In recent months, the global landscape of trade has been undergoing a digital transformation, significantly influenced by the surge in cross-border e-commerce activitiesA remarkable statistic emerges from the data, indicating that in the first eight months of the year alone, domestic ports processed nearly 5 billion declarationsThis staggering figure translates to an average of over 600 million entries per month, or more than 20 million each dayTo put this into perspective, the volume of these declarations dwarfs that of traditional customs declarations by almost two orders of magnitudeIt is especially noteworthy that during the "618" shopping festival, a well-anticipated annual sale period in China, the system for managing import and export declarations reached an impressive peak processing rate of 85,000 entries per minute.

The defining characteristics of cross-border e-commerce include information immediacy, vast data volumes, fragmentation, and a degree of anonymity

Advertisements

Among these traits, the aspect of volume stands out most prominently, reflecting the rapid growth and the overwhelming deluge of data rolling in from various online platforms and market playersThis considerable data influx imposes substantial pressure on customs clearance operations, and as this business model continues to evolve, the ensuing pressures will only intensify.

Ensuring the seamless operation and flow of data systems is crucial for achieving high-quality development in foreign trade, while also serving as an essential element of customs regulation and sector reformIn response to this urgent need, customs authorities across the country have spearheaded digital transformation efforts and enhanced intelligent upgrade initiatives that pave the way for advanced smart customs operations.

Currently, the General Administration of Customs has conceptualized and initiated the construction of a smart customs framework

Advertisements

This extensive system comprises foundational pillars—specific technologies and strategies designed to facilitate efficient processingKey terms denoting these constructs include "comprehensiveness," "digitization," "platformization," and "mechanism establishment," collectively referred to as the "overall framework." The five fundamental platforms incorporated in this strategy range from infrastructure and application support to big data analytics and collaborative business platforms, alongside monitoring and command systems.

A representative from the customs authority recently disclosed these developments at a conference in Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province, focusing on technology's role in enhancing cross-border clearance capabilitiesIt was emphasized that these advancements are systematically being integrated into the upgrades of the cross-border e-commerce operational systemsThus, the customs technology sector is leveraging its big data analytics capabilities to create an integrated monitoring and analysis platform for postal channels

Advertisements

This platform enhances real-time oversight, enabling timely alerts for any irregular document submissions.

Moreover, through the application support platform, the customs technology division has developed modules for identity verification to guarantee the authenticity of transactionsMoving forward, the focus will be on upgrading system hardware to improve processing capacity and stability, ensuring that it can handle the continuous surge in e-commerce activity.

Furthermore, the customs technology team is undertaking innovative measures within the e-commerce sectorAmong these initiatives are payment verification protocols, identity checks, logistics confirmations, and developments in electronic payments and printing for tax documentationIt is anticipated that by the end of this year, a seamless automatic docking will be established between the cross-border e-commerce export system and the manifest system

• Gold Prices Continue to Rise in 2025
• Major Stock Delisted After Fraud Discovery
• Focus on Financial Service Details
• Best Opportunities in the US Stock Market Pullback
• Faster Customs Clearance Boosts Cross-Border Trade

This integration will facilitate entry clearance and manifest declaration synchronization, significantly reducing logistical burdens for businesses and streamlining operations for customs officers.

The establishment of smart customs serves as both a catalyst and a foundationThrough the effective harnessing of technological innovations, various governmental departments are collaborating towards reinforcing technical support and pressure testing, especially during peak shopping periodsThe customs technology sector continues to refine and enhance the cross-border e-commerce clearance system, ensuring that the technical maintenance and support framework remains robustThis proactive approach aims to mitigate risks and guarantee smooth operations during major sales events like the "618," thereby fostering a stable and orderly environment for cross-border e-commerce.

As aptly noted by Zeng Cong, a deputy director at the Guangzhou Customs Technology Division, conducting comprehensive pressure tests before annual promotional periods is vital for ensuring the stability and reliability of cross-border e-commerce operations, especially under the duress of high concurrency and massive transaction volumes

Pressure testing is seen as an effective tool to assess system resilience and prepare for potential crises effectively.

Each year, as part of its strategic planning, the customs technology team proactively engages with major e-commerce enterprises to understand their promotional schedules, forecast overall business volume, and gather explicit details on the number of declarations and their timing during sale eventsBy analyzing potential peaks in cross-border transaction flows, customs authorities can take informed measures to enhance preparedness.

During peak promotional periods, customs technology teams assemble specialized technical support groups to monitor critical processes such as data declaration and exchange, ensuring real-time inspections and maintaining constant communication with business entities and e-commerce platformsThis dedication guarantees that the systems remain efficient and stable throughout the operational continuum, particularly during the rush of large-scale promotions.