. Enterprises with general credit can also apply to use the export "declaration in advance" mode.

3. Tax deadlines will be extended and late fees waived

Customs will extend the deadline for tax payment. For SMEs whose taxes are due before Feb 9, the deadline will be postponed to Feb 24. Late fees from Jan 31 to Feb 24 will be waived.

4. Scope of exemption for donated imported materials will be expanded

Donation supplies are exempt from import tariffs and added-value and consumption taxes. Tax which has been levied on the donated imported materials will be returned to enterprises.

5. Processing of trade business procedures will be optimized

When an enterprise goes through the procedures for the establishment of a manual for processing trade business, it shall, in principle, no longer require the enterprise to provide a guarantee, except as required by laws, regulations and rules.

6. Effectiveness of inspection will be improved

Customs shall give priority to customs clearance of key materials and improve the effectiveness of inspection. For imported meat products, priority will be given in receiving orders, inspection, testing and certification, so as to ensure the timely release of imported meat.

7. Online customs business will be encouraged

Enterprises will be encouraged to handle major customs-related affairs, such as administrative examination and approval, enterprise registration, import and export goods declaration, via online government service platforms.

8. Statistical analysis services will be provided

Jinan customs will release information to enterprises regarding any new foreign trade measures and control and restriction measures due to the epidemic, to avoid obstructing export trade.

9. Product risk analysis will be strengthened

Customs will strengthen risk management for animal and plant quarantine amid the epidemic.

10. Inspection and quarantine will be optimized

The inspection and release of import and export products should be classified. For food, customs will implement rapid release under the premise of ensuring the safety of exported food.

Imported products including mineral products, agricultural products and auto parts should be inspected and released in classification.

For commonly used imported parts and components of enterprises, a quick release and inspection shall be implemented.

11. Fault-tolerance mechanism will be implemented

Customs will deal with enterprises that violate customs regulations online and in a timely manner. If there are no harmful consequences, no administrative penalty shall be imposed. 

For SMEs, customs declaration errors such as revision of import date and means of transportation will not be recorded.

12. Procedures to handle violations will be streamlined

Jinan customs will streamline procedures to handle violations amid the epidemic.For violations that can be penalized immediately, such action will occur.

If the violation is related to epidemic prevention and control materials, customs will not take compulsory administrative measures such as detention of goods.