Fujian-Guangdong-HK Single E-lock Scheme implemented in Xiamen bonded zone

An export vehicle using the SELS departs the Xiangyu Comprehensive Bonded Zone. [Photo/WeChat account of Xiamen FTZ]

An export truck loaded with network servers, switches, and other goods, having been sealed with a special customs smart lock, departed the Xiangyu Comprehensive Bonded Zone in the Xiamen Free Trade Zone on Dec 18. It will directly proceed through Shenzhen Port to Hong Kong without the need of a transshipment or port inspection.

The landmark event signified that the Xiangyu Comprehensive Bonded Zone had become Fujian province's first comprehensive bonded zone to adopt the Fujian-Guangdong-Hong Kong Single E-lock Scheme (SELS).

The implementation of SELS has enabled the zone to achieve full coverage of inbound and outbound freight consignments via sea, land, and air.

SELS is a convenient cross-border customs clearance model which integrates the Speedy Customs Clearance System of the General Administration of Customs with the Intermodal Transhipment Facilitation Scheme (ITFS) of Hong Kong.

The model is being jointly supervised by customs in Hong Kong and Xiamen for the import and export of goods, with Shenzhen Customs implementing automatic clearances en route.

It ensures that goods traveling between the mainland and Hong Kong through road ports do not require changing vehicles or locks, undergoing automatic and rapid clearances and enabling transport vehicles to make round trips within 24 hours.

Since the launch of the Fujian-Guangdong-Hong Kong SELS on July 17, a total of 391 trips have been supervised, involving 190,700 items valued at 4.3 billion yuan ($589 million).

The goods mainly consist of parcels, express deliveries, electronic components and more, with over 2,500 import and export firms participating in the service, indicating a very positive growth trend.