An event titled “Customs Workshop - Yangshan Port Customs” was held by the American Chamber of Commerce logistics and transportation committee in Shanghai on January 11. It has helped answer key questions about China’s first “free port”.
At this event Yangshan Customs Deputy Director Ms. Gu and
Shanghai Customs Mr. Qiu disccussed with the members the development of Yangshan
Free Port and specific details of customs regulations. Below are a few questions raised during the Q & A section:
Q: Will the Shanghai government move the TPAC line to Yangshan Port as well as the EU
line?
A: No such update, but the Shanghai govenment is committed to developing Yangshan
Port with a capacity of 15million TEUs by 2012.
Q: Is there any plan for EDI and Pre-Clearance in Yangshan Customs?
A: No set plan but Cusotms is working on it.
Q: Do I have to register both in Yangshan Island area and Lingang
area?
A: No, one registration will be fine since they are connected parts of the free
port.
Q: What is the VAT refund cycle?
A: Same as other areas. Domestic commodities entering the free port are entiled to
VAT refund.
Q: Do I have to set up a whole new company to operate in free port if I am
a WGQ company?
A: No, registration will be fine.
Q: What's the edge of Yangshan Free Port over other areas?
A: 1) Unique location - only bonded area that is connected with port.
2) Favorable policy - combines all functions and policies of other
special zone.
3) Strong government committment - Central government support as well as the Shanghai
government's 11th 5-year plan | 
